Three children in Halloween costumes, two with witch hats, stand in a forest decorated with pumpkins and bats, holding candy buckets.
family_friendly

Artistic rendering – Event may differ

Boo at the Zoo

Family-friendly Halloween celebration with animal encounters

About

Get ready for a spooktacular day at the San Francisco Zoo's 'Boo at the Zoo' event! Families can enjoy a festive atmosphere with music, crafts, and plenty of Halloween candy. Don your best costume for a chance to win prizes in the costume contest. It's a perfect way to celebrate the season with enchanting animal encounters and festive fun.

Our Take

Scare Factor

👻 (1/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and fun

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Special Events & Promotions

  • Discount for visitors who take Muni
  • Costume contest

Tags

family friendlyhalloween festivaltrick or treatcostume contestcommunity eventpumpkin patchkids gamesface paintinghalloween candy

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.

Location

Sloat Blvd &
Upper Great Hwy
94132

Event Details

Pricing

$$

Duration

6 hours

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Outer Sunset

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

Practical Information

Parking

The Zoo's parking lot has entrances off the Great Highway and Sloat Boulevard at 47th Avenue. Parking requires purchasing a voucher on-site at the ticket office, Little Puffer Train station, Denzel Carousel ticket booth, or main gift shop. Paid parking is first come, first serve. Free street parking is available along Sloat Boulevard. EV charging stations are available in the public parking lot.

Accessibility

The San Francisco Zoo is dedicated to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of their circumstances or abilities. They strive to adhere closely to the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level. They utilize an accessibility interface and an AI-based application that continuously optimizes its accessibility level. Specific profiles for Epilepsy Safe Mode, Visually Impaired Mode, Cognitive Disability Mode, ADHD-Friendly Mode, Blindness Mode, and Keyboard Navigation Profile are supported. They also offer various UI, design, and readability adjustments.

Pet Policy

No pets allowed

Food & Drink

Halloween candy is available throughout the event. Dining and shopping options are available at the zoo.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to maximize your time enjoying the activities and animal exhibits before the peak crowds.
  • Dress in comfortable layers as the weather near the coast can change quickly, and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
  • Bring a reusable bag for collecting candy during trick-or-treat activities.
  • Consider taking public transportation via Muni to take advantage of the admission discount and avoid parking hassles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for Boo at the Zoo?

The event runs from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on October 25th.

Is there an extra cost for Boo at the Zoo?

General admission tickets are required for entry. The event activities are included with admission.

Can I bring my pet to Boo at the Zoo?

No pets are allowed, but service animals are welcome.

What should I wear to the event?

Attendees are encouraged to wear their best costume. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended for exploring the zoo.

Are there food and drink options available?

While Halloween candy is provided, the zoo also offers various dining and shopping options for additional food and beverages.

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Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Nov 11, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team

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