The Los Angeles Zoo offers “Zoopendous Nights,” overnight adventures for school groups, scout troops and other organizations that include hands-on animal activities and beastly bedtime stories.

Girl Scouts earned a badge for attending the overnight experience at the Los Angeles Zoo, and by the looks of it, had a great time. (photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Zoo)

Young visitors can tour the zoo after dark and enjoy pizza and salad. After a continental breakfast the following morning, participants will meet some of the zoo’s animal ambassadors. Scouts can earn a badge during the overnight experience. This event is for children 6 through 12.

The program runs from approximately 6 p.m. to 9:15 a.m. the next day. The cost is $60 per person; the programs begin in October. Reservations are being accepted for “Zoopendous Nights” by visiting lazoo.org.

The zoo also offers the “Wild Wonder Family Slumber Program,” another overnight adventure on Sept. 20. It includes a nighttime guided tour of the zoo, a pizza and salad dinner and an evening snack. Participants will sleep under cliffs and trees in the California Condor Rescue Zone. In the morning, wake up with a walk in the zoo and a continental breakfast. A meet and greet session will be held with some of the zoo’s ambassador animals. The sleepover, open to all families, starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday and ends at 10 a.m. on Sunday. The cost is $85 per person.

The Los Angeles Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive, in Griffith Park. For information, call (323)644-4200, or visit lazoo.org.