Things to do in London don't get better than Zoo Nights!
Zoo Nights is back at London Zoo for 2023!
As the sun goes down, join us after hours at London Zoo for an unmissable evening mixing wildlife and London city life.
From 9 June - 28 July, the Zoo will open from 6pm - 10pm every Friday, just for adults.
Zoo Nights is one of the best things to do in London - the most unmissable event of the summer, tickets are strictly limited so don’t hang about!
- Due to the beaming sunshine forecast for 9 June, tickets are selling out fast for the first night. Book now to avoid disappointment.
With no kids in sight, explore our world of wildlife in the heart of the city at Zoo Nights - with fun talks and grown-up tours* – including the return of The Birds and Bees tour, where our expert guides will reveal what the animals really get up to as the sun sets and unravel the mysteries of sex in the animal kingdom.
Zoo Nights - brand new for 2023
Plus, brand new for 2023, test your skills against your friends in a variety of giant animal-themed games around the Zoo. Do you have the speed of a cheetah or the stealth of a tiger? The mind of an ape or the steadiness of a sloth? Compete against your friends and let the winner take to the podium in their rightful place as number one!
1000 rubber ducks have also arrived at the Zoo as our famous Grade I listed Lubetkin Penguin Pool is being transformed into a giant ‘Hook a Duck’* – don't miss it!
*Additional charges apply
Zoo Nights Pride Takeover, hosted by RuPaul's Drag Race star Cheryl Hole
On 30th June, celebrate Pride Takeover at Zoo Nights hosted by RuPaul's Drag Race star, Cheryl Hole! Get involved in a whole host of pride-themed activities - from designing your own animal 'drag mascot', to pride quizzes and learning about LGBTQIA+ behaviours in nature, as well as influential LGBTQIA+ figures within the science & conservation industry.
Be photo-ready with a trip to our face painting tent for fun pride-themed designs and capture the evening with our 360 video booth in front of the illuminated rainbow ZSL sign to share on your social channels.
London street food on a Friday night
When you’ve worked up an appetite exploring Zoo Nights, take your pick of street food vendors offering exciting flavours and unique dishes from around the globe, and grab a drink from one of our pop-up watering holes.
Why not make the evening extra special with our VIP champagne experience? Treat yourself and your plus one to a glass of bubbly overlooking our black and white flippered friends at Penguin Beach - perfect for a summer London date night.*
Please note: Our animals have varying bedtimes throughout the evening but most animals’ bedtimes at Zoo Nights will be from 9pm onwards. We strongly advise arriving with enough time to make the most of the evening and see our animals before they wind down for bed.
*Additional charges apply
Zoo Nights BSL Tours
On 23rd June, we will be running a BSL Zoo Nights tour, led by deaf presenter John Wilson who will take you around the Zoo and delivered in British Sign Language. Book tickets for the BSL adapted Zoo Nights tour, which will include your entry to Zoo Nights, below:
Zoo Nights VIP Sleepover - SOLD OUT
One of London's biggest and best secrets - our VIP Sleepover allows you to enjoy all the fun of Zoo Nights, without having to go home right away. Sleep over at London Zoo in our en-suite lodges, right in the heart of Land of the Lions! In the morning you will get to enjoy a buffet breakfast, and then an exclusive tour before the zoo opens.
Included in this experience:
- A complimentary drink upon arrival
- An overnight stay in a private lodge - double or twin bed, en-suite, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities
- A buffet breakfast
- One exclusive tour in the morning after breakfast
- Entry to our Zoo Nights adults-only event
- Dinner vouchers for our onsite food vendors
- Free entry into London Zoo for two days either side of your night's stay. You are also welcome to visit Whipsnade Zoo on your second day
- Free car parking (this is valid upon showing ticket confirmation at car park entrance)
- Exclusive 15% discount on our Meet the Animals experiences (Meet the Monkeys, Meet the Meerkats, and the Giraffe Keeper experience)
- 10% discount in the gift shop
Absolutely one of the best places to stay in London this summer
Please visit our Lodges - Frequently Asked Questions page to find out more about your deluxe accommodation.
Please note that this experience is different to our regular London Zoo Lodges experience, only what is stated above is included.
Our Zoo Nights VIP sleepover has now sold out, but you can stay over at the Zoo throughout the year - find out more.
Frequently asked questions
Gates will open for Zoo Nights at 6pm, with last entry at 9pm. The event will finish at 10pm. Please note our animals' bedtimes vary, with the majority of our animal habitats closing at 9pm. All animal habitats will close at 9.30pm.
Zoo Nights tickets do not include entry to the Zoo during the day.
Animal habitats will start to close from 8.30pm as our animals wind down for bed, with the majority of animal habitat closing at 9pm. We strongly advise arriving at the Zoo with plenty of time to see our animals (doors open from 6pm).
For a full list of animal bedtimes, please check the What’s On board in Barclay Court when you arrive.
As this is a special event, members will need to book Zoo Nights tickets separately in advance. Entry is not included as part of the Gold or Silver membership packages and we do not offer membership discounts on Zoo Nights tickets.
For visitors needing to attend the event with a carer, entry is free for one carer - please speak to our Supporter Contact team on 0344 225 1826 or [email protected] so that we can co-ordinate your request. The team may ask you to provide reasonable evidence such as PIP or DLA documents.
You can contact the SEE customer service using the London Zoo customer service portal (you’ll need your booking reference number):
LONDON ZOO CUSTOMER SERVICE PORTAL
Tours will start from outside the gift shop in Barclay Court. Please ensure you arrive at the event with plenty of time before your tour time, as tours will depart on time.
Champagne experiences will take place at Penguin Beach – please head over to the decking at Penguin Beach for your chosen time slot.