Fort Worth Zoo’s overnight program gives visitors a peek into the animals’ habitat – after the lights go out.

Spooky Sleepover will take place Friday, Oct. 31 and is just one of many overnight events coming up at the zoo.

“You get to experience the zoo in an entirely new way – you are in the dark viewing many animals that you have only seen during the day, said Fort Worth Zoo’s Director of Education Kathy Dorris. “It's fun to experience the zoo without as many people or lights. “

Activities for the overnight program include dinner, a night tour of the zoo, continental breakfast with a live animal presentation, plus a morning hike through the zoo before it opens to the public.

Former TCU student Abby Martin, 20, a recent overnighter at the zoo, said the experience was fun.

“In the morning, they let you watch the animals eat and move into their exhibits,” she said.

Dorris says anyone age 6 to adult can participate, and the program offers college students a chance to “be kids again.”

“We love hosting local schools and colleges for group meetings and events,” she said. “We just hosted the Kappa Alpha Theta pledge retreat, and we had more than 80 Theta pledges in the zoo.”

Ticket prices range from $55 – $60 per person, which according to Martin, is a small price to pay for treasured memories.

For more information about the overnight program, visit fortworthzoo.org or call 817-759-7200.