Soft play sleepovers at Whipsnade Zoo 

 UK’s largest Zoo launches overnight slumber parties from Monday 15 January 

  The UK’s biggest Zoo is inviting kids to live out their dreams and spend the night at soft play, with the launch of Hullaba-snooze – a brand new overnight experience at Whipsnade Zoo’s Hullabazoo indoor play.   

Spending the evening within roaring distance of the Zoo’s amazing animals, groups of 20 or more can bed down in the heart of the Bedfordshire-based conservation zoo, with bookings for the exciting experience opening on 11 January 2024.   

After the Zoo has closed to the public, young guests can run wild in Hullabazoo soft play before joining an entertaining ZSL host for an animal themed treasure hunt. Groups will wind down with colouring and a craft activity making a souvenir of their stay, before settling down on their camp beds with a bedtime story and a cosy night inside the Zoo’s huge soft play area.    

Whipsnade Zoo’s Visitor Experiences Manager, Catherine Howes said; “Whipsnade Zoo is a magical place to spend the night and what better way that to have exclusive access to our soft play area all evening and book a Hullaba-snooze experience?  

“We’re offering large groups of families and friends, school groups, or cubs and brownies the opportunity to exclusively book the overnight experience. As part of the special experience, we’re pleased to offer tailored tours to meet the specific interests of the group or help complete a badge that Uniformed Groups are working towards.”     

After a good night’s sleep, visitors may be woken by roars from across the Zoo signalling it’s time to enjoy a breakfast buffet of juice, pastries, yoghurt and fruit.   

Catherine Howes continues; “African Lions, Waka, Winta and Malik are our Zoo’s alarm clock. Their roars can travel up to five miles, ensuring they wake anyone who’s still sleeping. Keep an ear out, you might hear them roar.”  

Animal lovers will start the day racing around soft play before setting off on a morning tour to spot the earlier risers, guided by dedicated hosts, before the Zoo opens to the public for the day. Lucky guests will be the first to see the Zoo’s flock flamingos, coalition of cheetahs and pride of African lions.   

The most unique way to support international conservation charity ZSL, families and groups enjoying the Zoo’s soft play sleepover are in turn supporting ZSL’s vital conservation work around the world, including projects like the Partula snail reintroduction programme and helping the wildlife charity to conserve species such as Angelsharks, Mongolian camels and Asian elephants.  

 To find out more or book your tickets visit whipsnadezoo.org.