The family sleepover will allow families to get up close to some of the zoo's animals. View Full Caption Julie Larsen Maher

CORONA — This weekend you can pitch a tent and wake up next to wildlife — without ever leaving Queens.

The Queens Zoo is hosting a family sleepover Saturday night, one of three similar events planned through the spring.

Zoo experts will teach about animal diets and will give an after-dark walk through the aviary to meet some of the birds up close.

Bring your own tent, sleeping bags and a picnic dinner Saturday afternoon; the zoo provides beverages, dessert, a late-night snack and breakfast.

The Queens Zoo is home to a large aviary with ducks, parrots and egrets; coyotes in a wildlife habitat; and barnyard animals like rabbits and cashmere goats.

The overnight trip costs $85 per person for Wildlife Conservation Society members and $100 for non-members.

The Queens Zoo is at 53-51 111th St. in Corona. The first weekend sleepover is Sept. 28 through Sept. 29 with additional dates next May and June. For more information, visit their site.