Boo at the Zoo Nights

Explore the St. Louis Zoo after dark at Boo at the Zoo. Bring your little ghouls and goblins to this non-scary celebration designed just for kids. Though this is not a trick-or-treating experience, costumes are encouraged, and each child 12 and under will receive a treat bag when they leave. Enjoy the Zoo's decorated, lighted grounds, the Haunted Hallow, the Witchy Walk welcoming little monsters, giant webs, animal encounters, pumpkin painting, a haunted house with a singing witch, the Fragile Forest Fairyland, the pumpkin maze, educational activity stations and lots more.

Kids can also make Halloween-themed, creepy crafts in the Lakeside Cafe, enjoy interactive fireside stories and ride the Conservation Carousel (the non-spooky Scare-ou-sel!). Visit the 4D Theater for a showing of "Happy Family 4D," a tale of a family that unassumingly goes to a theme park but ends up getting transformed into mystical monsters! Don't forget to visit Candy Crossing for Halloween-themed treats, or grab fall-flavored drinks.

There will be lots of opportunities for spooky selfies too! Enter the Zoo's "How do you Boo" Instagram contest by using the hashtag #StLZooBoo for a chance to win Zoo gift cards and Wild Lights tickets.

There will also be nightly, kid-favorite live entertainment, including:

• Juggling Jeff: October 15, 17, 20, 21, 23, 25, 28 and 30.
• Chef Bananas: October 16, 19, 22, 24, 26 and 29.
• Enchanted Events Character Singalongs: October 18 and 27.

Shows are offered at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. and are included with Boo at the Zoo admission. However, tickets are required, and will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis at the Sea Lion Sound ticket booth, so secure your tickets soon as you arrive! 

Boo at the Zoo hours are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. nightly. Children 12 and under will receive a treat bag upon exiting. Parking is free in the north and south lots.

Admission to Boo at the Zoo is $7 for Zoo members ages 2 and up, $8 for non-members ages 2 and up. Children under 2 are free. There is a $1 discount with on-site ticket purchase for children ages 2-12 who are in costume. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance online or by calling 314-646-4781. 

Boo at the Zoo is held nightly Oct. 15-30.

More information and advance tickets: stlzoo.org

The Zoo's costume policy states: Scary costumes are not permitted. Facial features on guests age 13 and older must be recognizable (no masks, no face paint that completely covers the face). Costume appropriateness is up to the discretion of Zoo security. 

See also: NEW this year: Halloweekends at the Saint Louis Zoo!

Find even more Halloween fun all across St. Louis in our Things To Do calendar