The Houston Zoo is a beloved destination for families and animal enthusiasts alike, and during the Halloween season, it transforms into a magical wonderland with its annual “Zoo Boo” event. This spooktacular celebration offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, with a variety of activities, attractions, and special features that make it a must-visit event for anyone in the Houston area.
Dates and Times
The Houston Zoo’s Zoo Boo event runs from September 29 to October 31, 2023, with regular zoo hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, on October 21, the zoo will be closing early at 3 p.m. for the Zoo Ball event. For those who want to experience the zoo after dark, the Zoo Boo After Hours event takes place every Friday in October, with the zoo staying open until 8:30 p.m. and the last entry at 7 p.m.
Activities and Features
The Houston Zoo’s Zoo Boo event is packed with a variety of activities and features that cater to visitors of all ages. Here are some of the highlights:
Fall Photo Ops
The zoo has set up several Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, including a pumpkin arch at the Reflection Pool, a pumpkin tree, and animal-themed pumpkins scattered throughout the grounds. These photo ops provide the perfect backdrop for capturing memorable moments with your family and friends.
Animal Enrichment
The zoo’s animals also get in on the Halloween fun, with special fall-themed enrichment activities. Visitors can see the animals enjoying pumpkins, cinnamon-scented “paw-zzles,” and other seasonal treats.
Spooky Forest
One of the most popular attractions at the Zoo Boo event is the Spooky Forest, where visitors can walk through a tunnel of pumpkin lanterns near the lion exhibit, creating a truly eerie and enchanting experience.
Interactive Dance Floor
During the Zoo Boo After Hours event, visitors can dance the night away on the interactive dance floor at the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo.
Costume Contest
Guests are encouraged to wear their best family-friendly costumes, and the zoo even hosts a digital costume contest, with a chance to be featured on the zoo’s social media pages using the hashtag #HoustonZoo.
Tickets and Admission
Admission to the Houston Zoo’s Zoo Boo event is included in the general admission price, which varies based on the day of the week and time of visit. The zoo also offers several discounts and free admission days, including:
- Free admission on the first Tuesday of each month (online reservations required)
- Student discounts for registered students from select universities
- CityPASS discounts, which allow visitors to save 50% on admission to Houston’s top 5 attractions, including the Houston Zoo
Additional Information
In addition to the Zoo Boo event, the Houston Zoo offers a variety of other unique event options, including birthday parties and corporate events, which support the zoo’s mission to save animals in the wild. Visitors can also check the zoo’s calendar for other events and activities throughout the year.
References
- https://www.fox26houston.com/news/houston-zoo-boo-2023-tickets-dates-after-hours
- https://www.houstonzoo.org/host-an-event/
- https://www.houstonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/prices-and-discounts/
- https://www.houstonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/
- https://visitpearland.com/houston-zoo-boo-starts-friday-october-16-2/