Safari Sleepovers
Take a tour through the Zoo, visit some behind-the-scenes areas, make s'mores by the fire, then sleep under the stars. In the morning, eat breakfast, enjoy an animal encounter, then explore the Zoo at your leisure. It's a camping experience to remember!
Group Safari Sleepover
Minimum of 15 paid participants.
Great for scout troops and packs! Troops or groups of any size can enjoy the Zoo after hours for a unique camping experience. Group Safari Sleepovers must be booked no less than six weeks and no more than six months in advance. Choose an outdoor or indoor safari below, availability varies.
If you belong to a Scout group and want to complete merit badges/patches while on your sleepover, contact our education team by email or phone: (805) 962-5339, ext. 165 for pricing and customized curriculum. Click here for a list of available badges.
Time
6:30 PM – 10:30 AM (overnight)
Cost
$105/person, $95/person for Scout troops, minimum 15 participants
Time
6:30 PM – 10:30 AM (overnight)
Cost
$105/person, $95/person for SB Zoo Members
Family Safari Sleepover
No participant minimum is required.
Fun for family and friends! With no minimum participant requirement, these special sleepover nights allow families or groups of any size to enjoy the Zoo after hours for a unique camping experience.
2026 DATES
June 26
July 10
July 31
California Safari Sleepover for Fourth Graders
Minimum of 15 paid participants.
Classes learn about animals and California history and sleep under the stars during this program tailor-made for California fourth graders. Teachers, bring your students to the Zoo for a fun break from the classroom without forfeiting standards—the Zoo program connects to both Next Generation Science Standards and California Common Core.
Cost
California Safari Sleepover programs are only held on Thursday evenings through Friday mornings during the academic year.
$85/student or chaperone. One adult per every 10 students is required, and one adult per every 15 students is admitted at no charge.
Includes admission to the Zoo on Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your group has the option to choose between indoor and outdoor sleeping locations.
There are many outdoor sleeping locations throughout the Zoo. Your group’s location will be chosen by Zoo staff based on group size and availability. Requests for specific locations are accepted but not guaranteed.
When available, indoor sleeping in the Discovery Pavilion can accommodate up to 60 people.
Safari Sleepover guests have access to the Rattlesnake Canyon restrooms, and Hilltop restrooms (when available) as well. The restrooms on Cabrillo Lawn are exclusive to Early Explorers Preschool and are not accessible for guests per licensing regulations. There are no shower facilities available for Safari Sleepover guests.
A fire-roasted s’mores snack is included in the evening and a hot pancake breakfast in the morning. Dinner is not included. We recommend that groups enjoy dinner prior to their arrival. Please make your group’s leaders aware of any food allergies. Guests are welcome to bring their own food or snacks, but please note that refrigeration space is not available.
No. Safari Sleepovers offer the opportunity to camp at one of the most beautiful places in Santa Barbara–and camping it is! We abide by the “pack it in, pack it out” and “leave it better than you found it” mottos. Groups will need to bring all of their own gear to be comfortable for the night.
No. You will need to transport your own luggage/gear. We recommend bringing wagons to help you bring your belongings from your vehicles to the sleeping location.
We strive to run inclusive, accessible programs that enable all individuals to engage and participate fully.
To request accommodations or for inquiries about accessibility, please email the accessibility team.
We can accommodate 15 to 50 for outdoor safaris, and 15 to 60 for indoor safari. We can also accommodate up to 100 participants by special request.
Reservations are available six weeks to six months in advance, and a minimum of a 50% deposit is required to complete your reservation. The final payment will automatically be charged to the same credit card four weeks before your Sleepover date.
Yes, the Scout price applies to the whole Scout group, including leaders, parents, Scouts, and siblings.