Are there allergen-friendly treat stations?

Absolutely. Select trick-or-treat stations across the front of the Zoo include allergen-friendly treats so every little monster can enjoy the trail safely.

What areas of the Zoo are closed during Zoo Boo?

Goat Encounter Yard National Amphibian Conservation Center Australian Outback Adventure walkthrough Ron Kagan Wildlife Interpretive Gallery, Butterfly Garden and Aviary Please note, the back of the Zoo, Tauber Family Railroad,Frankel Stingray Cove and the Polk Penguin Conservation Center will close at 6 p.m.

What are the dates and hours for Zoo Boo 2026?

Zoo Boo 2026 takes place the first four weekends in October: Oct. 3-4, 9-11, 16-18, and 23-25. Gates open a whole hour earlier this year, running from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Can I see the animals during Zoo Boo this year?

Yes! We listened to your feedback from last year and unlocked the entire Zoo footprint for 2026. You will have full access to see the animals all the way to the back habitats and explore Fred & Barbara Erb Discovery Trails from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

What are the costume guidelines for the event?

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!

Is the train running during Zoo Boo 2026?

Yes, the train is officially back in action for the event! It will run journeys to the back of the Zoo from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m, weather and safety permitting. One-way train tickets are $3 and can be purchased onsite.

Zoo Boo 2026 | Things to Do in Detroit

Name: Detroit Zoo
Address: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI, 48067, US
Telephone: (248) 541-5717
Price range: $$

← Back to all events

Oct. 3-4, 9-11, 16-18 & 23-25 | 3 - 8:30 p.m.

Metro Detroit’s favorite Halloween tradition returns with an extra hour of daylight, full Zoo access before dusk and fa-boo-lous family fun.

$21.00 - $27.00

Tickets Starting at $21 | Members Save 10%

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More Zoo, More Boo

Zoo Boo is back with a newly expanded day-to-dusk experience!

Enjoy live entertainment, character encounters, trick-or-treat stations and the brand-new Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails all evening long from 3 - 8:30 p.m., plus so much more. Arrive early and the whole Zoo is yours to explore and visit your favorite animals. Then, stay as the sun sets and watch the front of the Zoo transform into an illuminated Halloween spooktacular!

Best of all (no tricks), your Zoo Boo ticket directly funds our mission to create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive.

Tickets sell fast — lock in your favorite date before it vanishes!

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What to Expect

Full Zoo access until 6 p.m.
Live and strolling entertainment
Illuminated Halloween-themed décor
Trick-or-treat stations throughout the front of the Zoo
Access to the all-new Erb Discovery Trails
Themed photo stops to capture the moment
Character meet-and-greets & Zoo Boo Revue
Zoo-branded giveaways
Interactive education stations
Halloween-themed face painting available for purchase
Train, carousel, Wild Explorer VR and 4D Theater available for purchase

NOTE: The Tauber Family Railroad and Aaron and Carolyn Frankel Stingray Cover will be open until 6 p.m. To support animal well-being, select experiences, including stingray feedings and the Goat Encounter Yard, will not be available during this event.

What’s New in 2026

Earlier Start Time: Gates open a whole hour earlier at 3 p.m. to give you more time to see the animals.

Full Zoo Access: The entire Zoo footprint — including back habitats and the train — is open and accessible until 6 p.m.

Allergen-Friendly Treat Options: Enjoy a sweet, worry-free experience for every little monster in your pack with dedicated allergy-friendly treats at select treat stations.

Erb Discovery Trails: Our popular new addition will be open for families to explore. NOTE: Frankel Stingray Cove will remain open until 6 p.m., and access is included with your Zoo Boo ticket. Stingray feedings will not be available, and the Goat Encounter Yard will remain closed during the event.

Fresh Halloween Magic: Bust a move on our new LED light-up dance floor and hear stories from a talking pumpkin!

Bone-Appétit Dining: Enjoy expanded food and beverage options for purchase throughout the Zoo, including Table 28, Boardwalk Station, Woodward Slice, Dippin’ Dots and more. Also new this year, add a collectable ghost cup to your ticket order.

Zoo Boo 2026 Daily Schedule & Locations

	Location	Time
Extreme juggling	Erb Discovery Trails (near Gathering Pavilion)	All evening
Top Hat Side Show	Outside Polk Penguin Conservation Center	All evening
Fire and Aerialist Acts	Outside Holden Reptile Conservation Center	All evening
Fire Acts	In between Main Train Station & Wildlife Interpretive Gallery	All evening
Talking Pumpkin	Main Picnic Grove	All evening
Wild Explorer VR (for purchase)	Erb Discovery Trails	All evening
Carousel (for purchase)	Carousel	All evening
4D Theater	Ford Education Center	3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Frankel Stingray Cove	Erb Discovery Trails	3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
One-way train rides (for purchase)	Train stations	3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Zoo Boo Revue	Events Pavilion	3:45 p.m, 4:45 p.m, 5:45 p.m, 6:45 p.m, 7:45 p.m
Character Meet-and-Greets, Kids DJ + Light-Up Dance Floor	Erb Discovery Trails Gathering Pavilion	All evening (see Meet and Greet schedule below)
Spooky Science Lab, hosted by the Michigan Science Center	Rackham Fountain	October 3 ONLY

Zoo Boo 2026 Character Meet and Greet Schedule

Oct. 3: Fire Dog Hero & Police Dog Hero
Oct. 4: Video Game Plumber & Princess
Oct. 9: The Good Witch & The Wicked Witch
Oct. 10: Commander Wolf & The Bounty Hunter
Oct. 11: Mr. & Mrs. Mouse
Oct. 16: Blue & Orange Australian Pups
Oct. 17: Spider Superheroes
Oct. 18: Magic Teens (Inspired by Villain Descendants)
Oct. 23: Frozen Princess & Queen
Oct. 24: Red, Blue, Orange & Purple Turtle Superheroes
Oct. 25: Rapunzel & Her Prince

All Character Meet and Greets will be at the Erb Discovery Trails Gathering Pavilion.

Zoo Boo 2026 Tickets

Avoid paying full price at the gate and buy your Zoo Boo tickets online!

Members get 10% off Zoo Boo, plus so much more. Become a member today.

All guests age 2+ need a ticket. Ticket prices vary by date and time.

Parking is $8 per vehicle | Zoo members park free

General Admission

$21-$25 ($27 at the gate)

Admission to the Zoo Boo
Parking is $8 per vehicle

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Detroit Zoo Members

$18.90-$22.50 ($24 at the gate)

Admission to Zoo Boo
Free parking

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Group Sales

$18-$22

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Add-Ons Available at Checkout

Ghost Souvenir Cup: $14.99

Take home a spooky, limited-edition keepsake.

Cider & Donuts: $8

Pre-order the classic tastes of autumn.

Wild Explorer VR: $8 GA / $7 Members

Immerse yourself in an incredible virtual reality. Last show at 8 p.m.

4D Theater: $6

Add a 15-minute 4D film experience to your Zoo Boo visit. Last show at 8 p.m.

Carousel Ride: $3

Take a spin on your favorite animal until 8:30 p.m.

Wild Lights Early-Bird Ticket: $18

Buy early and save on a night of our 2026 Wild Lights winter season!

Note: Zoo Boo admission must be added to your cart before selecting any add-ons.
Member discount applies to admission only and is not applicable to add-ons.

Zoo Boo 2026 Character Meet and Greet Schedule

Oct. 3

Fire Dog Hero & Police Dog Hero

Oct. 4

Video Game Plumber & Princess

Oct. 9

The Good Witch & The Wicked Witch

Oct. 10

Commander Wolf & The Bounty Hunter

Oct. 11

Mr. & Mrs. Mouse

Oct. 16

Blue & Orange Australian Pups

Oct. 17

Spider Superheroes

Oct. 18

Magic Teens in Leather (Inspired by Villain Descendants)

Oct. 23

Frozen Princess & Queen

Oct. 24

Red, Blue, Orange & Purple Turtle Superheroes

Oct. 25

Rapunzel & Her Prince

Members Get More

Members get 10% off Zoo Boo admission! With a Detroit Zoo membership, you’ll enjoy endless fun and great perks such as unlimited daytime admission, free Zoo parking, exclusive deals PLUS discounted access to ticketed events like Zoo Boo.

Become a Member

Get Involved with Zoo Boo

Volunteer

Help us hand out treats! Volunteers aged 14 and older (with adult supervision) can contact Volunteer Services at [email protected] or (248) 541-5717 ext. 3802

Become a Sponsor

Show your support for the Zoo and gain valuable exposure. Contact Matt Opperman at [email protected] or (248) 336-5723 to learn more.

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.