Boo at the Zoo

An elephant wearing a butterfly mask for Halloween.

Due to the federal government shutdown, the Smithsonian is temporarily closed, and all programs and events are canceled. Special event ticket holders and parking pass holders have been notified about refunds.

We greatly appreciate those who chose to donate their orders in support of animal conservation. Visit our donation page to show your support. We look forward to welcoming you back for a visit once we reopen. 

Get ready for a WILD Halloween night out! Boo at the Zoo, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s beloved family-friendly Halloween celebration, returns Oct. 17, 18 and 19, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Put on your favorite costume and explore the Zoo after hours, collecting treats at 30 trick-or-treat stations throughout the park. Watch as animals enjoy jack-o'-lanterns and other spooky enrichment surprises, and stroll past whimsical Halloween scenes featuring skeletons and fantastical creatures along the main walkway. 

Other spooktacular entertainments: 
🎃 Live giant pumpkin carving on the Conservation Pavilion patio 
🧙 A roaming magician performing spellbinding tricks 
👻 A troupe of costumed actors bringing Halloween characters to life throughout the park 

Your ticket includes exclusive after-hours access to the Small Mammal House, Elephant Community Center and Reptile Discovery Center plus a souvenir tote bag to collect your Halloween haul. 

Zoo members also get discounted admission and early entry at 5 p.m., so don't miss your chance to become a member today! 

Looking for a more spine-chilling experience? Don't miss out on Night of the Living Zoo!

Costumed children receive Halloween treats in their orange tote bags at Boo at the Zoo
A costumed knight performer entertains guests at Boo at the Zoo.
A child in a Halloween costume points at a reptile inside its habitat area.
Family members dressed in Halloween costumes from the movie 'Coming to America' smile for the camera.
A small boy in a lion costume smiles for the camera at Boo at the Zoo.
A group of costumed children smile under an orange tent at Boo at the Zoo.
A prop decoration of rainbow-colored skeletons lines up for Boo at the Zoo.
A child dressed as a Star Wars character rides the carousel at Boo at the Zoo.
A skeleton in a gray wig and formal wear grins creepily at Boo at the Zoo

More Information

Parking passes

Parking is not included with admission. If you plan to drive and park at the Zoo, you can pay a flat-rate parking fee of $30 per vehicle. Due to the popularity of this event, we recommend you purchase your parking pass online before your visit.

  • Drivers should plan to enter through the main vehicle entrance at 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW.
  • Daytime parking passes will not be honored for Boo at the Zoo.
  • Members cannot use their annual membership parking passes for this after-hours event.

Rideshares

Using a rideshare vehicle? Set your pick up to one of the Zoo’s two pedestrian entrances: the main entrance at 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW, or the Harvard Street Bridge entrance.

Day-Of Details 

  • To allow our staff to finish event preparations, visitors will not be able to enter the lower portion of the Zoo (from the Reptile Discovery Center to Kids' Farm) starting at 2 p.m. the day of the event.
  • Last vehicle entry is at 2 p.m.
  • Last pedestrian entry is at 3 p.m.
  • The Zoo will be cleared of guests at 4 p.m. While you may visit the Zoo before Boo at the Zoo begins, guests will be asked to exit and re-enter at the start of the event.

Entering the event 

  • Adults and children over 2 years old must have a ticket.
  • To help our staff scan tickets efficiently, all members of your party should plan on entering the Zoo together.
  • Last entry to Boo at the Zoo is at 8:30 p.m.

Refunds

  • Per our terms of sale, tickets to Boo at the Zoo are nonrefundable, so plan your visit carefully. Exchanges are available up to 48 hours before the event date. Ticket exchanges are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
  • While costumes are encouraged for all ages, adults are not permitted to wear full-faced masks.
  • For the safety of both visitors and the animals, please do not bring balloons, skates, hover boards, scooters, or costume props that look like weapons. 

 

To contact our Events team, click here.

Dietary restrictions and food allergies

Staff and volunteers work hard to make Boo at the Zoo fun for everyone. A select number of treat stations have hard candy, small toys, and other fun giveaways. We recommend parents check the ingredient labels to ensure there are no allergens in their child’s candy. Boo at the Zoo is not a nut-free event.

Accessibility and accommodations

Please visit our Accessibility page for information on how we provide inclusive experiences for all audiences.