Dress up in a costume, get treats and see animals all at the same time? Get your tickets to Boo at the Zoo and discover other Halloween events at zoos near Champaign-Urbana
Scovill Zoo in Decatur requires online advance reservations for its annual family Halloween event; other zoos are announcing special October events
If you love a visit to the zoo AND you’re a Halloween fan, Boo at the Zoo (and other similar events) are something to add to your October plans. We have many zoos within driving distance of Champaign-Urbana making special Halloween plans and we want you to have all the details now so you don’t miss out.
Boo at the Zoo, Scovill Zoo
Information you need to know: Boo at the Zoo is held at the Scovill Zoo in Decatur on select dates from October 14th through October 30th. Reservation required. Visit here for details on their website.
Put on those costumes and take your kids to the Scovill Zoo in Decatur for some outdoor Halloween fun. Children can stroll around the zoo in their costumes during special afternoon hours. When you sign up, you choose if that person wants a goody bag, so there are two different prices for the goody and no-goody options. Children under 2 are free (and do not receive a gift bag). Of course, if you want them to receive treats, you can register them as well.
Visit the Boo on the Zoo’s online booking website to register.
Boo at the Scovill Zoo in Decatur. (photo: Scovill Zoo Facebook page)
Spooktacular, Miller Park Zoo
Information you need to know: Spooktacular is held at Bloomington’s Miller Park Zoo on October 22nd (evening) and October 23rd (daytime). No need to make a reservation. Learn more on the upcoming events page on their website.
This event features lighted displays as part of its fun and excitement. A festive atmosphere with crafts, games, face painting and much more. All activities are included with zoo admission except ride tickets ($3 each, weather permitting). Bring your costumes!
Spectacular at Bloomington’s Miller Park Zoo. (photo: Miller Park Zoo Facebook page)
Howl-Zoo-Ween, Peoria Zoo
Information you need to know: Howl-Zoo-Ween is held at the Peoria Zoo on October 14-15 during special afternoon hours. Buy tickets in advance to avoid queues on the night of the event. Visit the website for more information.
This evening event features a trick-or-treat trail, bounce houses and more. You can purchase tickets in advance online or at the gift shop. It looks like you can also stand in line the night of the event to buy tickets, but that doesn’t sound like fun to us. The online ticketing site is here.
Meerkat with a pumpkin (photo: Peoria Zoo Facebook page)
Zoo Boo, Indianapolis Zoo
Information you need to know: Zoo Boo starts at 14:00 on select days between October 5 and October 31 and continues until 19:00 or 21:00. Buy tickets in advance as these are “high traffic” days at the zoo. Read details on the zoo’s website.
Trick-or-treating on a trick-or-treat trail, themed activities, and incredibly active animals make Zoo Boo a favorite family tradition. Zoo Boo is included with regular zoo admission for the day. Since all days are “high traffic” at the zoo’s ticket site, we encourage you to collect your tickets sooner rather than later.
Flamingos celebrating Halloween at the Indianapolis Zoo. (photo: Indianapolis Zoo Facebook page)
Boo! at the Zoo, Brookfield Zoo
Information you need to know: Held on Saturdays and Sundays between October 8 and October 23 during regular hours, activities are included in regular zoo admission. Read details on the zoo’s website.
Check out a series of family-friendly Halloween photo activities, rock your costume, and get a treat on your way out of the zoo (instead of calling in) at this year’s Boo! at the zoo The activities are included in the entrance to the zoo; buy tickets in advance.
Boo at the Brookfield Zoo. (photo: Brookfield Zoo Facebook page)
Boo at the Zoo, Saint Louis Zoo
Information you need to know: Boo at the Zoo takes place every night from October 15th to 30th. Reservations are required; there is an admission fee (it’s a free zoo during normal opening hours). Read details on the zoo’s website.
This nighttime event is filled with light-up Halloween decorations, entertainers and stage shows, and more not-so-spooky nighttime fun. The online ticket site is here. (Yes, this is a free zoo. There is an admission fee to attend Boo at the Zoo.)
Interested in another option? This is NOT a trick or treating event, Halloween weekends are filled with fun outdoor decorations, fall treats for the animals, and the chance to wear your costume to the zoo for free fun during regular operating hours on select weekends in October. And yet another option? Zootoberfest is a fall-themed event inspired by Oktoberfest that takes place even in early October.
Halloween ‘Delight’ for Saint Louis Zoo Zoo Animals. (photo: Saint Louis Zoo Facebook page)
Fall Fest, Lincoln Park Zoo
Information you need to know: Fall Fest isn’t strictly a Halloween event, but it’s definitely worth including on this list. Held Friday through Sunday between September 30 and October 30, several attractions are paid experiences (it’s a free zoo). Read details on the zoo’s website. You can purchase attraction ticket packages in advance; entry to the event is free.
These harvest-themed days include a pumpkin walk, professional pumpkin carvers, music and more. While the festive atmosphere will run throughout the zoo for all visitors, there are additional fees for many things. Reservations are not required for this free zoo.
Saint Louis Zoo Boo at the zoo
