Sunny Weekend Alert
The Zoo anticipates high attendance on sunny weekends. Parking is limited, so arrive early, carpool, and check our site / social pages often for more updates!
Snorin' Safari
Snorin' Safaris are our popular overnight campout experience for:
- Families- see below for family dates
- Adults only- scroll down further for adult only dates
- New this year: Sensory Friendly Snorin' Safari for families needing a more sensory friendly camping experience!
- Private Groups- this is for groups of 10 or more, to book a date for your group, scroll down to private group section for how to contact us
Family Snorin' Safaris
Experience the North Carolina Zoo after hours at one of our overnight family camping adventures. Designed for adults with children aged 6-18. Complete with animal encounters, activities and an evening walk through the Zoo.
Spring Family 2024 Dates (Tickets go on sale November 1st!)
North American Adventures
Our North American Adventure is sure to be a howlin’ good time! Guests will take an evening walk through North America and see if we can get our American Red Wolves to howl! Campers will learn all about this critically endangered canine and what the Zoo does to ensure the red wolves’ and many other species survivals.
Dates:
- Saturday, March 16, 2024
- Saturday, March 23, 2024 (SOLD OUT)
- Friday, April 19, 2024
- Friday, May 17, 2024 (SOLD OUT)
African Adventures
Ever wonder what the North Carolina Zoo’s African animals do at night? Come campout at the Zoo and find out! Participants will learn about our African animals, engage in some activities on how the Zoo helps save African species, and eat a S’more or two by the campfire.
Dates:
- Friday, April 12, 2024 (SOLD OUT)
- Saturday, May 4, 2024 (SOLD OUT)
- Saturday, May 11, 2024 (SOLD OUT)
- Sunday, May 26, 2024 (SOLD OUT)
Cost: $70 per adult (age 13+), $60 per child (ages 6-12) All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult over 21. *Eventbrite fees now included in the cost.
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Additional Program Information:
- Meals included: dinner, breakfast and a light snack. Include any dietary restrictions during checkout.
- Please provide your own camping equipment. (A limited number of tent rentals are available during checkout.) Camping equipment recommendation are below.
- Quiet hours from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Please Note:
- Bathroom facilities do not include showers.
- Snorin' Safari tickets do not include admission to the Zoo.
- Participants must be at least 6 years old to participate for safety reasons.
- Please follow all COVID-19 safety precautions. See below.
- Each program has a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 30 people. We will notify you a week before the program if there is low registration.
- Ticket sales end two weeks before the event.
Fall 2024 Family Notification: If you would like to be notified when our fall 2024 family dates become available please email (nicole.petersen@nczoo.org) and we will add your name to our notification list. We plan to release the fall 2024 dates late spring 2024 .
If you have any questions please email us.
Buy Your Tickets
Adult Only Snorin' Safaris
Experience the North Carolina Zoo after hours at one of our overnight adult only camping adventures! Designed for adults 18 and older.
Spring 2024 Date (Tickets go on sale November 1st!)
African Adventures
Ever wonder what the North Carolina Zoo’s African animals do at night? Come campout at the Zoo and find out! Participants will learn about our African animals, engage in some activities on how the Zoo helps save African species, and eat a S’more or two by the campfire.
Date:
- Saturday, April 6, 2024 (SOLD OUT)
Cost: $95 per adult (age 18+) * Eventbrite fees now included in the cost.
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Additional Program Info:
- Meals included: dinner, breakfast, and a light snack. Include any dietary restrictions during checkout.
- Please provide your own camping equipment. (A limited number of tent rentals are available during checkout.) Camping equipment recommendations are below.
- Quiet hours from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Please Note:
- Bathroom facilities do not include showers.
- Snorin' Safari tickets do not include admission to the Zoo.
- Please follow all COVID-19 safety precautions. See below.
- Each program has a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 25 people. We will notify you a week before the program if there is low registration.
- Ticket sales end two weeks before the event.
Fall 2024 Adult Only Notification: If you would like to be notified when our fall 2024 adult only date becomes available, please email (nicole.petersen@nczoo.org) and we will add your name to our notification list. We plan to release the fall 2024 dates late spring 2024.
If you have any questions please email us.
Buy Your Tickets
Sensory Friendly Snorin' Safari
Sensory Friendly Snorin' Safaris are designed for families with autism and sensory differences. A smaller group size and a more structured event will make this a unique, inclusive experience for families!
Spring 2024 Date (Tickets go on sale November 15th!)
African Adventure
Ever wonder what the North Carolina Zoo’s African animals do at night? Come campout at the Zoo and find out! During this sensory inclusive experience, participants will learn about our African animals, engage in some activities on how the Zoo helps save African species, and eat a S’more or two by the campfire.
Date:
- Saturday, April 20, 2024
Cost: $70 per adult (age 13+), $60 per child (ages 6-12) All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult over 21. * Eventbrite fees now included in the cost
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Additional Program Information:
- Meals included: dinner, breakfast and a light snack. Include any dietary restrictions during checkout.
- Please provide your own camping equipment. (A limited number of tent rentals are available during checkout.) Camping equipment recommendation are below.
- Quiet hours from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Staff will have sensory bags on hand with noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools and other sensory resources. Let us know if there is anything else you need to make this event a great experience for everyone!
Please Note:
- Bathroom facilities do not include showers.
- Snorin' Safari tickets do not include admission to the Zoo.
- Participants must be at least 6 years old to participate for safety reasons.
- Please follow all COVID-19 safety precautions. See below.
- Each program has a minimum of 10 people and a maximum of 30 people. We will notify you a week before the program if there is low registration.
- Ticket sales end two weeks before the event.
Fall 2024 Family Notification: If you would like to be notified when our fall 2024 family dates become available please email (nicole.petersen@nczoo.org) and we will add your name to our notification list. We plan to release the fall 2024 dates late spring 2024 .
If you have any questions please email us.
Buy Your Tickets
Private Group Programs
Private programs are specifically for groups 10 or larger. You will camp at the Zoo and experience a fun night of activities. This private program is great for any group (e.g., scout groups, church groups, family reunions, school groups, company retreats, etc.). The program is available Friday and Saturday nights.
General Program Information
- Participants must be at least 6 years old to participate for safety reasons.
- We require a minimum of 1 chaperone for every 5 youth. This program can be booked for adult only groups.
- Meals included - dinner, breakfast and a light snack.
- Admission to the Zoo is not included.
- Please bring your own camping equipment. See recommend list of things to bring below.
- Maximum group size is 30 and a minimum group size of 10 is required.
- Cost - $600 for up to 10 and $55 for each additional person.
To register for a private group program: Please contact the Zoo's Education Department at 336.879.7716 or email your request.
COVID-19 safety precautions during this event
COVID-19 safety precautions during this event
Family Events:
- Face coverings are optional.
- Families are encouraged to practice frequent hand washing/sanitizing.
- Our staff will be regularly disinfecting commonly used items.
Adult Only Events:
- Face coverings are optional.
- Adults are encouraged to practice frequent hand washing/sanitizing.
- Our staff will be regularly disinfecting commonly used items.
Refund/Cancellation Policy
Refund/Cancellation Policy
Adults & Families
If we have to cancel the program for any reason including low attendance (under 10 people registered) we will help you register for another date or provide a full refund. We will notify you a week in advance if there is low registration at that time. If you must cancel for any reason you will be refunded your entire registration fee if you cancel at least 2 weeks before the event. After the 2 week mark if you cancel or fail to show-up there will be no refund.
Groups
Once you have reserved a date for your program, a non-refundable deposit of $300 is due. You have two (2) weeks after registration to pay your deposit - credit card is preferred. Once your deposit is received, a confirmation will be sent to you via email. The program is not confirmed until deposit payment is received. Non-payment will be viewed as canceling the reservation, and the date will be opened to other groups.
An exact number of participants (children and chaperones) and final payment are due four (4) weeks prior to the scheduled program. Please be advised that after this date numbers cannot be changed. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to our maximum number of participants. These numbers are set to ensure a quality experience for everyone.
If we must cancel or you must cancel your private group event, we will work with you to reschedule another date or you can opt for a refund, minus your non-refundable deposit.
Family Snorin' Safari Sample Itinerary
Family Snorin' Safari Sample Itinerary
Day 1
- 4:45 p.m. - Check in at assigned location
- 5:00 p.m. - Introductions, rules, tour of camping area and ice breaker
- 5:30 p.m. - Set-up tents and camping area
- 6:15 p.m. - Dinner (e.g. angus beef burgers and all beef hotdogs with all the fixings, tater tots, cookies, and drinks) Please note: vegetarian and dietary options available upon request.
- 7:00 p.m. - Evening Zoo Walk
- 8:30 p.m. - Bathroom break/ free time
- 9:00 p.m. - Nighttime activities
- 9:30 p.m. - Campfire and S'mores
- 10:30 p.m. - Bedtime/free time in/around your tent
- 11:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. - Quiet time
Day 2
- 7:00 a.m. - Rise and shine
- 7:15 a.m. - Pack up gear and load into vehicles
- 8:00 a.m. - Breakfast (e.g. scrambled eggs, french toast sticks or waffles, potatoes, sausage, fresh fruit, coffee, and drinks)
- 8:30 a.m. - Animal encounter
- 9:00 a.m. - Head home or into the Zoo for the day (must purchase tickets)
We recommend purchasing tickets to visit the Zoo either Day 1 before the camp out or Day 2 after the camp out.
Weather
Weather
This program goes on rain and shine, so please dress for the weather. In the event of heavy rain the camping location will be changed to a covered location. If severe weather, we will make the call to cancel at least 1-2 days beforehand.
What to Bring?
What to Bring?
Please provide your own camping gear. We have a limited number of tents available for an additional rental fee.
Recommendations include:
- Tent
- Pillow
- Sleeping bag, pad, and/or air mattress
- Weather appropriate clothing and sleepwear including layers for night time
- Comfortable closed toe walking shoes
- Refillable water bottle
- Bug spray
- Hand towel & wash cloth
- Personal items (toiletries, cosmetics, etc.)
- Medications
- Camera
- Small backpack
- Flashlights- we recommend bringing red, blue, or green colored flashlights; we only use colored flashlights during our evening walk into the Zoo to lessen our disturbance on the animals (we have a limited number of red flashlights available to borrow if needed), but you can use any color flashlight at the campsite
- Camp chairs
Please Don't Bring:
- Flip flops or backless, heelys, or light-up shoes
- Pets
- Electronics
- Valuables
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, Vapes, or other products that produce vapor or smoke
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