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Zoo Boo 2025

Celebrate fall festivities at Houston Zoo for our month-long event, Zoo Boo presented by King & Spalding!

September 26-October 31, 2025

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Zoo Boo Details

Zoo Boo Season: September 26-October 31
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., last entry at 4:00 p.m.

RESERVE TICKETS

This event is included with general admission and is FREE for members.

Enjoy fall festivities at the Zoo during Zoo Boo presented by King & Spalding. Costumes are encouraged, and ghouls and goblins will have plenty of favorites to experience, including visiting our Carved Pumpkins sponsored by Frost Bank, Pumpkin Tree sponsored by Open Water, and animal-themed Peek-a-Boo Pumpkins.

Family-Friendly Favorites

  • Don’t miss our Pumpkin Lantern Tunnel between the lions and tiger exhibits
  • Our spooktacular Scary-Go-Round
  • Photo ops all over the Zoo
  • Daily fall-themed enrichment for our animals, and much more!

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NEW Fall Fun Pass
Get the best deal of the fall season! Our Fall Fun Pass includes general admission, a souvenir conservation bracelet, and unlimited Scary-Go-Round carousel rides during the day of your Zoo visit. 

 

Zoo Boo Extended Hours

On select dates, we’re extending our hours to allow guests to experience the fun lights and spooky sparkle of Zoo Boo extended hours. 

EXTENDED HOURS HIGHLIGHTS:

  • NEW PhantomScape, an immersive display that casts animated visuals on the rocks and landscape of Galápagos Islands.
  • Spooky Forest (opens at 5:00 p.m.)
  • Ghost Town at John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo
  • Glowing Pumpkins
  • Make s’mores by the fire

This event is included with general admission and is FREE for members. This event happens only on select dates – see dates below.

Zoo Boo Extended Hours Dates:
September 26
October 3,10, 17-19, 23-24, 26-30
Open until 9:30 p.m., last entry at 8:00 p.m.

Note: Due to Hermann Park events on Friday evenings, we may experience increased traffic. To help you avoid increased traffic, allow for extra time and check out our recommended parking options.

NEW Spooky Spirits

Join us for a wickedly good time at our brand-new 21+ event, Spooky Spirits, during Zoo Boo presented by King & Spalding.

More Details

Día de los Muertos

Gather your family and join us for a special celebration of Día de los Muertos at the Houston Zoo. Stroll through the Zoo and enjoy glowing decorations, festive photo ops, and a chance to see La Catrina, one of the most recognizable symbols of the Día de los Muertos holiday.

Learn More

Zoo Boo Food & Retail Treats

From spooky sweets to savory treats, these Fall bites are scary good. Find Harvest Charcuterie Pretzels, Chilling Ice Cream Sandwiches, Zoo Boo Churros (and more!) at food locations around the Zoo. On top of that, our Zoo Store will be filled with new fall merch including capybara and bat-themed T-shirts. See full menu details in our FAQ.

 

ZOO BOO FAQ

Can we come dressed in costume?

Zoo Boo is a family-friendly event, and all costumes must be appropriate for ghouls of all ages. Adults are welcome to come in costume, but must be family-friendly. Faces must remain fully visible. Provocative, revealing, or offensive clothing is prohibited. No heavy makeup or face paint for adults.

The Houston Zoo reserves the right to deny entry due to inappropriate attire. It is the discretion of Houston Zoo to determine if a costume object may be considered a weapon in nature and thereby prohibited.

What items are prohibited at Zoo Boo?

Restricted items include but are not limited to:

  • Costume weapons of any kind and some props (guns, knives, projectiles, etc.)
  • Fireworks of any kind
  • Excessively gory or non-family friendly props or items
  • Inflatable objects or costumes
  • Heavy makeup or face paint for adults (Including masks covering the entire face. Adults must have their entire face visible.)

The Houston Zoo is unable to store items for guests during their visit.

Will there be seasonal food options available?

There will be plenty of food options available, including our full menu from Cypress Circle Café, as well as our food kiosks around the Zoo. Place your order online ahead of time from Cypress Circle.

Enjoy a variety of fall-themed snacks and treats at the following locations:

Cypress Circle Café

  • Winter Greens Salad
  • Southwest Cobb Salad
  • Mac Attack Chicken Sandwich
  • Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken Sandwich
  • Braised Beef Shepard’s Pie

Jack’s Café

  • Harvest Charcuterie Pretzel
  • Baby Gem and Kale Caesar Salad
  • Charred Brussel Sprouts Salad
  • Chicken & Sausage Gumbo
  • Blackened F.O.F. Po’Boy
  • Chilling Ice Cream Sandwich

Twiga Café

  • Tater Kegs
  • Parmesan Truffle Fries
  • Mushroom Ragu Burger
  • Eggplant Parmesan (VG)
  • Italian Chop Salad
  • Ginger Snap Spooky Cookies

Craft Food Truck at Flamingo Terrace

  • Barbacoa Tacos
  • KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) Tacos
  • Cajun Cauliflower Tacos
  • Funnel Cake Fries
  • Zoo Boo Churros

BBQ Trailer

  • Base Dawg (sausage on a stick)
  • Mummy Dog on a Stick
  • Fright-Fried Twinkie

Can I store personal items at the Zoo while I visit?

The Houston Zoo cannot hold any items for guests at the Guest Relations Office. Please leave all unsecured or restricted items in your personal vehicle or at home.

As a Zoo member, can I purchase additional discounted tickets not covered by my membership?

Yes, members receive discounted admission for extra guests not covered by their membership. Prices for these discounted tickets will adjust along with Flex Pricing when members log in to the Member Portal.

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