Zoo Boo
Guests can explore the entire zoo footprint to visit animal habitats before dusk and watch the front of the grounds transform with illuminated Halloween decor. The event features trick-or-treat stations, character meet-and-greets, a talking pumpkin, and an LED light-up dance floor. Entertainment includes fire performers, aerialists, extreme juggling, and side show acts.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
General admission: $21–$25; $27 at the gate. Detroit Zoo members: $18.90–$22.50; $24 at the gate. Ticket prices vary by date and time. All guests age 2+ need a ticket. Group sales: $18–$22. Parking is $8 per vehicle; Zoo members park free. Add-ons: Ghost Souvenir Cup $14.99; Cider & Donuts $8; Wild Explorer VR $8 general admission / $7 members; 4D Theater $6; Carousel Ride $3. Member discount applies to admission only, not add-ons.
Hours
Zoo Boo: 3–8:30 p.m.; full Zoo access until 6 p.m. 4D Theater: 3–8 p.m. Frankel Stingray Cove: 3–6 p.m. Zoo Boo Revue: 3:45, 4:45, 5:45, 6:45 and 7:45 p.m. Wild Explorer VR: last show at 8 p.m. Carousel rides: until 8:30 p.m.
Ages
All ages
Food & Drink
Guests can purchase meals and snacks at locations including Table 28, Boardwalk Station, Woodward Slice, and Dippin' Dots, or pre-order cider, donuts, and souvenir cups.
Parking
Parking is $8 per vehicle; Zoo members park free.
Accessibility
Wheelchair and electric convenience vehicle rentals and accessible amenities are available.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Purchase tickets online in advance to save over gate prices.
- Arrive early in the day to view animal habitats and Stingray Cove before they close at dusk.
- Look for select treat stations offering allergen-friendly treats along the trail.
Special Events & Promotions
- Detroit Zoo members get 10% off Zoo Boo admission and free Zoo parking; the discount applies to admission only, not add-ons.
- Character meet-and-greets vary by date throughout the event, with different themed characters scheduled on each event date.
- Spooky Science programs take place on select dates: Oct. 3–4, 10, 16, 17 and 23–25.
- New for 2026: gates open an hour earlier, the Erb Discovery Trails are included, and guests can enjoy a new LED dance floor and talking pumpkin; a collectible ghost cup is available to add to an order.
Links & Contact
Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the costume guidelines?
Costumes are welcome, but guests may not wear full-face animal masks, bring sharp objects, props, balloons, or weapons, or wear costumes depicting hate, violence, or political messaging.
Can visitors see the animals during the event?
Yes, guests have access to the entire zoo footprint and back habitats to view animals until 6 p.m.
Are there allergy-friendly trick-or-treat options?
Yes, select trick-or-treat stations across the front of the zoo provide dedicated allergen-friendly treats.
Which zoo exhibits are closed during the event?
The Goat Encounter Yard, National Amphibian Conservation Center, Australian Outback Adventure walkthrough, and the Ron Kagan Wildlife Interpretive Gallery, Butterfly Garden, and Aviary are closed.
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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. Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.