Slumber Safari

Sleep Under the Stars at the Racine Zoo!

To register, download and fill out the registration form.

New to this event? Here's our Slumber Safari Survival Guide!

2026 Themed Days:

Note: There need to be at least 20 people registered for us to run the program. Programs are subject to cancellation with fewer participants.

Wild Wisconsin: After Dark (Saturday, May 30-Sunday, May 31) 5PM - 9AM

Discover the wonders of Wisconsin's native wildlife on a thrilling overnight adventure at the Racine Zoo! As night falls, you'll have the rare opportunity to observe the behaviors of the Zoo's nocturnal creatures, from secretive foxes and owls to the quiet coraks of frongs in the pond. You'll learn about the unique adaptations of these animals and their roles in Wisconsin's ecosystems. Whether you're watching a turtle burrow or listening for the call of a barred owl, this is your chance to experience the wild side of Wisconsin after dark!

Overnight Scout Adventure (Friday, June 19 - Saturday, June 20) 5PM - 9AM

Do you have a girl scout or boy scout who's looking to earn a new badge or complete a new adventure? Join us for this first-of-its-kind experience at the Racine Zoo. Set up your tents overlooking Lake Michigan, complete your badge requirements under the stars, and connect with other local Scouting troops.

Badges Completed:

Girl Scouts: Buddy Camper, Cabin Camper, Eco Camper, Primitive Camper, Adventure Camper

Boy Scouts: Let's Camp, Outdoor Adventuer, Campout for rank advancement

From Dusk to Dawn: Crepuscular Creatures (Saturday, July 25 - Sunday, July 26) 5PM - 9AM

Some animals are nocturnal, some are awake during the day, but many animals - especially hunters - are crepuscular! Join the Racine Zoo Education Team to learn about the animals most awake at dawn and dusk. Go on a guided night hike to find some of these creatures, both residents and wild guests, meet animal ambassadors that are most comfortable in the dim light, and wake up to the sounds of our favorite crepuscular animals welcoming the new day!

About The Experience

Are you looking for a fun, outdoor family event? Look no further than the Racine Zoo’s Slumber Safari! The night begins with entering the Zoo just as we’re closing, setting up your tents while hearing our lion’s nightly roars or our primates end of day calling. Once you’re all set, it’s time to visit an animal for a behind-the-scenes encounter. Then, join your fellow campers at picnic tables to enjoy a pizza dinner, or bring your own food! Each camper will also complete a craft that matches that slumber safari’s theme.

After dinner, the fun continues with a visit from some of our ambassador animals. If that wasn’t enough animal time (and it never is!), your family will then be treated to a late night, themed tour of our Zoo. See how the animals behave differently when our guests are gone and the sun is setting, before wrapping up the night with s’mores around the campfire near our pavilion overlooking Lake Michigan. After a night under the stars in your tent, wrap up with a continental breakfast and enjoy complimentary admission to the Zoo the next day.

Private Slumber Safaris

Looking to make your next group gathering one they'll never forget? Book a private Slumber Safari with the Racine Zoo! Our education team will put together a program you'll never forget, including a visit with an animal ambassador, a night walk around Zoo grounds, and a campfire with s'mores! Wake up to the sounds of Lake Michigan and roaring lions and spend the rest of the day exploring the Racine Zoo with your group on this Slumber Safari just for you!

Minimum 20 participants. Groups with fewer than 20 may choose to pay the 20 participant minimum, or $1700.

Private Scout Overnight Adventures

Do you have a scout troop looking to learn more about nature, camping, and the environment around them? The Racine Zoo offers private Slumber Safaris for troops looking for a more personalized experience! Choose from any of the Scout programs ffered by our Zoo's experienced education staff to complete during your overnight adventure. Set up your tens in view of Lake Michigan and follow your guide to complete the requirements for your badge. Enjoy s'mores by the fire before your campout. The next morning, enjoy a continental breakfast and pack up your campsite (leaving no trace, of course!) before enjoying complimentary admission to the Zoo. If you're looking for a unique campout for your troop, the Racine Zoo is the place for you!

Minimum 20 participants. Groups with fewer than 20 may choose to pay the 20 participant minimum, or $1700.

Cost: $85 per participant

$30 per tent rental (We have both 4 person and 8 person tents). We have a limited number of tents available, and they are first register, first reserved

Please complete one form per group and be sure to complete one release form for each participant
All payments are non-refundable
All participants must be at least 6 years of age. Guests under 6 may be admitted with special permission, but may not be able to participate in all activities
All registrations must be received no later than Monday prior to the event by 5:00 PM

Pre-registration is required.

For more information or to book a program, please email us at education@racinezoo.org or call (262) 635-7959. All Slumber Safari schedules are subject to change.

Return completed forms to:

Email:

education@racinezoo.org

Mail:

Conservation Education Department

Racine Zoo

200 Goold Street

Racine, WI 53402

Want a more personal experience? Ask about our private Slumber Safaris! Minimum 20 guests. Smaller groups are welcome to pay for 20 guests with fewer in attendance. Email education@racinezoo.org or call (262) 635-7959.