Boo at the Zoo
Oct. 10-30, 2024
Nightly, 5 to 8:30 p.m.
(Oct. 14 is Sensory-Friendly Night)
People of all ages can enjoy festive decorations, entertainers, specialty food and drinks, and more at the Saint Louis Zoo's nighttime, non-scary Halloween experience.
Please note, this is not a trick-or-treating event.
Dates | Members (Age 2+) | Non-Members (Age 2+) | Tickets |
| Oct. 10-13 | $12 | $15 | Tickets |
Oct. 14 (Sensory-Friendly Night) | $10 | $10 | Tickets |
Oct. 15-17 | $10 | $13 | Tickets |
Oct. 18-30 | $12 | $15 | Tickets |
Free for children ages 0-1. Free parking is available at both Zoo parking lots during the event. The Zoo closes for all guests at 4 p.m. Doors re-open at 5 p.m. for the ticketed event. High demand is expected, and popular dates may sell out quickly. Tickets may be purchased online the night of the event (based on ticket availability). Tickets are valid only for the day and time noted. Tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable, except in the case of event cancellation.
Free with Admission:
4D Theater, featuring "Happy Family 4D"
Additional Attractions Open:
Zooline Railroad ($3.95 for members; $4.95 for non-members); weather permitting
Wild Explorer VR Experience ($5 for all guests), featuring:
- "Gorilla Trek"
- "The Great Migration"
- "Jinxed" (Note: Some spooky subject matter may not be appropriate for all ages.)
Group Discounts:
Groups of 15 or more may receive a discounted rate on tickets when purchased and paid for at least eight days prior to your visit date. To purchase group tickets, please call (314) 646-4781, or visit the Group Ticket Desk at the North Entrance from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Halloween Decorations and Animals
Fun, spellbinding decorations for great photo opportunities are all around the Zoo.
Slither into the Herpetarium to catch sight of turtles, tortoises, frogs, toads, lizards, snakes and more. Plus, splash with the stingrays at Stingrays at Caribbean Cove.
Entertainment
Get pumped for some "spooktacular" entertainment nightly as actors bring the decorated areas to life and interact with you!
Featured Attractions
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Wild Explorer VR Experience
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Stingrays at Caribbean Cove
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4D Theater
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Zooline Railroad
Souvenirs & Food
Savor a variety of delicious food and drinks at various locations around the Zoo. Be sure to shop our "boo-tiques" for souvenirs and receive 10% off any purchase at Zoo gift shops (members receive 20% off).
Sensory-Friendly Night
Monday, Oct 14, is Sensory-Friendly Night for neurodivergent guests with sensory sensitivities. This special night will mirror the traditional Boo at the Zoo experience, but also includes sensory maps, quiet areas and trained Zoo staff to assist individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Sensory-Friendly Night is sponsored by Mastercard.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there is no timed entry. Doors open at 5 p.m. Last entry to the event is 8 p.m., and the event concludes at 8:30 p.m.
Parking is available on the North and South Lots.
While parking for the event is free, lots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and may reach capacity. If lots are full, limited street parking within the boundaries of Forest Park also is available for free.
Prior to the event, the Zoo closes to the public at 4 p.m. (all pathways, restaurants, exhibits and attractions will no longer be open.) Doors will re-open at 5 p.m. for the event. Zoo guests planning to attend Boo at the Zoo will need to exit the Zoo and have their event tickets scanned for re-entry starting at 5 p.m.
Buying tickets online is the best option as the Zoo is experiencing high call volumes. Tickets do sell out, so buying in advance is recommended.
For those unable to access the Zoo’s website, please call (314) 646-4797, option #2, to speak with a representative. Lines are staffed daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Zoo's wheelchair, stroller and ECV rental fees apply for this event.
Groups of 15 or more may receive a discounted rate on tickets when bought and paid for at least eight days prior to your visit date. To buy group tickets, please call (314) 646-4781, or visit the Group Ticket Desk at the North Entrance from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Inclement weather with precipitation or high winds may hinder some displays from working correctly. We apologize for any inconvenience.
In case of a cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the Zoo will update its website and social media by 3 p.m. on the day of the event. Ticket holders also will receive an email. (If no guest alert has been posted by 3 p.m., the event will continue as planned.) If you have tickets for a canceled event, you will receive a full refund on the credit or debit card used to purchase. The Zoo will do its best to issue refunds promptly.
For any issues related to online ticket purchases, please call (314) 646-4797, option #2, or email guestrelations@stlzoo.org. A Zoo representative will follow up with you as soon as possible.
Costume Policy
Costume masks and face paint/makeup that conceal the whole face are not permitted on guests 14 and older. Scary costumes are not permitted. Costume appropriateness is up to the discretion of Zoo Security. Click here to read our full Costume Policy.
Book Your Stay
Are you or your friends and family visiting from out of town? Check out our Hotel Partners to book your stay!
Sponsors
Thank you to our 2024 sponsors:
SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital
Mid America Chevy Dealers
Prairie Farms Dairy
Wells Fargo
Caleres
The Goddard School
Dot Foods
Vantage Credit Union
To inquire about event sponsorship opportunities, please email sponsorship@stlzoo.org.