Families can enjoy festive decorations, strolling entertainers, special food and drink menus, and more at the Saint Louis Zoo’s nighttime, non-scary Halloween experience, Boo at the Zoo presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. The event runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m. every night Oct. 16 to 30. Please note, this is not a trick-or-treating event.
Tickets & Zoo Hours
Timed-ticket reservations are required and must be purchased in advance online at stlzoo.org/boo beginning Oct. 1. Tickets will not be available at the door. Capacity is limited.
Ticket prices are:
Zoo Members: $7.95 per child (ages 2-12); $8.95 per adult (ages 13+)
Non-members: $8.95 per child (ages 2-12); $9.95 adult non-members (ages 13+)
Children under age 2 are free
Free parking is available on both Zoo parking lots during the event. Proceeds from the event help the Zoo provide the highest quality care for its animals.
The Zoo closes for all visitors at 4 p.m. on the days of Boo at the Zoo. Doors re-open at 5 p.m. for the ticketed event.
Halloween Decorations & Animal Encounters
Grab a witch’s broom and float around the decorated Zoo where you’ll encounter fun photo opportunities at Candy Corn Lane, the Witchy Walk, Ghost Town, Pirates’ Cove, Fragile Forest Fairyland, Skeleton Picnic, Glowing Jack-o-lantern Tunnel, 10-foot-tall Magic Dragon and Serpents of Historic Hill, and much more.
Three animal exhibits are open during the event. Slither into the Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium to catch sight of turtles, tortoises, frogs, toads, lizards, snakes and more. Spiders, centipedes, beetles and other invertebrates await you at the Bayer Insectarium. Meet stingrays and sharks at Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by SSM Health.
Activities & Attractions
Eerily draped in cobwebs, the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel transforms into the not-so-spooky “Scare-ou-sel.” Look for strolling entertainers throughout the event.
Souvenirs & Food
Taste what’s brewing for dinner or a snack at Zoo cafes. Visit Candy Crossing and Starbucks for fall treats and drinks. Be sure to shop the boo-tique for souvenirs, and receive 10 percent (20 percent for members) off any purchase at Zoo gift shops.
This year's Boo at the Zoo souvenir T-shirt features a hyena dressed up for Halloween. The shirts will be available for purchase online and at select Zoo gift shops, while supplies last.
Instagram Contest
Enter the Zoo’s Instagram contest using hashtag #STLZooBoo for a chance to win tickets to the Zoo’s upcoming U.S. Bank Wild Lights and a $75 Zoo gift card. Details are available at instagram.com/stlzoo and stlzoo.org/boo.
Costume Policy & Safety Measures
Family-friendly Halloween costumes are encouraged. Costume masks are not permitted for any age. For everyone’s safety, the Zoo has implemented enhanced protocols and procedures. Guests ages 9+ are required to wear masks/face coverings — which must cover nose and mouth — while visiting. See stlzoo.org/boo for the costume policy and up-to-date details prior to your visit.