Boo at the Zoo

Boo at the Zoo graphic on a black background with Linh Mai on the left side of the frame with a spirit blossom mask.

Celebrate Halloween at the National Zoo! Boo at the Zoo returns with an evening of trick-or-treating, after-hours animal viewing and Halloween fun for the whole family.

Come in costume and explore the Zoo, stopping at treat stations along the way to fill your free souvenir goodie bag with sweets, snacks and other fun surprises. Throughout the Zoo, skeleton scenes and festive decor set the stage for a Halloween adventure that's more treats than tricks.

Keep the celebration going at a kids dance party or gather family and friends for a photo in the NEW pumpkin patch. Guests can also take a spin on the Conservation Carousel or hop aboard the National Zoo Choo Choo for an additional fee.

Your Boo at the Zoo ticket includes special after-hours access to the Small Mammal House, Elephant Community Center and Reptile Discovery Center, giving you even more to explore throughout the evening.

Looking for a more adult-oriented Halloween experience? Get tickets to Night of the Living Zoo.

Members receive discounts on tickets and exclusive early entry from 5 to 6 p.m. Become a member today to take advantage of these benefits.

Interested in volunteering for this event? Click here.

Still have questions? Read our FAQ.

Costumed children receive Halloween treats in their orange tote bags at Boo at the Zoo
A costumed knight performer entertains guests at Boo at the Zoo.
A child in a Halloween costume points at a reptile inside its habitat area.
Family members dressed in Halloween costumes from the movie 'Coming to America' smile for the camera.
A small boy in a lion costume smiles for the camera at Boo at the Zoo.
A group of costumed children smile under an orange tent at Boo at the Zoo.
A prop decoration of rainbow-colored skeletons lines up for Boo at the Zoo.
A child dressed as a Star Wars character rides the carousel at Boo at the Zoo.
A skeleton in a gray wig and formal wear grins creepily at Boo at the Zoo

Frequently Asked Questions

While costumes are encouraged for all ages, adults are not permitted to wear full-faced masks.

For the safety of both visitors and the animals, please do not bring balloons, skates, hover boards, scooters or costume props that look like weapons. 

This is not primarily an animal event. However, guests will have special access to the Small Mammal House, Reptile Discovery Center, and Elephant Community Center.

Adults and children over 2 years old must have their own ticket. To help our staff scan tickets efficiently, all members of your party should plan to enter the Zoo together.

Guests with general admission tickets purchased by a member must be accompanied by that member if they wish to take advantage of early entry.

Parking is not included with admission. If you plan to drive and park at the Zoo, Parking Passes are $30 when purchased ahead of time and $40 on the day of the event. Due to the popularity of this event, we recommend you purchase your Parking Pass online before your visit.

  • Drivers should plan to enter through the main vehicle entrance at 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW.
  • Daytime Parking Passes will not be honored for Boo at the Zoo.
  • Members cannot use their annual membership parking passes for this after-hours event.

Zoo members receive exclusive benefits for Boo at the Zoo, including:

  • Early access to tickets: Members can purchase tickets beginning Aug. 20, one week before tickets go on sale to the general public on Aug. 27.
  • 15% off admission: Members may purchase up to six tickets at the discounted member rate, plus up to six additional tickets per order at the general admission rate.
  • Early event entry: Members can enter Boo at the Zoo beginning at 5 p.m., one hour before general admission begins at 6 p.m. Guests with general admission tickets purchased by a member may also enter at 5 p.m. when accompanied by that member.

Please note that regular member parking benefits do not apply during Boo at the Zoo. Event parking must be purchased separately.

Not a member yet? Become a Zoo member to enjoy these benefits and support the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Per our terms of sale, tickets to Boo at the Zoo are nonrefundable, so plan your visit carefully. 

Exchanges are available up to 48 hours before the event date. Ticket exchanges are subject to availability and not guaranteed.

Discounted tickets cannot be exchanged online. If you’re a Zoo Member and want to exchange your tickets or parking passes, contact ZooMembership@si.edu.

Staff and volunteers work hard to make Boo at the Zoo fun for everyone. A select number of treat stations have hard candy, small toys and other fun giveaways. We recommend parents check the ingredient labels to ensure there are no allergens in their child’s candy. Boo at the Zoo is not a nut-free event.

Yes. Please visit our Accessibility page for information on how we provide inclusive experiences for all audiences.

Yes, volunteer recruitment is currently underway. Click here to learn more.