Get Ready for Some Gourd Times at Houston Zoo
HOUSTON (Sept. 17, 2026) – The Houston Zoo invites all little ghouls and goblins to its month-long, family favorite Zoo Boo, presented by King & Spalding. From Sept. 25- Oct. 31 guests will fall into fun with the perfect autumn-themed photo ops including a 15-foot-tall fall foliage arch at Autumn Avenue, explore Ghost Town near the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo, walk through a pumpkin tunnel made from hundreds of pumpkin lanterns and see their favorite animals enjoy fall-themed enrichment.
New this year, guests will strike a pose at the Great Pumpkin Portrait, find their way through the Tangled Web Trail and jump into action at the Pumpkin Pitch. Back by popular demand, guests can see the Chatter Patch near the Flamingo Terrace and be entertained by Gourdon and Octavius, the talking pumpkins next to the Reptile House and in African Forrest.
On select dates, as the sun goes down, Zoo Boo will light up. Stay late and enjoy Zoo Boo Extended Hours where guests of all ages can enjoy thrills and chills later into the evening with themed nights. On these evenings, the Zoo will close at 9:30 p.m., with last entry at 8:00 p.m. Extended Hours are Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16-18 and 23-30.
The animals will also be joining in on the fun in October. All month long the Zoo’s animals will receive fall-themed enrichment including pumpkins, cinnamon scented paw-zzles, and fall favorite treats. Enrichment plays an important role at the Zoo. The Zoo’s dedicated animal care teams provide animals with a variety of daily enrichments to help keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Each day, enrichment helps animals exercise their cognitive, behavioral or sensory skills.
All Zoo Boo activities and Extended Hours are included with general admission and are free for Zoo members. Tickets and reservations must be made online for non-members. Guests are encouraged to make a parking plan before heading to the Zoo. Free parking is available in Hermann Park. Guests can also use their favorite rideshare app or ride the METRORail. Several pay-to-park garages are available near the Zoo, including 6400 Fannin. For all the details and to make Zoo Boo reservations, visit www.houstonzoo.org.
By recycling old handheld devices during Zoo Boo, guests are helping to save gorillas in the wild. A portion of each Zoo membership and admission supports the Zoo’s small electronics recycling program. Cell phones and other handheld devices contain a mineral called coltan which is found in central Africa. When the mineral is destructively mined, wild habitats are taken away from gorillas, chimpanzees and okapis. Devices can be recycled at the collection box located at the main entrance of the Zoo.
Additional Specialty Nights
NEW Member Preview
Wednesday, September 23
Members will get an exclusive first look at all the fall fun. Their tickets include a free printed professional photo and Wildlife Carousel rides. This evening, the Zoo will extend its hours from 6:00-9:00 p.m., with last entry at 8:00 p.m.
Spooky Spirits
Thursday, October. 15
Adults 21+ are invited to wear their best costumes and enjoy the Zoo without the kids. Tickets include one drink, aura photography, a zodiac quest scavenger hunt and access to Zoo Boo at night. Specialty cocktails and non-alcoholic options are available for purchase. Tickets available at www.houstonzoo.org.
Dia de los Muertos
November 1 & 2
Día de los Muertos is a holiday celebrating the lives of late loved ones through colorful altars and celebrations. The Zoo will honor some its animals that recently passed away. Guests can celebrate the life of their beloved animal by bringing a photo or creating a craft for the Zoo’s ofrenda and take photos with La Catrina, a symbolic figure of a female skeleton wearing an elegant hat.
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The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. Established in 1922, today the Zoo is a leading conservation and education nonprofit organization providing care to thousands of animals. All while remaining a cherished destination for fun, family, and inspiration for all of Houston’s diverse communities. The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. To stay informed about the Houston Zoo, visit www.houstonzoo.org.
