John Ball Zoo’s Escape Room Nights Return With a Roar

Maybe it's just me, but I'd love to be locked in at the John Ball Zoo. And now, you have your chance.

John Ball Zoo is bringing back its wildly popular Locked Zoo escape room nights, and the next one drops you straight into big cat territory.

Locked Zoo: Cryptic Cats, returns Friday, July 11 from 6 to 9 p.m., giving guests aged 18 and up a chance to explore the zoo in an entirely new way.

Instead of peaking inside exhibits for big cats, you'll be cracking codes and racing against the clock, all while surrounded by the sights and sounds of the zoo after dark.

This isn’t the first time John Ball Zoo has gone full mystery mode. Last year’s dinosaur-themed Locked Zoo event was such a hit that the zoo is bringing it back with a whole new storyline, ready to roar for your enjoyment.

And the zoo staff is excited it's back, too. Darci Mitchell, the zoo's events and promotions manager said,

“We are thrilled that guests had an amazing experience during our first Locked Zoo event last year." "Locked Zoo is a great way to spend a night out with friends, explore the Zoo with no children and help contribute to the conservation of wildlife and wild places in Michigan and around the world."

How does it work?

Each team (1 to 6 players) will need at least one fully charged phone to complete challenges scattered throughout the zoo. Guests can enter anytime between 6 and 8 p.m.,  (but it’s recommended that you show up at least two hours before closing so you have enough time to finish the entire experience.)

More Locked Zoo events coming up:

Locked Zoo: Cryptic Cats – Friday, Aug. 15 (6–9 p.m.)

Locked Zoo: Fab Forest – Friday, Sept. 5 & Friday, Sept. 26 (5–8 p.m.)

Sound like a dream date night or friend group outing? Tickets are $30 for zoo members and $35 for non-members.

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You can grab your spot now through their website. And a bonus, this great evening helps support the zoo and its programs, so go wild for once.