Zoo After Hours presented by the Minnesota Lottery
Join us for Zoo After Hours – an 18+ Minnesota Zoo experience!
Experience the Minnesota Zoo like never before at Zoo After Hours—evenings exclusively for adults! On January 31, February 14, March 21, and April 25, the Zoo is extending its hours so adults like you can unwind with the wildlife. Make it a memorable date night or a meetup with friends. The Wonder of Nature awaits you!
Under the Sea Night
January 31, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
You have to sea it to believe it! Zoo After Hours is back and full of more creature features than ever before. Come explore life under the waves in this ocean-themed evening. Take your seat for Royal Credit Union Sea Lion Discovery to learn about amazing marine mammals. Dine, drink, and dance -- and don't miss Keeper Chats about Snooki the sea turtle and endangered zebra sharks. Bring your deep knowledge of the oceans and competitive spirit because Trivia Mafia will be here!
Plus:
- Meet Ambassador Animals up close
- Specialty food and beverages for purchase
- Trivia Mafia
- Silent Dance Party
- Photo Booth
- Gift Shop
Costume Contest with prizes from the Minnesota Lottery. Cause an ocean commotion with your outfit! Show off your fin-tastic interpretation of the categories: Deep-Sea Dazzler, Shell-Yeah! Creativity Award, and (group costume) School of Fish.
Tickets
Tickets are limited and not refundable. Advance, online ticket purchase is required to attend.
• Member Adult: $15 early bird special ($20 day of the event)
• Non-Member Adult: $20 early bird special ($25 day of the event)
Parking $10 per vehicle (Free for MN Zoo Members)
• Online tickets required with limited capacity
• Children, including infants, will not be admitted
Groups of 15 or more, please contact Group Sales at 952-431-9200 or email [email protected]
Your Guide to Zoo After Hours
Tropics Trail
- Explore the trail | 5:30 - 8 p.m.
- Keeper Chat: Zebra Sharks at Tropical Reef | 6 p.m.
Discovery Bay
- Explore the oceans | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- Royal Credit Union Sea Lion Discovery | 6 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
- Keeper Chat: Snooki the Loggerhead Sea Turtle | 7 p.m.
- Winter Salt Week: Talk with our educators about how to use less salt and protect our water
- Silent Dance Party | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Trivia Mafia | Call of the Wild | 6:15 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. | Pre-registration required; link to register is in your ticket confirmation email. Capacity: 160 competitors per time slot
Target Learning Center
- Meet Ambassador animals | 6:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
- Education Trivia | 6:45 p.m. & 7:45 p.m.
Minnesota Lodge | 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Photo booth, games, lounge seating, cash bar
Penguin Lobby | 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
- Games
- Gift Shop
- Costume Contest| Enter 5:30 - 7:15 p.m. Winners announced 8:15 p.m. Must be present to win. Prizes provided by the Minnesota Lottery,
Dining and Drink Options
Call of the Wild
- Seafood specials: New England seafood chowder, walleye cakes, shrimp po' boy, hibachi salmon.
- Classic menu: burgers, chicken tenders, falafel, Caesar salad, mac & cheese
- Wild Bites: Dole whip, ice cream
Discovery Bay | Asian vegetable salad, vegetable roll, spicy tuna roll
Penguin Cafe | Hawaiian poke bowl with tofu or ahi tuna
Bars | Locations: Discovery Bay, Penguin Cafe, Call of the Wild, Minnesota Lodge | Last call 8 p.m.
- Turquoise Tide: Coconut rum, banana rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, lime; garnished with lime wheel and toasted coconut
- Crystal Current (NA): Caramelized pineapple purée, lime, Sprite; garnished with lime wheel and pineapple
- 21+ beverages: Draft and beer, cider, canned cocktails, red & white wine
Coke products
Wild Hearts - Zoo After Hours
February 14, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Got Valentine’s plans? Make it tropical instead of typical! At the adults-only event Zoo After Hours on Saturday, February 14, you can see the holiday in a whole new way... with pink flamingoes, red river hogs, and white-cheeked gibbons. Bring your sweetheart, gals, or pals for an endearing evening of delicious food, drinks, dancing, and the company of animals. Don’t miss Royal Credit Union Sea Lion Discovery, love-themed tours, up-close animal encounters, and hearty chef’s specials. Study up on matters of love because Trivia Mafia will be here!
Plus:
- Penguin Pub: outdoors carved ice bar, fire pits, live music, and photo ops
- Cannoli and wine samples included with your ticket! Specialty food, cocktails, and mocktails for purchase.
- Photo ops with Divers
- Meet Ambassador Animals up close
- Name a Bug for your loved one (and help support the critical work of the Zoo!)
- Silent Dance Party
- Gift Shop with the sweetest souvenirs
- Costume Contest with prizes from the Minnesota Lottery. Dress to impress and express your love for the animal kingdom and each other.
Tickets
Tickets are limited and not refundable. Advance, online ticket purchase is required to attend.
• Member Adult: $40 early bird special ($45 day of the event)
• Non-Member Adult: $45 early bird special ($50 day of the event)
Parking $10 per vehicle (Free for MN Zoo Members)
• Online tickets required with limited capacity
• Children, including infants, will not be admitted
Presented by:
Upcoming Zoo After Hours for Adults (18+)
• Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm The Best Staycation — and a Moonlight Stroll on the Treetop Trail!
• Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 5:30 – 8:30 pm Farm Babies!
13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952.431.9200
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