Looking to take your scout troop on an exciting new adventure? Discover the animal kingdom in-person and hands-on with your troop. These programs are designed and curated just for scout troops.
Participants will examine the scene of the crime as they work together to solve a Zoo mystery. We will break out the magnifying glasses, follow footprints, and interview key suspects in this zany search for the truth.
Groups will visit our Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza in lieu of a scavenger hunt on 10/4, 10/5, 11/1, and 11/2
Tickets for 11/16, 11/22, 11/23, 12/6, 12/7, 12/13, 12/14 are an additional $10 each and will include a visit to our Wild Illuminations event in lieu of a scavenger hunt.
12/6, 12/7, 12/13, & 12/14 groups will sleep in the Worlds of Discovery building in Kids Kingdom.
Registration information
Scout overnights are designed for groups in grades 1-6. Overnights take place from 6:45pm until 9 am the following morning and include next-day admission for those who participated in the overnight. Also included are live animal visits, an after dark scavenger hunt, a pillowcase craft, and an evening snack & a continental breakfast.
Pricing: $55* per child or adult (for both non-members and Zoo Members)
Please, no children under age 6, including nursing infants.
*pricing during our Wild Illuminations Event is $65/person and includes a visit to the event.
Important Information for Troop/Pack Leaders:
Due to the popularity of our scout overnights, available spaces fill quickly. Please purchase tickets for your entire group in one transaction. Overnight programs must have a minimum of 24 participants, children and adults, to occur. If your group has less than 24 participants, please consider combining with another small group. If you book a date with less than 24 participants, please wait to hear from our Reservation Dept. before confirming the date with your group. We will notify you at least 2 weeks prior to your event as to whether the program will occur. Clicking on the Register button and choosing a date from the calendar will show available spaces. Unless your group meets the maximum number of participants, the Zoo reserves the right to combine groups to meet the maximum. Sleeping location for each overnight is at the Zoo’s discretion and is listed in each description below as well as in each chaperone guide. Sleeping location may change without notice.
Call 412-365-2528 or email [email protected] with any questions.
VIEW AVAILABLE OVERNIGHTS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION BELOW BEFORE REGISTERING
Chaperone Guide & FAQ
- Children who belong to the scout or youth group and siblings in grades 1-6 Group leaders and chaperones to meet our recommended ratio of 1 adult to 4 children.
- All participants must purchase tickets at least 2 weeks prior to your Overnight program. We cannot add participants upon your arrival to the Zoo.
- ALL participants must arrive at 6:45pm and enter the Zoo as one group.
- If you are running late, please call 412-760-7452.
- Parking is in the main zoo parking lot off Butler Street. A security guard or zoo instructor will meet your group at the admission gates.
- No. Due to safety concerns all participants must arrive by 6:45pm and enter the Zoo as one group.
- Pajamas, slippers or socks, a pillow and sleeping bag, toiletries, hand towel, washcloth, a change of clothing for the next day, camera, and a flashlight. You may bring an air mattress or foam pad if desired.
- A water bottle.
- PACK LIGHTLY! You will be carrying your belongings to the Education Complex. Consider bringing a wagon to help transport your belongings.
- Please leave your valuables at home, as the Zoo is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- There will be two Education staff members conducting your program. One staff member will remain with your group overnight.
- A Zoo Security Guard is always on duty.
- Casual, comfortable clothing with weather appropriate outerwear and suitable shoes for walking outdoors. We will be going outside regardless of the weather conditions.
- The temperature in the Education Complex fluctuates. Please be prepared for cool and warm temperatures.
- Please be sure that your group eats a full dinner before arriving at the zoo. Concessions will not be available.
- A light snack will be provided at approximately 8:30pm.
- Breakfast will include cereal, oatmeal, granola or breakfast bars, milk, juice, coffee and tea.
- In the Education Complex on a commercially carpeted floor. For your safety, the doors to the building will be locked overnight.
- Between 8:45-9:00am.
- You will be asked to return your belongings to your car at the end of the program.
- You will be provided with a group admission pass that is valid for ONLY for that day’s visit, regardless of weather. The pass is for the entire group and you must re-enter the zoo as a group.
- Be sure your entire group arrives on time so we can be prompt with beginning your program.
- Give all participants name tags to be worn for the duration of your program.
- All group leaders and chaperones must have access to emergency contact information for each person in your group.
- Chaperones are expected to keep groups organized and behaving appropriately. Disrespectful and destructive behaviors are unacceptable and can result in the termination of the program.
- Chaperones should always stay with the group, participate in all scheduled activities, and assist in the distribution of food and craft supplies.
- Alcoholic beverages and the use of tobacco products (including vapes) are prohibited on Zoo grounds. We do not have a designated smoking area within the Zoo.
- First contact your group leader.
- If you are unable to reach your group leader, call our overnight staff member at: 412-760-7452
6:45pm: Group arrival
7:00pm-8:30pm: Icebreaker, ZSI Activities, Animal Visits, & Snack
8:30pm-9:15pm: Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
9:15pm-10:00pm: Craft and Animal Visits
10:00pm-10:15pm: Get ready for bed
10:15pm: Lights Out
7:30am-8:00am: Wake-up, pack belongings, and walk to breakfast location
8:00am-8:30am: Breakfast
8:30am-9:00 am: Animal Visits
9:00am: Program ends
* Times are approximate and the agenda is subject to change without notice.
While we feel confident that your group members will conduct themselves with respectful behavior towards the animals, staff, and other guests of the Zoo, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium reserves the right to deny groups or individuals with inappropriate behavior the opportunity to participate in animal visits. In extreme cases, groups or individuals could be asked to leave the premises without a refund. If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call 412-365-2528.
