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Boo at the Zoo presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital

Oct. 13-29, 2023

Nightly, 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 16 is Sensory-Friendly night.

Families of all ages can enjoy festive decorations, entertainers, special food and drink menus and more at the Saint Louis Zoo’s nighttime, non-scary Halloween experience. Please note, this is not a trick-or-treating event.

Due to popular demand, you may experience temporary delays with the online ticketing system. Thank you for your patience while we work to solve this issue. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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Halloween Decorations and Animal Attractions

Fun, spellbinding decorations for great photo opportunities include Kraken Cove, Extraterrestrial Encounter, Pumpkin Palooza and much more.

Slither into the Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium to catch sight of turtles, tortoises, frogs, toads, lizards, snakes and more. Spiders, centipedes, beetles and other invertebrates await you at the Bayer Insectarium.


Tickets and Parking

Due to popular demand, you may experience temporary delays with the online ticketing system. Thank you for your patience while we work to solve this issue. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Tickets are available online.

Tickets required for ages 2+. Free for children under age 2.

High demand is expected and popular dates may sell out quickly. Check the ticket links for current availability. Tickets may be purchased online the night of the event (based on ticket availability).

Oct. 13-15:
$12/Zoo member, $15/non-member

Oct. 16 (Sensory-Friendly night):
$10/Zoo member, $10/non-member

Oct. 17-19:
$10/Zoo member, $13/non-member

Oct. 20-29:
$12/Zoo member, $15/non-member

Ticket includes:

  • Entrance to Boo at the Zoo, Emerson Dinoroarus, Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by SSM Health, Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel, Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium, Bayer Insectarium and 4D Theater (see details below)
  • Don’t miss your chance to ride the nighttime Emerson Zooline Railroad (separate fee).
  • Free parking (as available)

Tickets are valid only for the day and time noted. Tickets are not refundable or transferable.

Group Discounts:

Groups of 15 or more may receive a discount 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.

Entertainment

Get pumped for some spooktacular entertainment nightly as actors bring the decorated areas to life and interact with YOU!

Featured Attractions

  • Emerson Dinoroarus

  • Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by SSM Health

  • Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel

  • 4D Theater

    "Happy Family 2"

Souvenirs & Food

Taste a variety of delicious foods and drinks at various locations around the Zoo. Be sure to shop the boo-tique for souvenirs and receive 10 percent (20 percent for members) off any purchase at Zoo gift shops.

This year's Boo at the Zoo souvenir T-shirt features spooky (not scary) ghosts and a friendly owl. The shirts are available for purchase online and at select Zoo gift shops, while supplies last.

Sensory-Friendly Night

Monday, Oct 16, 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.

The Zoo also will offer a limited number of free KultureCity sensory backpacks to check out and use during the event. These bags include headphones and fidgets. Backpacks are to be returned at the end of the evening.

Sensory-Friendly Night is supported by The Autism Clinic at Hope.

Costume Policy

Family-friendly costumes are encouraged. 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!

Hotel Partners

Thank You to Our Sponsors

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital
Wells Fargo
Caleres
Mid America Chevy Dealers
Prairie Farms Dairy

Proceeds Benefit the Zoo

Proceeds benefit the Saint Louis Zoo and its efforts to save endangered species at home and around the world.