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Late Nights at the Zoo begins June 18 at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, with music, food, drinks, open habitats and tickets starting at $24 for members.
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Omaha will have another option for summer nights: exploring the zoo after regular hours.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium will launch Late Nights at the Zoo on Thursday, June 18, bringing back an adults-only summer event series that will continue every Thursday through Aug. 27.
The event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. and is open only to guests ages 21 and older. All attendees must show a current, valid ID at the entrance.
During the evening events, visitors can explore select areas of the zoo, listen to music, buy food from local food trucks, browse a market with local vendors and take part in up-close animal experiences.
Tickets are $24 per person for zoo members and $30 for non-members. Each ticket includes one drink, which can be used for one alcoholic beverage or two non-alcoholic drinks.
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What Late Nights at the Zoo includes
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Late Nights at the Zoo is designed as a more relaxed way to experience the zoo, with after-hours access to select habitats and special summer activities.
The program includes live music, local drinks, food trucks, shopping with local vendors and encounters with the zoo’s animal ambassadors.
There will also be activities focused on different species and conservation themes on select dates. The opening night on June 18 will be tied to Pollinator Week. Other evenings will highlight giraffes, bison, sharks and rays, snakes, tigers, owls, armadillos, goats and primates.
The zoo said several indoor areas will be open during the event, including:
- Scott Aquarium
- Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night
- Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Pavilion
Visitors are also expected to have access to outdoor areas such as:
- Scott African Grasslands
- Garden of the Senses
- Glacier Bay Landing
- Asian Highlands
- Owen Sea Lion Shores
Some areas may close depending on weather or available daylight.
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Dates, hours and tickets
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Late Nights at the Zoo will take place every Thursday from June 18 through Aug. 27.
Scheduled dates:
- June 18 and 25
- July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
- Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27
Hours are 7 to 10 p.m., with last entry at 9 p.m.
Tickets cost:
- $24 for members
- $30 for non-members
Admission to the evening event does not include regular daytime admission to the zoo.
Visitors who want additional drinks can purchase extra drink tickets for $8 each, either online or during the event.
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An option for parents on select nights
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Although Late Nights at the Zoo is an adults-only event, the zoo will offer Kids Night Out on select dates.
The program will be available on:
- June 18
- July 16
- Aug. 13
It is open to children ages 5 to 12.
The cost is:
- $54 for members
- $60 for non-members
The activity includes experiences with zoo educators, hands-on activities, animal encounters, tours, a movie, pizza and snacks.
Drop-off begins at 6:30 p.m., and pick-up is at 9 p.m.
Families interested in Kids Night Out must add it when purchasing their Late Nights at the Zoo tickets.
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What to check before you go
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Late Nights at the Zoo will follow a clear bag policy.
Visitors may enter with:
- A clear, colorless plastic bag
- A clear one-gallon bag
- A small opaque purse or wallet no larger than 5 by 7 inches
Only one bag will be allowed per ticketed guest, and all bags will be subject to security screening.
Guests who arrive with a bag that is not allowed will need to return it to their vehicle or discard it. The zoo will not store bags or prohibited items during the event.
Exceptions will be made for medically necessary bags, but they must still go through inspection.
Quick event details
Event: Late Nights at the Zoo
Location: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Address: 3701 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE 68107
Dates: Every Thursday from June 18 through Aug. 27
Hours: 7 to 10 p.m.
Last entry: 9 p.m.
Minimum age: 21
Tickets: $24 for members and $30 for non-members
Kids Night Out: June 18, July 16 and Aug. 13
Guest Services phone: (402) 733-8401
Tickets are non-refundable, but they may be exchanged for another date if space is available. For changes, the zoo recommends contacting Guest Services.
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