Overnight Adventures for Youth Retreat

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Looking for the perfect group adventure or youth retreat? Spend a night aboard Noah’s Ark! This behind-the-scenes opportunity is especially popular with youth groups and Christian schools.

Request Reservation

Due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and social distancing requirements, we have made the difficult decision to suspend our overnight program for the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter for the remainder of 2020.

We are not accepting any bookings for 2020 but if you would like to be added to a waiting list for 2021, please request a reservation. We would be happy to notify you once the 2021 calendar is available for booking.

Explore the Exhibits

After the Ark is closed for the day, all three decks of stunning exhibits are yours to explore on your adventure (or youth retreat)!

Late-Night Fun

Start the night out with a tour, games, and a snack, and then settle in for an entertaining and educational video before bedtime.

Spend the Night on Noah’s Ark

Roll out your sleeping bags and settle in for a night aboard the Ark with Noah’s family and the animals. Girls and boys sleep separately on the Ark’s second and third decks.

Breakfast Options

After spending a night aboard the Ark, your group will gather for breakfast at Emzara’s restaurant. Choose from three different breakfast options when requesting your reservation:

Cold Continental (included)
Pop Tarts, cereal, assorted muffins, yogurt, granola, and drink choices.

Hot Full Breakfast Buffet ($12 each)
Includes but not limited to; Bacon, eggs, fried potatoes, biscuits, etc. and drink choices. (Requires three week advance notice.)

Private Zoo Tour

Meet exotic animals like zebras and ostriches up close with a behind-the-scenes tour from the zoo staff at Ararat Ridge Zoo! After your zoo experience, your group is free to explore the Ark and grounds for the rest of the day.

Full Itinerary

Evening Arrival

Check-in for overnight visit at Admissions. Bring in bedding.
Sleeping Areas: Girls on Deck 2, Boys on Deck 3
Emergency Evacuation Procedures (Department of Public Safety)
Ark Walk-through Tour, Program, and Snack
Preparation for bed. Lights out at midnight.

Day at the Ark/Departure

Wake up. Gather belongings and return them to vehicles.
Continental Breakfast at Emzara’s restaurant
Zoo Experience
Free time to tour Ark, Ararat Ridge Zoo, Emzara’s restaurant, and gift shop

Note: Bedding and shower facilities are not provided.

Prices and Reservations

Minimum group size: 30 participants and 4 chaperones (34 total)
Maximum group size: 90 participants and 10 chaperones (100 total)

Participants (Ages 9–17): $69.95
Minimum of 30 participants (or paying for 30) required, maximum of 90. This program is intended for youth and school groups ages 9 to 17, not groups of adults.

Chaperones (Ages 18+): $52.95
One chaperone per 10 participants required (minimum of four, maximum of eight): Two male, two female. Additional chaperones beyond eight must pay participant rate.

Take Home a Memory
Don’t miss getting your group picture taken by Foto FX! Special overnight package rate of $8 and a digital copy for an additional $2.

Request Your Reservation Payment and Cancellation Policies

Request Your Reservation

We are not accepting any bookings for 2020 but if you would like to be added to a waiting list for 2021, please use the form below. We would be happy to notify you once the 2021 calendar is available for booking.