Zoo Nights is back
Yes, that's right, our sell-out Zoo Nights are back for another year. On Fridays from 5 June to 24 July 2026, London Zoo will be open from 6pm - 10pm, just for adults. As the sun goes down, join us after hours to see the Zoo in a whole new light without any kids in sight.
Tickets for 2026 are now live!
Book your tickets for Zoo Nights below. Explore over 8,500 animals, hear expert animal talks, peruse our street food market, enjoy pop-up watering holes, kick back in the cocktail garden and much more!
Zoo Nights at London Zoo
You're invited to enjoy an unmissable evening at London Zoo. From 6pm on Fridays between 5 June and 24 July, the Zoo is open just for adults.
Explore our world of wildlife in the heart of the city with talks, games and over 8,500 amazing animals. After you’ve worked up an appetite, discover our street food market serving up fantastic flavours from across the globe, with plenty of choice for herbivores and carnivores. Then grab a drink from one of our watering holes and settle in for some spectacular, gravity-defying acrobatics in our finale showstopper.
Book your Zoo Nights tickets now
Please note: Our animals have varying bedtimes throughout the evening, starting from 8:30pm 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.
What to expect from an evening at Zoo Nights
Spot our capybaras, Gizmo and Kiwi!
This brother and sister duo joined us last year for a temporary city-break but settled in so well, we've now built them a new permanent home! Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world and Zoo Nights is the perfect time to see them.
International street food market
Take your pick of London’s finest food pop-ups, serving up fantastic flavours and unique dishes from around the globe, with plenty of choice for herbivores and carnivores.
Watering holes
Whether you're looking for beer, wine, cocktails or soft drinks, you'll find it at our watering hole bars. Plus, feel free to take your drink with you as you explore the Zoo.
Disney's The Lion King Exhibition
The iconic West End musical is roaring into London Zoo with a showcase of masks, puppets and costumes in a fabulous special exhibition. Included in your Zoo Nights entry price, the exhibition allows fans to immerse themselves in the magic that has captivated audiences worldwide for over two decades. Marvel at the intricate designs of beloved characters like Rafiki and Zazu, as well as the awe-inspiring masks of Mufasa, Simba, and Nala. It’s a rare opportunity to see these masterpiece costumes and props away from the West End stage.
Find out moreOver 8,500 animals!
From Galapagos tortoises and a pygmy hippo to Linne's two-toed sloths and Sumatran tigers, there’s plenty to explore at Zoo Nights. Many of our animals become more active in the evening, so after hours at Zoo Nights is a great time to see them.
Cocktail garden
Head over to our Garden Lounge to enjoy cocktails and seasonal mocktails. Or, perhaps some strawberries and cream to really make the most of the summer vibes.
Bicentenary blue plaque trail
Potter along our bicentenary blue plaque trail to learn more about London Zoo! From Harry Styles to Joan Proctor, there’s plenty to discover from our 200-year history.
Kick back and relax
Make the most of the long, glorious summer evening. Chill out on the lawns with a drink or your street food.
Animal talks
There’s a whole host of animal talks to enjoy throughout the evening. Just check the What's On boards when you arrive to see all the options on offer.
The Mane Stage
Grab a bean bag or deck chair at our chill out zone on the Main Lawn and enjoy a range of entertainment on our Mane Stage. Relax with live musicians throughout the evening, take part in 'What Came First?' at 9pm, then settle in for our finale showstopper at 9:40pm with spectacular, gravity-defying acrobatics.
Retail therapy
Our Zoo shop will be open late for all those must-have purchases and mementos. We recommend heading here early on in the evening to avoid the late night queues.
Upgrade your night
Whether you’re in the mood for luxury, relish sorting fact from fiction, or just fancy a giggle with your mates, we’ve got just the thing. Add a champagne experience upgrade from £35 for two people (with the option to add a delicious charcuterie or vegan board*), a 'Two Truths and a Lion' tour upgrade for £12pp or a ZooTown experience upgrade for £5pp.
Upgrade your visit
Whether you’re in the mood for luxury, relish sorting fact from fiction, or just fancy a giggle with your mates, we’ve got just the thing. All of our upgrades can be purchased alongside your entry tickets.
New for 2026: ZooTown experience upgrade
Calling all big kids! Let your inner child run wild with this grown-up twist on our brand-new indoor role play adventure. Will you become a scientist, or a nature presenter?
ZooTown is normally just for kids, but we're opening it up especially for our adults-only evenings. Collect zebra poo like a keeper, collect post and deliver it across ZooTown, sing your heart out on the mic and carry out vital health checks in our Vet Hospital - there's plenty to get stuck into!
£5 for a 30 minute session.
Champagne experience upgrade for two
Add a touch of luxury to your evening by treating yourself and your plus one to a glass of bubbly each at Penguin Beach. Enjoy 30 minutes of indulgence and soak up the summer evening on the decking overlooking our black and white flippered friends.
You can also choose to add a charcuterie or vegan board shared between two, or to time your experience to coincide with great views at our penguin talk (extra charges apply).
From £35 for two people.
'Two Truths and a Lion' tour upgrade
Explore famous faces, filming places and historic cases from London Zoo’s 200 year history. Our presenters will take you around the Zoo, sharing two truths and a lie at various stops along the way - it's up to you to sort fact from fiction and guess which is which!
£12.
Want to make sure you see everything at Zoo Nights?
London Zoo App
Explore Zoo Nights your way with GPS-enabled step-by-step navigation. See talk times, find watering holes and check out activities on offer.
Zoo Nights VIP Sleepover
Upgrade your visit to Zoo Nights by taking part in one of London’s most exclusive sleepovers!
Our VIP sleepover allows you to enjoy all the fun of Zoo Nights, without having to go home! Stay over at the 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.
What's included in a Zoo Nights VIP Sleepover?
- 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 animal experiences
- 10% discount in the gift shop
Book your Zoo Nights VIP Sleepover now
Please note that this experience is different to our regular London Zoo Lodges experience and only what is stated above is included.
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.
Zoo Nights tickets do not include entry to the Zoo during the day.
As this is a special event, members will need to book Zoo Nights tickets separately in advance. Entry to Zoo Nights is not included as part of the Fellowship, Patronage and Gold or Silver membership packages and we do not offer membership discount on Zoo Nights tickets.
Unfortunately because Zoo Nights is a special ticketed event, Universal Credit tickets cannot be used for Zoo Nights admissions.
Our animals have varying bedtimes throughout the evening, starting from 8.30pm 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 (doors open from 6pm).
All animal houses will close from 21:00 on Zoo Nights evenings, except for:
- Blackburn Pavilion, Rainforest Life and In With the Lemurs walkthrough, which will close at 8:30pm.
- The Secret Life of Reptiles and Amphibians, Tiny Giants and Penguin Beach, which remain open until 9:30pm.
- Outside areas (except the areas around Land of the Lions and Tiger Territory), which will remain open until 9:30pm.
- African Bird Safari and Gorilla Kingdom aviary which will be closed all evening.
For a full list of animal bedtimes, please check the What’s On board in Barclay Court when you arrive.
No, Zoo Night tickets are non-refundable and cannot be swapped to another date.
Drinks and liquids cannot be brought into London Zoo at Zoo Nights. You may be asked to empty your bottle at the gate but there are free water refill stations in the Zoo.
Visitors can bring their own food into the Zoo but we also have a fantastic array of street food vendors on site for Zoo Nights.
Zoo Nights is an adult only event, therefore all ticket holders must be 18 years or older. If you're lucky enough to look under 25, we might check for proof of age on the gate, so please make sure you bring a form of ID with you.
For visitors needing to attend the event with a carer, entry is free for one carer. Please contact our Supporter Contact team via our contact form at least 5 days in advance of your visit so that we can co-ordinate your request. On the form, please select ‘General Enquiry’ and then ‘Ticket Enquiries’.
The team may ask you to provide reasonable evidence such as:
- Disability Allowance Letter
- PIP letter
- Freedom pass
- Any other appropriate supporting documentation as issued by your local authority.
If your question is not answered in our FAQs or if you have a separate question regarding your booking, please contact our Supporter Contact team who will be able to assist you.
Our champagne experience upgrade lasts for 30 minutes and you'll get one glass of champagne (or non-alcoholic alternative) per person, with the option to buy more on the day.
One ticket admits two people to the Champagne Experience Upgrade. If you choose to include a charcuterie or vegan board, this is shared between 2 people.
Please arrive on the decking at Penguin Beach 5 minutes earlier than your session time. Seating placements are first come, first served.
Our ‘Two Truths and a Lion’ tour upgrade lasts for approximately 30 minutes. Please arrive a few minutes early as tours will depart on time.
Our ZooTown experience upgrade sessions last 30 minutes. Please arrive at the entrance to ZooTown (near the Zoo entrance) 5 minutes before your session time. We ask that all guests leave promptly once their session ends, so we can prepare the space for the next session.
Please note, no food or drink is permitted inside ZooTown.
It’s an ex-drag-aganza! As part of our Zoo Nights Pride Takeover on 3 July, visitors can see fabulous London-based LGBTQ+ artists and incredible drag performers playing music and helping out with animal talks and games. Plus, enjoy drag animal bingo, crafts and a quiz!
There will also be gender-neutral toilets available on site at our Pride Takeover event.
Our VIP sleepover allows you to enjoy all the fun of Zoo Nights, without having to go home! Stay over at the 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 animal experiences
- 10% discount in the gift shop
Please note that this experience is different to our regular London Zoo Lodges experience and only what is stated above is included.
As part of your champagne experience upgrade, you can choose to add a charcuterie or vegan board, shared between two.
The charcuterie board contains a selection of English meats (Suffolk coppa, chorizo and salami), rosemary focaccia and piccalilli.
The vegan board contains falafel, grilled aubergine, marinated peppers, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper pesto, mixed olives and rosemary focaccia.