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

Boo at the Zoo

Lincoln's premier trick-or-treat event, Boo at the Zoo, transforms the Lincoln Children's Zoo into a Halloween spectacle. Families can gather candy and coupons from numerous booths, enjoy a festive train ride, and experience the zoo in a unique evening setting. All proceeds directly benefit the zoo and its animal residents, making it a fun and charitable outing.

More in Lincoln:

What to Expect

Lincoln's largest trick-or-treat event at the zoo

Event Details

Duration

Evening hours: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM; Daytime hours (Oct 26 only): 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Ages

All ages (ages 2 and up require a ticket)

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Lincoln Children's Zoo

Food & Drink

Runza® will have kid and adult meals available for purchase.

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (2/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and spooky

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

Lincoln Children's Zoo
1222 S 27th St
Lincoln, NE
68502

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $ – Get tickets
  • Parking: Free shuttles are available from Lincoln High School and Antelope Park. Limited parking is available at the Zoo.
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Tips & Advice

  • Purchase treat bags in advance to guarantee your child can collect candy and to save time upon arrival.
  • Consider using the free shuttles from Lincoln High School or Antelope Park to avoid limited parking at the zoo.
  • General admission tickets are valid for any night, offering flexibility if your plans change. VIP tickets are date-specific.
  • Arrive later in the evening to potentially avoid longer lines for trick-or-treating and attractions.
  • Zoo members receive free entry but must still reserve tickets in advance to secure their spot.

Special Events & Promotions

  • VIP Early Access available
  • Train rides offered
  • Runza® food available for purchase

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a ticket to Boo at the Zoo?

Everyone ages 2 and up will need a ticket to attend Boo at the Zoo. Only those who wish to collect candy need to purchase a treat bag in addition to their admission ticket.

Can I purchase tickets when I arrive?

No, all tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets will not be available at the entrance gates during the event.

Are there discounts for members of other zoos?

Yes, Lincoln Children's Zoo participates in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program. Members of participating zoos can receive discounted tickets, but these discounts are not available for online purchases.

What if I have a general admission ticket for a specific night?

General admission tickets are valid for any night of the event, offering flexibility. VIP tickets are only valid for the specific night selected.

Can I show my tickets on my phone?

Yes, tickets can be shown on your phone or printed out.

Tags

trick or treatfamily friendlyhalloween festivalcommunity eventpumpkin patch

More Halloween Events Near Lincoln

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