WHAT IS DREAM NIGHT? 

Dream Night is a special evening event at the Central Park Zoo designed specifically for children who are hospitalized due to illness or disability. These children and their families are invited to attend this free ticketed event that is exclusively for them! Dream Night gives families a chance to spend a fun evening meeting animals and enjoying time together in our Zoo.  

Central Park Zoo's Dream Night is an intimate evening that includes games and activities designed for everyone to enjoy.  Families will have special access to some of our animals, get to chat with zookeepers, play interactive games, make crafts and enjoy yummy treats! 

The Rotterdam Zoo was the first zoo to hold a Dream Night at the Zoo event back in 1996. The idea was developed by a zookeeper who wanted to partner with a local hospital to give children a chance to visit the zoo. Today, more than 175 zoos and aquariums in over 35 countries host Dream Night events welcoming these special families to their park.

Dream Night is a collaboration between The Central Park Zoo and  Ronald McDonald House New York.