It popped up on my girlfriend’s Facebook feed. I took it as a message saying, “We need to do this!” (Okay, I may be exaggerating for dramatic effect). The post was about the Adult Night Out at the Minnesota Zoo, and, as I had never been able to attend one of these events, we made plans to go.
Let me tell you: It was fantastic. It is an 18+ night, meaning it wasn’t too crowded and there weren’t any kids to trip over or strollers smashing your heels. I would recommend this to you as a great date opportunity (especially for parents free of the little ones for a night): An evening without the crush of crowds you often experience at the Minnesota Zoo.
You might be thinking, “I bet it was limited access, wasn’t it? Parts of the zoo were closed off, weren’t they? You were confined to a certain, stuck without being able to explore?”
Sorry, Debbie Downer: The glass was half full on this one. Any area accessible during normal business hours was available to us. We made it to everything except for the seals. Maybe next time.
The majority of food vendors were open as well, and, something we don’t normally get during a typical day at the zoo: Craft beer stands as well as a wine bar. A limited selection of hard liquor was available as well. Thankfully no one climbed into the bear cave after one-too-many drinks.
Thankfully, no Harambe situation either.
The next event is on July 19th, followed by another on July 27th. Details are as follows:
Minnesota Zoo Adult Night Out, Thursday, July 19, 6:00 – 9:00pm
18+ to attend, 21+ to drink (no exceptions).
The Minnesota Zoo is celebrating “40 Years of Amazing” with guest experiences, animal care stories and wildlife conservation successes. Explore a grown-up, kid-free version of the Minnesota Zoo after hours and enjoy cocktails and keeper talks during our July event. Food and beverage will be available for purchase.
Kangaroo Crossing VIP Event, 6:30 – 7:30pm
Enjoy the land down under during this exclusive VIP experience on the new Kangaroo deck located inside the Kangaroo Crossing habitat. This event is limited to 30 and will include a Charcuterie Box with meats, dried fruit, crackers, chutney, cheeses, grapes, brownie and water. Cash bar with wine and beer will be available One of the keepers will be stopping by to share stories and fun facts about the animals from Australia. Hop on over for a one-of-kind outback experience. (Rain plan will include an indoor option)
Northern Trail, Russia’s Grizzly Coast, Kangaroo Crossing and the Wells Fargo Family Farm 6:00 – 8:00pm
Tropics Trail and Minnesota Trail 6:00 – 8:30p.m.
Discovery Bay and Penguins 6:00 – 9:00pm
Additional activities:
- Music by Drive South 6:30 – 9:00pm
- Animal Trivia 6:00 – 8:00 pm Central Plaza
- Incredible Creatures 6:30 – 7:30pm Central Plaza
- Wine bar at the Penguin Café
- VIP Event on the Kangaroo deck 6:30 – 7:30pm (Limit of 30)
Ticket Prices:
$10.00 admission (free for members)
$35.00 admission + VIP Event (Must be purchased before 12:00pm on July 19)
$25.00 member + VIP Event (Must be purchased before 12:00pm on July 19)
$15.00 after 12:00pm on July 19
Online Sales End at 5:00pm July 19
Tickets will be available at the door.
No need to print tickets, use your phone
Click here for information on the following July 27 Adult Night Out.
Read this next: Minnesota Zoo celebrates 40 years in 2018
