Zoo Boo 2024, The Houston Zoo

Zoo Boo Details

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

Zoo Boo Dates: September 27-October 31
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., last entry at 4:00 p.m.
Note: The Zoo will be closing early for a private event on Saturday, October 19 at 3:00 p.m., with last entry at 2:00 p.m.

RESERVE TICKETS

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

NEW THIS YEAR:

Explore our Ghost Town located between Cypress Circle and the giraffe barn
See Glowing Pumpkins near Flamingo Terrace
Talking Pumpkins located in African Forest near the Arrival Building and at the end of Spooky Forest

Zoo Boo After Hours

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

AFTER HOURS HIGHLIGHTS:

Spooky Forest
Ghost Town located between Cypress Circle and the giraffe barn
Glowing Pumpkins near Flamingo Terrace
Spooky Dance Party at John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo

This event happens only on select dates – see dates below.

Zoo Boo After Hours Dates:
September 27
October 4, 11, 18, 23-30
5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., last entry at 8:00 p.m.

VIEW PDF MAP

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.

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 (swords, guns, knives, projectiles, brooms, wands, 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.

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.

Zoo Boo 2024

September 27-October 31, 2024