Boo at the Zoo returns to the Fort Worth Zoo Oct. 23–25, 2026, trading nighttime scares for a full day of Halloween fun the whole family can enjoy. Included with regular admission and packed with treat stations, live shows and costume-friendly crowds, it’s a low-key way to get your Halloween fix without the haunted-house intensity—and with six free treat coupons per ticket, most of the fun is already paid for.
Key takeaways:
The bigger picture: Boo at the Zoo returns to the Fort Worth Zoo Oct. 23–25, 2026, as a free-with-admission, daytime Halloween event across the zoo’s 64 acres and nearly 7,000 animals.
More details: The event packs in treat stations, live entertainment, a costume-friendly atmosphere and a community pumpkin art display, plus paid extras like a themed carousel ride and train.
Why this helps: Because it runs during the day and is included with regular admission, families get a full Halloween outing without the cost or intensity of a nighttime haunted attraction.
Plan Your Visit
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 23-25, 2026
Where: Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth
Cost: Included with zoo admission/membership. Admission is $22 adults, $18 seniors ages 65 and older, $18 children, under 3 free. Tickets go on sale Sept. 23 and are valid for 30 days.
Fort Worth’s take on Halloween trades scares for treats, turning the zoo’s usual lineup of animal encounters into a full day of not-so-frightening fun for kids and parents alike.
Treats, Costumes and Community Fun
Photo courtesy Fort Worth Zoo
Every admission ticket or membership comes with six complimentary treat coupons, redeemable at candy stations scattered throughout the zoo (one coupon gets four pieces of pre-mixed candy), with a non-candy station available for guests with dietary needs. Extra coupons can be purchased for $5 per six at merchandise locations around the park.
Costumes are encouraged, and the event is designed to be family-friendly for guests of all ages. However, for safety, anyone 13 and older needs to keep their face visible, so heavy makeup or full-face masks aren’t allowed on older kids or adults.
One of the most beloved traditions is the community Pumpkin Patch, where locally decorated and painted pumpkins go on display near the Picnic Outpost. Families can even submit their own pumpkin art for a chance to be featured and receive two free tickets to the event and entries are due by Oct. 16, 2026.
Entertainment and Animal Encounters
Photo courtesy Fort Worth Zoo
Throughout the day, families can catch a rotating lineup of shows and animal programs, including:
The Guy in the Yellow Suit—a magic and music show with audience interaction running at 11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:15 p.m., and 3:45 p.m. at the Outdoor Learning Theater.
The Bewitched Barnyard—family-favorite performances running multiple times a day at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. also at the Outdoor Learning Theater
Dr. Suds Bubble Lab—a fan favorite of bubble tricks exciting for all ages, running at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. at The Reserve
Renfield the Bat—a puppet show at The Reserve geared toward younger kids performed at 11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Strolling Characters—costumed characters roaming the main path for photos
Two paid attractions add a little extra Halloween flavor: the Bone Rattler Express train and the backwards-running Kooky Carousel, each at $5 per ride or $4 for members.
Food and Treats
Beyond the free candy stations, the zoo’s regular dining spots roll out seasonal specials, including funnel cake fries, kettle corn, an exclusive Dippin’ Dots “Spookies & Cream” flavor, caramel apples and fall-flavored fudge.
Chick-fil-A and MELT Ice Creams are also on-site for guests who want a full meal or a sweeter treat.
Good to Know
The event is rain or shine; it will only be canceled for severe weather like lightning, hail or flooding, with updates posted to the zoo’s website and social channels.
Traffic and parking can get busy on event days so the zoo recommends allowing extra time or considering public transit via Trinity Metro.
Families interested in volunteering can join the “Boo Crew” for a $5 fee that covers a T-shirt, snack and a future zoo admission ticket.
Tickets and full details are available at fortworthzoo.org/boo-at-the-zoo.
FAQs
Photo courtesy Fort Worth Zoo
Can I bring a stroller or wagon? Yes. Strollers are all welcome at the zoo. If you don’t have your own, double strollers are available to rent for $15 plus tax per day, and a limited number of free wheelchairs are also available on a first-come, first-served basis near the front entrance.
Are pets allowed? No, pets aren’t permitted at the Fort Worth Zoo, though well-behaved service dogs accompanying a guest with a disability are welcome. If you’re planning to bring a service animal, it’s worth checking in at the Guest Relations office when you arrive.
Is there support for guests with sensory sensitivities? Yes. The zoo offers complimentary sensory bags — stocked with a weighted animal, noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and other calming items — available for checkout at Guest Relations with no rental fee. It’s a helpful option for those who might find a crowded Halloween event overwhelming.
What if it rains? Boo at the Zoo runs rain or shine and will only be canceled for severe weather like lightning, hail or flooding. Check the zoo’s website and social channels for real-time updates if weather looks questionable on your visit day.
Do I need a separate ticket for the event? The event is included with general admission or membership, so as long as everyone in your group has a valid admission ticket, no separate Halloween-specific ticket is required.
Is parking included with the ticket? No, parking is not included and is $5 per vehicle or free for members.
Follow our Fort Worth Zoo guide to prep for your big day out.