This is no ordinary camping trip!
Imagine waking up to the roar of powerful lions or hearing the early morning call of playful gibbons. Come spend the night at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. It's the best way to see the Zoo's animals after hours and have the park all to yourself.
Your overnight begins with a two-hour, keeper-led tour of an exhibit area. After that, flashlight in hand, take a hike through the Zoo in search of nocturnal animals. Then, fall sound asleep in your tent perched on Lion/Tiger Hill. In the morning, your adventure concludes with a breakfast snack and family-friendly activity.
Snore & Roar overnights take place between June and September. A maximum of six participants may be signed up per registration. Large groups cannot be accommodated. Snore & Roar campers sleep in four-person tents provided by FONZ. Participants are never asked to share their tent with strangers.
Registration
Priority registration for FONZ members with a Contributing or Premier Plus level membership begins on Tuesday, March 26 at 10 a.m. Registration for other FONZ members begins on April 2 at 10 a.m. Registration for non-members begins on April 16 at 10 a.m.
RegisterAges
Adults and children ages 6 and up. A paying adult must accompany anyone under 18, and there must be one adult chaperone for every three children. Participants in adult-only overnights must be 21 or older.
Time
6 p.m. to 9:30 a.m. the following day. A small snack will be provided, however participants should eat dinner before coming to the Zoo. All Zoo restaurants close at 5 p.m.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation requests received at least four weeks prior to the scheduled Snore & Roar will receive a 75-percent refund. Requests must be made via email. No refunds or changes will be made thereafter. Snore & Roars are a rain or shine event.
Snore & Roars are not just for kids!
Adult-only programs include wine and cheese; a two-hour, keeper-led tour; flashlight tour of the Zoo; a breakfast snack; and engaging activity.
Tour Choices
Amazonia
The rainforest comes alive at night with the sounds of our favorite nocturnal creatures. Hear a chorus of calls from frogs and toads, and learn all about the growing importance of amphibian conservation. See a fish feeding frenzy and maybe even catch a glimpse of the meandering 2-toed sloth. It's a sensory experience your family won't soon forget!
FEE:
FONZ Member: $80 per person
Non-member: $100 per person
DATES: July 20 (Family)
American Trail
Join us on an adventure to celebrate the remarkable diversity of American species. Your keeper lead tour will guide you from the waters of the North Pacific with a visit to our playful California sea lions on up the trail past the canine predators of the open tundra through to the renowned architects of fresh water systems, the American beavers.
FEE:
FONZ Member: $130 per person
Non-member: $162.50 per person
DATES: June 28, July 12, August 9, August 31, September 27
Asia Trail
Wonder where those 11, adorable, Asian small-clawed otters go at night? Join us for an Asia Trail Snore & Roar and find out! You'll be toured around the trail with front of house views of the illusive clouded leopards and sneak a peek behind-the-scenes with slurping sloth bears and otters galore! Please note: This tour does not include giant pandas.
FEE:
FONZ Member: $130 per person
Non-member: $162.50 per person
DATES: June 14, June 28, July 6, August 16, August 30, September 13, September 28
Bird House
Ever full of sights and sounds a trip to the Bird House is not to be missed! Visit with your favorite feathered friends of all shapes and sizes, and learn about the incredible diversity of this winged, animal kingdom from the keepers who know it best.
FEE:
FONZ Member: $80 per person
Non-member: $100 per person
DATES: June 22, July 13
Cheetah Conservation Station
Are you as fast as a cheetah? Here's your chance to find out. Meet the cheetahs and some of their new African neighbors. See how they train the zebras and where it all comes together behind-the-scenes.
FEE:
FONZ Member: $130 per person
Non-member: $162.50 per person
DATES: June 1, June 15, June 21, July 26, August 16, September 6
Elephant Exhibit/Commissary
Feast your eyes on the Zoo's brand new Elephant Community Center and get an elevated view of their home sweet home during your keeper lead tour of the Elephant House. What does it take to feed a 9,000-pound elephant and all of the other 400 species of animals here at the Zoo? Detour to the Commissary and find out.
FEE:
FONZ Member: $130 per person
Non-member: $162.50 per person
DATES: July 19, August 2, August 24, September 7
Great Cats/Kids' Farm
Lions and tigers and cows, oh my! It's carnivore meets herbivore in this dual action overnight experience. Learn all about our feline royalty and see how the keepers care for these majestic, big cats. Then moooove on over to the Kids' Farm, sponsored by State Farm™ and receive a hands-on lesson in how to care for farm animals here at the Zoo.
FEE:
FONZ Member: $130 per person
Non-member: $162.50 per person
DATES: July 12, July 13, July 19, July 20, August 3
Invertebrates
Invertebrates are the most abundant creatures on the planet. They account for over 95% of all animal species, yet rarely receive their due praise. So join us for a look into the diverse world of these spineless wonders. Go eye to eye with a giant Pacific octopus and learn how to feed a sea anemone. From sea stars to cuttlefish, crab to butterfly, let them swim, crawl, and fly their way into your hearts.
FEE:
FONZ Member: $80 per person
Non-member: $100 per person
DATES: August 31, September 20
Reptile Discovery Center
A place where dragons still roam and alligators call home. Join us for one of the most interactive behind-the-scenes experiences available at the Zoo. You'll see tortoises grazing and get up close and personal with some of the coolest, scaly beings around. Don't miss it!
FEE:
FONZ Member: $80 per person
Non-member: $100 per person
DATES: June 1, June 29, September 27
Small Mammals
There is never a dull moment at the Small Mammal House, with so many creatures there is always something to see! Join us for your chance to watch the sloths come to life, see enrichment at work and meet a fury, little friend.
FEE:
FONZ Member: $80 per person
Non-member: $100 per person
DATES: June 14, July 6, August 9, September 28
Questions?
Email us.
