Zoo Boo

Oct. 4-5, 10-12, 17-19 & 24-26 | 4-9:30 p.m.

Get ready for “spook-tacular” fun at metro Detroit’s wildest Halloween event — perfect for all ages.

$21 - $25
Tickets On Sale Now!

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Your Family-Favorite Fall Tradition is Back

Gather your little goblins — Zoo Boo, presented by Corewell Health Children’s, returns this October!

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. 

 

 

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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.

Add-Ons Available at Checkout

Dinner Buffet Add-on

Upgrade your Zoo Boo experience with a delicious dinner buffet.



$23

    Cider and Donuts Add-on

    Enjoy the flavors of fall with cider and a fresh donut.




    $8

      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.

      $3-6

        Wild Lights

        Buy early and save! Get early-bird pricing and visit Wild Lights on any night of your choice during the 2025 season.



        $18

          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.

          The more the merrier (not scarier)!

          Bring your crew of 20+ to Zoo Boo and enjoy an exclusive discount — each ticket ranges from just $18-22!

          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


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          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.

          Accessibility

          Attending fall events at the Detroit Zoo is a long-standing family tradition, and we want to do what we can to ensure an enjoyable experience for all. Below are a few tips to help you prepare for your Fall Fest experience.

          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.

          FAQs

          Volunteer

          Interested in helping at Zoo Boo? Volunteers age 14+ (with adult supervision) can contact Volunteer Services:

          volunteer@dzs.org | (248) 541-5717 ext. 3802

          Become a Sponsor

          Show your support for the Zoo and gain valuable exposure. Contact Matt Opperman at (248) 336-5723 or mopperman@dzs.org to learn more.

          Presenting Sponser

           

           

          Contact

          Questions about the event? Contact us at info@dzs.org or (248) 541-5717 to learn more.

          Contact us

          FAQs

          Still have questions? Explore our list of frequently asked questions for all the answers you’re looking for.

          Learn more

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