What happens during the evening portion of a Snooze?

Two Zoo Snooze Hosts will lead your group on a nighttime adventure like no other! You will explore the marine habitats throughout the Pacific Seas Aquarium, including the Tidal Touch Zone, followed by an outdoor night tour of the Rocky Shores habitat and If there’s time, we will see who else might be awake!

Is dinner included in the Zoo Snooze Experience?

We do not provide dinner as part of this experience. We recommend that you allow plenty of time for your group to eat before arriving.

Where would we sleep?

The whole group will sleep on the floor in the Northwest Waters gallery in the Pacific Seas Aquarium.

Is overnight gear provided?

No, you would need to bring your own gear. Think of it as camping, but inside!

When is bedtime?

Evening activities will wrap up around 10 pm. Aquarium lights will turn off and Snooze Hosts will say goodnight by 10:30 pm.

Can a child come without their parent/guardian?

Any child (age 5+) can come without their primary care adult, as long as the group has at least 1 Adult Chaperone for every 7 Youth Participants. If you will not be attending Zoo Snooze with your child, please make sure that your group leader has their signed Participant Form.

Can a child that is under 5 years old attend this program?

No, this is not feasible within our Zoo Snooze program operations.

What is the role of an adult attending a Zoo Snooze?

The Snooze Hosts won’t be familiar with your group’s dynamics so they will need assistance from the adults who know the children to make sure that everyone has a safe and fun experience.

Can a participant leave after the evening activities?

We can arrange to have someone leave before lights-out at 10:30pm. Please let us know in advance. However, due to building and park security, we cannot accommodate someone leaving or arriving after 10:30 pm. Once you are in the Aquarium for the evening, you should not leave the building, except in case of emergency. All doors are locked from the inside, and you will not be able to re-enter. If you need to leave the building for any reason, talk to your Snooze Hosts.

What time would we need to get up in the morning?

Wake up time is at 6:30 am. Everyone’s gear needs to be packed up and loaded into cars by 7:15 am.

What about breakfast?

A continental breakfast will begin at 7:30 am in the Plaza Café. Yes, there will be coffee!

Are there any activities planned for the morning after a Snooze?

Yes! After breakfast, the group will get to meet the goats, explore Kids’ Zone (time and weather permitting) then have a private encounter with one of the animals that lives in our Asian Forest Sanctuary.

Could we stay and visit the rest of the Zoo after the program ends?

Yes! Zoo admission on the Saturday immediately following your Zoo Snooze is included in the cost. If you need to leave and want to come back later the same day, let staff at the front gate know and they will give you directions for returning.

What should I do if someone in my group needs accommodation?

Metro Parks Tacoma strives toward providing inclusive programs to all community members.  People of all abilities are invited to consider registering for any recreational program Metro Parks Tacoma has to offer provided they meet the minimum eligibility requirements.  To request an accommodation please allow 10 business days prior to the start of the program.  Complete an online Accommodation Request form, describing the person’s needs and how staff may support them to have the best experience possible.