Zoo Nights returns to London Zoo for Summer 2023

Zoo Nights at London Zoo has returned for another year, and every Friday from June 9 – July 28 adults can book to visit London Zoo after closing time for some adult-only fun.

With a whole host of animals to see, games to try and food to choose from, you’ll have plenty to do on your visit.

What you need to know

Zoo Nights take place every Friday between June 9 – July 28, costing £21.50 a ticket.

Doors open at 6pm and close at 10pm so it’s best to get there as early as possible so you have plenty of time to see the animals and enjoy the activities.

London Zoo is also offering one off Zoo Nights including a BSL led night tour on June 23 and a Pride Month Takeover hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race star Cheryl Hole.

Located in Regent’s Park, a 20-minute walk from Camden Town Station, this is the perfect event for a date night or an after-work outing with your friends.

The animals

There are several impressive animals you can see - from big cats like lions and tigers to smaller animals like penguins and meerkats.

I saw a long list of animals on my trip although I will admit to not being brave enough to visit the spiders.

Animals do have bedtimes, starting from 9pm with the giraffes and the zebras, so be sure to plan your route depending on which animal enclosures will be closed first.

We were also told that some of the animals tended to be more active at night as the light begins to fade and as the weather starts to cool off and I can attest to that.

During our visit we had some great views of the Zoo’s big cats who were meandering around their enclosure right near where we were stood.

Free talks are also included with the price of your ticket at several enclosures on our visit and we attended the penguin talk at 7.30pm as well as a talk on the gorillas at 9pm.

Stop by to see the penguins at Penguin Beach (Image: Emily Davison)

My personal highlight was a visit to Penguin Beach were I got a close look at one penguin who seemed to know it was being photographed.

Food and drink

Alongside the animals, the Zoo Nights also has a range of food and drink to choose from with stalls selling everything from Mexican street food to artisan donuts.

The food is mainly served in the main green area which is close to Penguin Beach and the Main Terraced Café.

Food stalls at London Z00 (Image: Emily Davison)

If you’re a milkshake lover, don’t miss out on a delicious Baileys Milkshake served at the Penguin Beach Café in three different flavours.

There are also several places selling drinks from beers as well as canned alcoholic drinks like spirits and gins as well as non-alcoholic beverages.

Other activities

The Zoo also has a number of animal themed games dotted around the Zoo from a giant hook a duck featuring 100 ducks which is new for 2023 as well as other games from mind games, challenges and puzzles.

For the big kids at heart there’s even animal themed face painting if you fancy making like a striped tiger or a colourful butterfly.

Be sure to check out the Zebras's before 9pm (Image: Emily Davison)

At 9.30pm guests can also visit the Zooniversity Challenge hosted in the Huxley Lecture Theatre where you’ll be able to test your knowledge and see how much you’ve learned from your trip to the Zoo.

All in all, this is a great way to spend a summer evening for anyone with a love for animals or who is looking for fun to do in London.