Snoozing with the Species: Bramble Park Zoo Announces Inaugural Spring Break Lock-In for Teens

Sleeping under the stars at the zoo, a visitor enjoys a peaceful night near a giraffe and a bear as the illuminated sign glows against the starry sky.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Bramble Park Zoo is inviting local students to trade their bedrooms for the zoo grounds this spring break. The zoo has officially announced its Inaugural Spring Break Lock-In, a first-of-its-kind overnight experience designed specifically for students in grades 6 through 12.

The event, which is scheduled to run from 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, offers a unique opportunity for young animal lovers to experience the zoo after hours.

A Free Opportunity for Future Conservationists

In a significant win for local families, the program is being offered free of charge. This is made possible through a generous grant from the Watertown Area Community Foundation’s Youth Council, which sought to provide an engaging and educational outlet for students during their spring recess.

“This is a great way for students interested in animals and conservation to spend their spring break," the zoo shared in its event announcement. “It’s not just a sleepover; it’s an immersive look at what it takes to care for our animals and protect wildlife.”

What to Expect: Behind the Scenes at Night

While most visitors see the zoo only during daylight hours, Lock-In participants will get a rare glimpse of the zoo's nocturnal side. The “Snooze at the Zoo” itinerary is expected to include:

·        Up-Close Animal Encounters: Educational sessions with ambassador animals.

·        Conservation Workshops: Interactive activities focused on environmental stewardship.

·        Nighttime Observations: Seeing how the zoo’s residents—ranging from primates to reptiles—behave once the sun goes down.

·        Behind-the-Scenes Access: Learning about the daily (and nightly) operations of a modern zoological facility.

How to Apply

Because of the event's unique nature and the limited number of “snooze” spots available, the zoo has implemented a competitive application process. Interested students are required to submit:

1.    A formal application form.

2.    A short essay detailing their interest in animals and conservation.

3.    A signed waiver from a parent or guardian.

The application deadline was March 1, 2026. Those who have already submitted their materials via the city’s e-docs portal are currently being reviewed, with participants expected to be notified shortly.

About Bramble Park Zoo

Located at 800 10th Street NW in Watertown, Bramble Park Zoo is home to over 500 animals and is a cornerstone of education and recreation in the region. The zoo is open year-round, but special events like the Spring Break Lock-In are part of a renewed effort to engage the community’s youth in hands-on science and biology.

For more information on upcoming programs or to support the Lake Area Zoological Society, visit www.brambleparkzoo.com or call (605) 882-6269.