Guide to Creatures Of The Night at ZooAmerica 2022

Creatures Of The Night at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is back every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 14-30! 

ZooAmerica is open daily at 10 a.m. this month with extended hours from 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 14-16, 21-23 and 28-30 for the popular Halloween-themed event.  It is the only time of year the Zoo is open after dark for an exploration into the nighttime habits of the nocturnal North American animals. 

Creatures Of The Night is included in the one-price admission to Hersheypark Halloween only when accessing the Zoo from the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours. Separate admission is also available online or at the ZooAmerica admissions building for guests who plan to attend just Creatures Of The Night.

Check out this guide of activities and educational displays for the whole family during Creatures Of The Night, weather permitting.  

Flashlight Tour of the Zoo

During Creatures Of The Night, guests of all ages can explore the Zoo by flashlight under the cover of night. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own flashlights for optimal viewing of the outdoor habitats. There is no better way to see the wild and fascinating animal activity that only happens after the sun sets.

Animal Enrichment Activities

Guests can watch an animal enrichment activity or feeding at 7 p.m. on each operating night of Creatures Of The Night. 

• Friday night: American alligator feeding
• Saturday night: Gray wolf enrichment 
• Sunday night: Southwest enrichment, including a ringtail, ocelot, coati and armadillo

Storytime On The Patio

Zoo visitors can hear Native American folktales under the stars on the Woodlands Patio at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m. 

Decorating a Luminary

Guests should bring their curiosity and creativity to the zoo after dark! Families can help light up the night by decorating luminary bags for a display in the prairie dog habitat. Supplies will be provided!

Gray Wolf Keeper Chat

A Zoo naturalist will be available at the wolf exhibit throughout the evenings to answer questions about the gray wolf pack. Lucky guests may even get to hear them howling in the night.

Skeleton and Skull Scavenger Hunt

Guests can participate in a scavenger hunt around the Zoo for skeletons and skulls hidden in animal habitats and buildings.

Skunk Tales

The popular program “Skunk Tales” will return for another year with a special appearance by a striped skunk on display near the prairie dog habitat and recycled treasures.

Special Displays

Inside the black bear viewing area, guests can learn about the diverse skeletal systems of the animals and the various types of fur found on their bodies. Plus, across from the prairie dog habitat, visitors can see recycled treasures decorated by the ZooAmerica team.

If you can’t make it to Creatures Of The Night, there are still plenty of opportunities to visit ZooAmerica with daily operations this fall. View the hours here.