Chester Zoo has announced that its much-loved ‘after hours’ event will be making a return this summer following its success over the past three years. If you’ve ever wondered what the animals get up to at one of the UK’s biggest zoos then Afterglow at Chester Zoo allows you to witness nocturnal wildlife first-hand – better still, tickets are up to 50% cheaper than your standard day ticket to the zoo.
Running from August 1 to August 17, Afterglow at Chester Zoo is perfect for both kids and adults and is expected to sell out pretty quickly, with it being a popular event since the ‘after hours’ experience began in 2022. The zoo will host 15 wildlife-filled evenings where visitors will get to explore the zoo in a whole new light with tickets starting from as little as £14.
Visitors will be able to peek into what the jaguars and bats get up to in the evening, say goodnight to the rare baby giraffe, meet the snow leopards Yashin and Nubra, and spend the evening with some of the world’s most endangered species. The experience gives visitors a whopping five hours of zoo time for around 50% less than a standard day ticket (a standard child’s day ticket costs £28, a child’s Afterglow ticket costs from £14), while also enjoying spectacular entertainment, exciting activities, tasty food and drinks as well as unforgettable animal encounters.
The “ultimate summer evening out”
But, in a series of brand-new twists and additions for Afterglow at Chester Zoo 2025, staff at the zoo are promising the “ultimate summer evening out,” with the event set to be bigger, bolder and better than ever before, featuring five themed zones. Expect life-sized prehistoric dinosaur puppets roaming the zoo with full theatrical performances and interactive meet-and-greets throughout each evening, while other new additions this year include a silent disco, fairground rides, giant inflatables, a Master Lego Builder experience, and an array of roaming performers – including acrobats, jugglers and stilt walkers. For those who prefer tranquillity and want to take in the natural sounds and sights around them, there will be a self-led wellbeing trail and guided meditation sessions.
Alongside witnessing sights of the zoo’s many nocturnal animals who’d usually be hiding throughout the day, the evenings will also feature competitions and giveaways, in addition to themed food and drink – including loaded nachos, daiquiris, frozen colas, churro caramel sundaes, cupcakes and hotdogs, freshly prepared and served across the zoo. Plus, for 2025, your ticket to Afterglow at Chester Zoo will also give you access to the newly-opened Heart of Africa Zone.
Gemma Wright, Visitor Experience General Manager at Chester Zoo, said: “Afterglow is back and this year it’s bigger, brighter and bolder than ever before. From inflatable dinosaurs and puppet parades to cocktails and a silent disco under the evening sky, there’s something for absolutely everyone.
“We’ve added more immersive theming across five completely unique zones this year, each one filled with activities, entertainment and of course, the 37,000 amazing animals that the zoo is home to. Whether it’s kids letting off steam on our fairground rides, couples drifting through the Islands on the Lazy River Boat Trip, or families gathering for a dinosaur show – Afterglow is the ultimate summer evening out.
“Importantly, every ticket supports our vital conservation work – both here in the UK and globally. So, while you’re enjoying your frozen treats and giant puppet selfies, you’re also helping protect some of the world’s most threatened species.”
How to get tickets to Afterglow at Chester Zoo
The after hours sessions allow visitors to adventure around the park from 3pm to 8pm and tickets help to raise vital funds for Chester Zoo’s conservation work, which aims to prevent the extinction of some of the most endangered animals. Afterglow will take place at Chester Zoo from August 1-17, with adult tickets from £21, child tickets from £14, toddler tickets from £2.50 and children aged under 12 months, plus carers and zoo members, entering free of charge. Book tickets here.
