Illustration of a fall festival scene (HallZOOween at the Cincinnati Zoo)
Family-Friendly Fall Activities

HallZOOween at the Cincinnati Zoo

HallZOOween transforms the Cincinnati Zoo into a festive fall wonderland. Families can enjoy trick-or-treating at designated stations, watch animals delight in pumpkin enrichment, and be amazed by the Theater of Illusion shows. It's a perfect opportunity for autumn-themed photos and a day of spooky, family-friendly fun.

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What to Expect

Zoo transformed for Halloween with trick-or-treating and animal enrichment.

Event Details

Duration

12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Featured Performers

  • Phil Dalton

Organizer

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Food & Drink

Food trucks, snack stations, and Hops overlooking Roo Valley. Mobile ordering available at Hops. Specific locations include Base Camp, LaRosa's, Outpost Cafe, Vine Dippin Dots, Train Dippin Dots, LaRosa's Dippin Dots, Canopy Canteen, Wild Burger, The Coop, Cup and Cone, Savannah Soft Serve, Taco Caja, Trunk Stop, Refill & Refresh, S'mores & More, Santa's Sweets, Mrs. Claus' Kitchen, Candy Cane Cottage, Hot Hippo Headquarters.

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Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (2/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive, spooky, family-friendly

Energy Level

Medium

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Medium

Location

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
3400 Vine St.
Cincinnati, OH
45220

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE with Zoo Admission or membership – Get tickets
  • Parking: Parking lots are located across the street from the Zoo on Vine St., Erkenbrecher Ave, and Dury Ave. Parking cannot be guaranteed. Visitors may enter the Zoo using the pedestrian bridges over Vine and Erkenbrecher. Both are ADA accessible. Members will exit the lot by scanning their digital membership or a physical membership card on the top scanner. Any other visitors can purchase a parking ticket by scanning the QR codes posted around the park or by using the parking kiosk at the zoo’s front entry. Electric Vehicle Charging: We have 8 charging ports in our main Vine St. parking lot.
  • Accessibility: The Zoo offers accessibility information for visitors with disabilities, including details on accessible pathways and services.
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Tips & Advice

  • Bring your own treat bag to help the Zoo go green and collect all your goodies.
  • Arrive early or later in the day on busy weekends to avoid longer lines for entry and attractions.
  • Check the Zoo's 'Today's Hours' or 'Animal News' section on their website for any last-minute schedule changes or animal updates before your visit.
  • Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save money and skip the ticket window lines.
  • Dress children in family-friendly costumes, but be aware that adults may not wear face masks and costumes should not be gory or scary.

Special Events & Promotions

  • FREE with Zoo Admission or membership

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates and times for HallZOOween?

HallZOOween takes place on October 11-12, 18-19, and 25-26, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Is there an additional cost for HallZOOween?

HallZOOween is free with regular Zoo admission or membership.

What activities are available for kids?

Activities include trick-or-treat stations, animal pumpkin enrichment, Phil Dalton's Theater of Illusion shows, and the Pumpkin Express train ride (additional charge).

Can I bring my own treat bag?

Yes, guests are encouraged to bring their own treat bags to help the Zoo go green.

What is the costume policy?

Kids are encouraged to wear family-friendly costumes. Adults may wear costumes but should avoid face masks and overly scary or gory attire. Costumes must be safe and not obstructive.

Tags

halloween festivalfamily friendlytrick or treatpumpkin patchkids gamesanimal enrichmentfall festivalcommunity event

More Halloween Events Near Cincinnati

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 3, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team