Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo showcases a different side of our most famous attraction with special live entertainment and extended summer hours. And the best part is that it’s all included with admission! However, there are a few things you need to know before you go to make the most out of your visit in 2025.
Why I Love Nighttime Zoo
I love this event because if you go to the Zoo in the afternoon, you’re less in a rush to leave. It’s cooler (literally) in the evenings on warmer days.
Plus, during most summer evenings, it doesn’t actually get dark in San Diego until around 8 p.m., so it makes sense to use the available sunlight to finish your day at the Zoo. Then you’ll have a bit over an hour to see some of the more active night animals like the big cats.
Most San Diego Zoo Nighttime Zoo activities are in the lower sections near the entrance. Start in the afternoon by taking the Skyfari tram up to the polar bears and winding your way down to finish with the animals closer to the entrance. This way, you’ll be able to see the whole Zoo and enjoy the special night events.
You can also get your hand stamped at the exit if you want to visit the Zoo in the morning, sightsee elsewhere or rest, and return in the evening for Nighttime Zoo!
Nighttime Zoo 2025: All You Need to Know (Dates, Hours, Admission)
- Event Dates: Saturday, May 24, 2025 – Sunday, August 10, 2025.
- Zoo Operating Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during Nighttime Zoo.
- Nighttime Zoo Entertainment Start Time: Special entertainment begins daily at 3:30 p.m..
- Important Note: There will be no Nighttime Zoo entertainment on Saturday, June 21, 2025. If you plan to visit around this date, plan accordingly.
- Admission: Nighttime Zoo is INCLUDED with a San Diego Zoo 1-Day Pass or a valid San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Membership. No separate event ticket is required.
- We have lots of advice on how to find San Diego Zoo discount tickets, but if you need a 1-Day Pass, I have a promo code for the lowest publicly available price without a special membership.
1-Day Pass— Use My Exclusive 2026 Promo Code
Skip the ticket line and go straight to the gate with a mobile or printed ticket. Valid for one year from the purchase date.
Final price (after my discount): $70/ages 12+ and $60/ages 3–11
Use promo code lajollamom to save $8!
What’s Happening? Your Guide to Nighttime Zoo Entertainment
The 2025 Nighttime Zoo offers a diverse entertainment lineup across various Zoo areas, encouraging exploration and enhancing the festival feel. Programming is designed for a broad family audience.
You probably want to know what festive activities are on tap that are specific to San Diego Nighttime Zoo. Here’s this year’s run-down.
You’ll need to download the app to check when these activities are happening because they aren’t continuous, and times are subject to change. Plus, the map and directions inside will help you navigate between activities!
Front Street
Rock & Roar
The Zoo’s own rock and pop band, Rock & Roar, will take the stage to perform today’s top hits, creating a lively atmosphere. Performances are at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. (30 min each) on the Front Street Stage.
Zoolamoves
Join high-energy hosts for Zoolamoves, leading interactive dances designed to get guests of all ages moving and grooving. These 30-minute sessions occur at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. on the Front Street Stage.
The Chameleons
The Chameleons, a dynamic brass ensemble, will delight audiences with a versatile range of songs, from beloved Beatles classics to show-stopping Broadway hits, all delivered in engaging, interactive performances. Catch their 30-minute shows at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. outside Front Street Plaza & Sweet Shack.
Whimsical Wildlife Characters
Keep an eye out for the Whimsical Wildlife Characters, as large, enchanting wildlife puppets and their talented performers will be roaming Front Street for memorable meet-and-greet opportunities. They will be appearing continuously from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. along Front Street.
Dr. Harry & Friends
The beloved Dr. Harry Lion, along with his friends, will be making special appearances to greet guests of all ages. You can meet them at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. at the Front Street/Main Entrance.
Jambo Dunia!
As the evening culminates, experience Jambo Dunia!, a dazzling and interactive 15-minute celebration that brings the spirit of the African savannas to life with live music, impressive wildlife puppets, vibrant dancers, and skilled acrobats. This performance takes place at 7:45 p.m. on Front Street.
Wildlife Explorers Basecamp
Dr. Zoolittle’s Exploration Station
Head to Dr. Zoolittle’s Exploration Station for an engaging and interactive presentation that delves into the wonders of the natural world and highlights vital conservation efforts. These 25-minute presentations are at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. at the Rady Ambassador Presentation Area.
The Explorers
Enjoy the harmonious sounds of The Explorers, a talented a cappella group performing a repertoire of delightful wildlife-themed tunes. Their 30-minute performances are at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. at the Rady Ambassador Presentation Area.
Outback
Summer Songs
Unwind in the Outback with Summer Songs, featuring relaxing acoustic guitar and vocal performances that set a tranquil mood. These 45-minute sets are at 3:45 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6:15 p.m. at the Boardwalk Beer Garden.
Urban Jungle
Bounce-a-Roo Bonanza
Prepare to be amazed by the Bounce-a-Roo Bonanza, a high-energy trampoline show where wildlife-themed acrobats perform thrilling, gravity-defying feats. These 15-minute shows are at 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. behind Sydney’s Grill.
Africa Rocks
Amazing Acrobats of Tanzania
This troupe from Tanzania, the Amazing Acrobats of Tanzania, will showcase their eclectic and breathtaking acrobatic skills, promising a truly memorable spectacle. Their 15-minute performances are at 3:45 p.m., 4:45 p.m., and 5:45 p.m. on the Africa Rocks Stage.
Vibrant Rhythms
Immerse yourself in Vibrant Rhythms, as talented musicians and dancers perform captivating music and traditional dances from across East Africa. These 45-minute performances are at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. on the Africa Rocks Stage
To help plan your evening, here’s a summary:
| Location | Entertainment Name | Performance Times | Duration | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRONT STREET | Rock & Roar | 4, 5, 6, & 7 p.m. | 30 min | The Zoo’s band plays today’s top rock and pop hits. |
| Zoolamoves | 4:30, 5:30, & 6:30 p.m. | 30 min | Interactive dances suitable for all ages, led by energetic hosts. | |
| The Chameleons | 4:30, 5:30, & 6:30 p.m. | 30 min | Dynamic brass ensemble performing varied songs from Beatles to Broadway. | |
| Whimsical Wildlife Characters | 4–7 p.m. (continuous) | — | Meet and greet large, enchanting wildlife puppets and performers. | |
| Dr. Harry & Friends | 4, 5, & 6 p.m. | — | Greet the beloved Dr. Harry Lion and his friends. | |
| Jambo Dunia! | 7:45 p.m. | 15 min | Dazzling African savanna celebration with music, puppets, dancers, and acrobats. | |
| WILDLIFE EXPLORERS BASECAMP | Dr. Zoolittle’s Exploration Station | 4:30, 5:30, & 6:30 p.m. | 25 min | Engaging presentation on nature and conservation efforts. |
| The Explorers | 4, 5, 6, & 7 p.m. | 30 min | Talented a cappella group singing wildlife-themed songs. | |
| OUTBACK | Summer Songs | 3:45, 5, & 6:15 p.m. | 45 min | Relaxing acoustic guitar and vocal performances. |
| URBAN JUNGLE | Bounce-a-Roo Bonanza | 3:30, 4:30, 5:30, & 6:30 p.m. | 15 min | High-energy trampoline show by wildlife-themed acrobats. |
| AFRICA ROCKS | Amazing Acrobats of Tanzania | 3:45, 4:45, & 5:45 p.m. | 15 min | A troupe from Tanzania showcasing eclectic acrobatic skills. |
| Vibrant Rhythms | 4, 5, & 6 p.m. | 45 min | Musicians and dancers performing music from across East Africa. |
All entertainment details are sourced from and and are subject to change. Always check the Zoo’s official app or daily schedule upon arrival for the latest information.
New & Notable at the San Diego Zoo for Your Summer 2025 Visit
Summer 2025 visitors can explore exciting features, including the “newly refreshed and expanded” Denny Sanford Panda Ridge. Inspired by pandas’ native habitats, it offers a renewed viewing experience and features Shepard Fairey’s artwork “Friendship Across the Earth,” commemorating the Zoo’s conservation partnership with China. The return of giant pandas in this enhanced habitat is a significant draw.
The Wildlife Explorers Basecamp remains a valuable area, especially for evening viewing of its unique species across four habitat zones: Rainforest, Wild Woods, Marsh Meadows, and Desert Dunes.
FAQs & What to Know Before You Go
A little more what to know before you go.
When is the San Diego Zoo Nighttime Zoo open?
The Nighttime Zoo runs from May 25 to September 2, 2024. Activities begin at 4 p.m. daily.
Can I bring my own food and beverages?
Yes, the San Diego Zoo allows outside food and beverages. For the safety of the animals, no straws are allowed, and please be mindful of your trash. They don’t offer food storage or allow large coolers.
What should I wear to the Nighttime Zoo?
Comfortable walking shoes are always advised for a Zoo visit. Outside of that, I recommend bringing layers. It is warm during summer days here in San Diego, but as the sun goes down, you’ll want a sweatshirt and maybe some long pants.
Also, a change of clothes is also always recommended for kids who plan to take advantage of the water play areas at Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. There are full body dryers though.
How does parking work?
Parking is free at San Diego Zoo in the large lot in front of the entrance. Toward the late afternoon, you’ll find free spaces sprinkled all around the lot and shouldn’t have trouble parking. Sections of the lot are marked with animals. Take a photo of the animal closest to your car to help remember where you parked.
When is the best time to arrive for Nighttime Zoo?
I would arrive in the late afternoon around 3 p.m.. This is typically a good transition period because families who have been there all day typically leave around this time.
Yes, the Zoo is one of the best San Diego family activities but it truly does suit all ages day or night. Read my full San Diego Zoo Guide for more tips!
Nighttime Zoo photos are courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Katie Dillon
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