On Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Zoo Atlanta transforms into a festive Halloween wonderland for Boo at the Zoo, presented by Georgia Natural Gas.
This popular, not-so-scary family festival combines trick-or-treating, roaming costumed characters, photo opportunities, themed activities, and the zoo’s usual animal exhibits into one memorable day out in Grant Park.
Boo at the Zoo: What To Know
The event runs on select dates in late October—October 17, 18, 24, 25, and a special Halloween edition on October 31—and is free with general admission. Zoo Atlanta Members and children under 3 get in free, with no timed reservation required for members. General admission prices vary by day and advance purchase, typically ranging in the $20s to upper $30s for adults and lower for children ages 3–11 (under 3 always free). Parking is available nearby.
Trick-or-Treating and Sweet Treats
The highlight for many young visitors is Trick-or-Treat Lane (or Trail), where kids can visit roughly eight to a dozen stations and collect one piece of candy at each, while supplies last. The candy is complimentary and intended for children. As part of Zoo Atlanta’s conservation efforts, all distributed candy uses sustainable palm oil or none at all. Kids can also pick up a complimentary Boo at the Zoo-themed treat bag sponsored by Georgia Natural Gas on a first-come, first-served basis.
Characters, Photo Ops, and Decor
Strolling costumed characters roam the grounds from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering spontaneous meet-and-greets and perfect photo opportunities. The zoo is decked out with seasonal décor—think giant pumpkins, hay bales, and mostly friendly spooks—creating plenty of themed photo spots throughout the grounds. Families are encouraged to wear costumes, but guidelines keep things family-friendly: no gory, violent, or obstructive outfits; no weapons or sharp objects; no large full-body inflatable costumes (which might spook animals); and adults should avoid face-covering masks. Be merry, not scary.
Activities, Crafts, Games, and Entertainment
Additional fun includes Halloween-themed kids’ crafts (such as handprint paper candy apples and spooky clothespin paper puppets), carnival games for prizes, and festive décor. Collectible animal trading cards featuring some of the zoo’s “creepier” creatures are available at stations around the grounds, with a “Ghosts of Trading Cards Past” option for older cards. An optional “Jinxed” virtual reality experience is available for an extra fee at the Wild Explorer VR Theater.
On Sunday, October 25, the performance schedule at the Zambezi Elephant Center includes “Mad Sciences” with the Science Guys of Atlanta at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., plus a Princess Sing-along with Elsa and Anna at 2:30 p.m. Visitors can also “wake” animals like the Komodo dragon, Gila monster, and hooded vultures as part of the seasonal fun, while enjoying the zoo’s regular exhibits and habitats.
Practical Tips for Visitors
The event is rain-or-shine, though some outdoor activities could be affected by weather. Arrive earlier if possible, as weekends (especially the second one) can get busy. Pair the Halloween activities with animal viewing for a full day. Full details, costume guidelines, and tickets are available at zooatlanta.org/boo or the main Zoo Atlanta site.
Boo at the Zoo offers a classic Atlanta fall tradition that blends the thrills of Halloween with the wonders of wildlife—ideal for families looking for daytime, kid-friendly seasonal fun.
