Your Family-Favorite Fall Tradition is Back
Bring your reusable bag, enjoy trick-or-treating at the Zoo and get ready for a full lineup of family-friendly entertainment, character meet-and-greets and seasonal fun at every turn.
As the sun sets, watch as the Zoo comes alive with glowing “fun-kins,” elaborate, illuminated décor and displays, costumed performers and nonstop fall festivities — all included with your ticket.
What to expect:
- Treat stations throughout the front half of the Zoo
- Illuminated displays that come alive at night
- Live strolling performers and interactive entertainment
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Halloween-themed face painting (available for purchase)
- Themed photo stops to capture the moment
- Character meet-and-greets and family-friendly Halloween vibes
- Seasonal market experience by Blake’s with fresh cider and donuts for purchase (20% of proceeds support conservation)
The Zoo Boo pathway is limited to the front half of the Zoo. Animal habitats in the back of the Zoo will not be open.
Please note the train will not be running for Zoo Boo.
Character Encounters
Meet-and-greet with some of your favorite characters at Zoo Boo!
Schedule
TICKET OPTIONS
Treat yourself to the perfect Zoo Boo!
Buy online and save! On-site tickets may be purchased at main admissions for $27.
New this year, add-ons available at checkout!
Members now get 10% off events—including Zoo Boo, plus free parking, always! Click here to learn more and become a member today.
Admission
Enjoy general admission to our masterfully designed holiday light display.
Zoo Boo Admission
Access to Blake’s Market
Add-Ons Available at Checkout
Dinner Buffet Add-on
Upgrade your Zoo Boo experience with a delicious dinner buffet.
Cider and Donuts Add-on
Enjoy the flavors of fall with cider and a fresh donut.
Attraction Add-on
Enjoy a thrilling 15-minute 4D film experience — complete with 3D visuals, special effects — or take a spin on the wild side with a ride on our carousel, featuring 33 unique animal seats for just $3.
Wild Lights
Buy early and save! Get early-bird pricing and visit Wild Lights on any night of your choice during the 2025 season.
Tickets & Entry Info
Advance ticket purchase required — tickets will not be sold at the gate.
All guests age 2+ need a ticket. Ticket prices vary by date and time
Parking is $8 per vehicle | Zoo members park free
Note: Zoo Boo general admission must be added to your cart before selecting any add-on experiences. Add-ons are sold separately and are not included with general admission. Member discount applies to general admission only and is not applicable to add-on packages.
Zoo Boo 2025 Daily Schedule & Locations
- Throughout — Pumpkin carvers at Rackham Fountain
- Throughout — Extreme juggling at Coney Corner
- Throughout — Festive 4D Theater show (additional purchase required)
- Throughout — Carousel rides (additional purchase required)
- 4 – 8:30 p.m. — Top Hat Sideshow (variety show) outside the Polk Penguin Conservation Center
- 4:30 – 9 p.m. — Fire and aerialist acts outside the Holden Reptile Conservation Center
- 4:30/5:30/6:30/7:30/8:30 p.m. — Zoo Boo Revue in the Consumers Energy Events Pavilion
- 4:30 – 9 p.m. — Magician/Illusionist near Nektar
- 5 – 9:30 p.m. — Stilt walker outside the Main Train Station
Zoo Boo 2025 Character Meet and Greet Schedule
Zoo Boo 2025 Character Meet and Greet Schedule
- Oct. 4: Blue & Orange Australian Pups
- Oct. 5: Spider Superheroes
- Oct. 10: Ice Princesses & Snowman
- Oct. 11: Video Game Plumber, Princess & Villain
- Oct. 12: Dragon Trainers & Their Dragon
- Oct. 17: Spider Superheroes
- Oct. 18: Magic Teens in Leather (Inspired by Villain Descendants)
- Oct. 19: Blue & Orange Australian Pups
- Oct. 24: Blue Alien & Hawaiian Girl
- Oct. 25: Ice Princesses & Snowman
- Oct. 26: Video Game Plumber, Princess & Villain
*All Character Meet and Greets will be at Main Picnic Grove.
Your Ticket Does More Than Treat
Every ticket to Zoo Boo helps ignite something bigger than Halloween fun. Proceeds support our work to protect animals, restore habitats and inspire the next generation of conservationists.
Costume Guidelines
Costumes are welcome — and encouraged — but for everyone’s safety, please note:
- No full-face animal masks
- No sharp objects or costume weapons
- No balloons, balls or props that could pose a risk
- No costumes depicting hate, violence or political messaging
Guests may be asked to modify or remove unsafe items. Thank you for keeping Zoo Boo fun and safe for all!
Your Admission Matters
When you attend Zoo Boo, you’ll do more than just enjoy a frightfully good time. You’ll also support the animals who call the Zoo home, conservation work around the world, and our mission to create meaningful connections between people, animals, and the natural world so all can thrive.
To support the highest level of well-being, animals living at the Detroit Zoo choose where to spend time within their habitats. This includes both their indoor and outdoor living spaces, as well as parts of their habitats that are hidden from public view. While habitats will be open for this event, animals may choose to be out of sight. We appreciate your understanding and support of our goal to provide the best possible care for the animals who call the Detroit Zoo home.
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