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

Boo at the Zoo

Nashville Zoo transforms into a Halloween wonderland for Boo at the Zoo. Families can enjoy trick-or-treating, special animal shows, festive scenes, and character meet-and-greets. A special Día de los Muertos celebration honors loved ones with cultural activities.

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What to Expect

Nashville's favorite family Halloween event at the zoo.

Event Details

Duration

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM nightly

Ages

Ages 2+

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Nashville Zoo

Food & Drink

Food and beverages available for purchase; outside food and drink welcome.

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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-oriented

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Low (rain or shine)

Location

Nashville Zoo
3777 Nolensville Pike
Nashville, TN
37211

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $19 - $23 (varies by day) – Get tickets
  • Parking: Parking is $10. Members park free.
  • Accessibility: https://www.nashvillezoo.org/accessibility
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as Saturdays and the last weekend are the busiest. Gates open at 5 PM.
  • Consider attending on a Monday-Wednesday for the least crowded experience.
  • Dress in layers and be prepared for rain, as the event is rain or shine. Some activities may be canceled or delayed in inclement weather.
  • Adults are welcome to wear costumes but should avoid masks and overly scary attire, as the Zoo reserves the right to deny admission.
  • Check the event schedule upon arrival for specific times for animal shows, character meet-and-greets, and the costume parade.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Día de los Muertos celebration on Saturday, November 1st
  • Special animal shows nightly
  • Costume parade at the Monster Mash DJ Tent

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to visit Boo at the Zoo?

We recommend setting aside between 2 to 3 hours for your visit to enjoy all the festivities.

Can I bring outside food and drinks?

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, but please refrain from glass containers, disposable straws, lids, and balloons.

What is the scare factor for young children?

The event is geared towards children ages 2-12, but some areas may be dimly lit and potentially scary for very young children after dark. There are no intentionally scary areas like a haunted farm.

What happens if it rains?

Boo at the Zoo is a rain-or-shine event. In the event of rain, some activities may be delayed or canceled, but no refunds or rainchecks are issued.

How do I get discounted tickets?

Members save $3 per ticket. Military personnel receive a $10 discount per party with ID. Reciprocal zoo members must purchase tickets at the Ticket Booth with their membership card for verification.

Tags

family friendlyhalloween festivaltrick or treatpumpkin patchcommunity eventkids gamesthemed dinnerdia de los muertos

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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