Boo at the Zoo
Select Nights, Oct. 9-30
Sensory-Friendly Night is Oct. 12
5-8:30 p.m.
(Last entry is 8 p.m.)
🎃 $13 Zoo Members 🎃$16 General Admission
Free for children 0-23 months
Join us for our non-scary, kid-friendly Halloween event across our EXPANDED event footprint, now creeping up Historic Hill with more festive decorations and animals to see!
Please note, this is not a trick-or-treating event.
Spooky Good Fun
Included in event admission:
- New to Boo: Primate House (Closes at 7:30 p.m.)
- New to Boo: Dinoroarus (Last entry at 8:15 p.m.)
- 4D Theater, showing “Spookley’s 4D Jamboree” (Last entry at 8:15 p.m.)
- Bayer Insectarium
- Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium
- Holekamp Aqua Tunnel at Sea Lion Sound
- Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel
- Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital (Last entry at 7:30 p.m.)
- Parking on both Zoo lots (As available)
Please note: The animal experiences listed above are the only open animal exhibits at Boo at the Zoo and are subject to change.
Open with an additional fee:
- Emerson Zooline Railroad (One loop around; $3.95 for members; $4.95 for non-members; last entry at 8 p.m.)
- Wild Explorer Virtual Reality Experience ($5; Last entry at 8:15 p.m.)
Halloween Festivities, Fare and “Boo-tiques”
Fun, spellbinding decorations and photo opportunities are all around the Zoo! And get pumped for some "spooktacular" entertainment nightly as actors bring the decorated areas to life and interact with you.
As you creep around the Zoo, you’ll find delicious fall-themed menu items at various locations. Be sure to shop the Zoo gift shop “boo-tiques” for souvenirs.
Tickets and Parking
Oct. 9-30: $13 Zoo Members; $16 General Admission
Free for children 0-23 months
Parking on both Zoo lots (as available)
Treat yourself to tickets NOW!
Sensory-Friendly Night, Oct. 12
$13 Zoo Members; $16 General Admission
Free for children 0-23 months
Sensory-Friendly Night is 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. The Zooline Railroad does not run on Sensory-Friendly Night.
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. Tickets are nonrefundable, except in the case of event cancellation. If you have questions, please contact Guest Relations at guestrelations@stlzoo.org or at (314) 646-4797, option #2. 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.
Costume Policy and Safety
Costumes are encouraged but must be family friendly. 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.
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. Call volumes may be longer than usual. Thank you for your patience.
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, open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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. Call volumes may be higher than usual. Thank you for your patience.
Book Your Stay
Are you or your friends and family visiting from out of town? Check out our Hotel Partners to book your stay!
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!
SSM Health Cardinal Glennon
Mid America Chevy Dealers
Prairie Farms Dairy
Wells Fargo
The Goddard School
Dot Foods
To inquire about event sponsorship opportunities, please email sponsorship@stlzoo.org.