You may have heard of camping under the stars, but have you heard of camping under the fish?  Well here is a quick story about my experiences last week at the Omaha Zoo, also known as the Henry Doorly Zoo. 

My daughter’s Girls Scout Troop had planned a trip to the zoo. This trip had an extra special twist – they would stay the night in the aquarium.  Yes, sleeping with the sharks, stingrays, and noisy penguins.  The girls and their moms actually get to stay in the area of the aquarium where the fish are directly above you. If you have been to the zoo you know what I am talking about, but for those who have not, this area is a cave made of glass and plastic. And, the dads get to sleep down the hall with the penguins.  My recommendation for any future dads that tag along on this “campout” is to bring ear plugs because those little guys squawk all night long. 

The event is well planned by the zoo.  You arrive on Friday evening and unload all your gear into the aquarium.  Next you are off on a guided night hike of the zoo.  This is awesome because not only do you have the zoo to yourself, but some of the animals are a little more active in the evening. Once the hike is complete it is back to the aquarium to begin setting up for the evening.  Our Girl Scout leaders had some events planned in order to settle the ladies down and get them to sleep, which I think was around 2 am. The aquarium is just too exciting to go to sleep.  After getting a few hours of sleep, you are off on another morning tour of the zoo.  Again a great experience with guided tours and the zoo all to yourself.  Finally you are released to explore the zoo on your own.  This gives you an opportunity to revisit your favorites or catch something you did not have the chance to see. 

This was a great experience that my daughter has not quit talking about and will forever be a memorable family experience. 

~Kelly