The Houston Zoo’s Family Event Will Take Place From September 25 to October 31, with Pumpkins, Costumes, Animal Activities, and Extended Evening Hours.
HOUSTON, Texas — Costumes, illuminated pumpkins, and autumn activities are returning to the Houston Zoo with Zoo Boo in Houston, which will begin Friday, September 25 and continue through Saturday, October 31, 2026.
For more than a month, families will be able to explore seasonally decorated facilities, take photos in special photo backdrops, and observe enrichment activities for the animals.
The regular Zoo Boo hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last entry at 4 p.m. Activities are included with general admission and are free for zoo members.
What Zoo Boo in Houston Includes This Year
Among the main attractions will be the Pumpkin Lantern Tunnel, a tunnel of illuminated pumpkins located between the lion and tiger habitats.
There will also be pumpkins hidden in various areas of the zoo, the Leaf Lantern Arch on Autumn Avenue, near the end of the Reflection Pool, and stages prepared for seasonal photographs.
Among the 2026 novelties are the Tangled Web Trail, a spiderweb-inspired trail, and the Great Pumpkin Portrait, a new photo installation.
Ghost Town will return near the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo during the extended evenings, together with illuminated pumpkins, special areas and the opportunity to make s’mores around the fire.
Visitors can also participate during the season in Spookie Fudge Stripes Safari, a scavenger hunt distributed by the zoo.
The Animals Also Participate in Autumn Activities
During Zoo Boo in Houston, some animals will receive special enrichment activities with pumpkins and other seasonal elements.
Enrichment is part of the animals’ usual care and may include objects, foods, scents, or activities designed to stimulate natural behaviors and keep them physically and mentally active.
The zoo recommends checking its daily schedule to learn which animals will have activities or talks with their keepers during the visit.
Zoo Boo returns to the Houston Zoo from September 25 to October 31, 2026. Photo: Houston Zoo
Which Days Will Zoo Boo Have Extended Hours
On select dates, Zoo Boo in Houston will continue after regular hours so visitors can see the illuminated decorations and participate in nighttime activities.
The extended-hours dates are:
- September 25;
- October 2 and 9;
- October 16, 17 and 18;
- October 23 through 30.
On these dates, the zoo will stay open until 9 p.m. and the last entry will be at 8 p.m.
The schedule includes theme nights, including magic, Houston sports, superheroes, stories and movies, villains, video games, space, safari, and pop culture figures.
Some nights may include additional activities or packages that carry a separate fee.
Costumes Yes, But There Are Restrictions
Children and adults may attend in costume, but the Houston Zoo requires costumes to be appropriate for a family-friendly event.
Adults must keep their faces fully visible. Masks that cover the entire face, heavy facial makeup, props weapons, overly bloody items, or inflatable costumes are not allowed.
The zoo may also deny entry for any object it deems similar to a weapon.
Spooky Spirits Will Be Open to Those 21 and Older
The autumn programming also includes Spooky Spirits on Thursday, October 15, from 6 to 10 p.m.
The event is exclusively for people aged 21 or older and requires a valid photo ID. No children are allowed.
Tickets cost $44.95 and include one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink, a DJ, rides on the Scary-Go-Round carousel, face painting, the Zoodiac Quest scavenger hunt, and an aura photo booth.
The last entry will be at 8 p.m. and the sale of alcoholic beverages will end at 9:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on the official Spooky Spirits page.
Day of the Dead Will Be November 1 and 2
After Zoo Boo ends, the Houston Zoo will hold a Day of the Dead celebration on Sunday, November 1 and Monday, November 2.
Sunday will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The central activity will be an ofrenda dedicated to animals that have died.
Families will be able to bring a photograph of a beloved animal or craft a piece at the craft station to place on the altar. La Catrina will be present on Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon and again from 1 to 5 p.m.
The celebration is included with general admission and is free for members. Details are available on the official Day of the Dead page.
Tickets, Parking, and How to Get There
Zoo Boo in Houston is included with the zoo’s general admission and has no extra cost for members.
The Houston Zoo is located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030. Visitors can use the public parking lots of Hermann Park, though availability may be limited during peak demand periods.
6400 Fannin St.
Another option is METRORail. The Red Line has a stop at Memorial Hermann Hospital/Houston Zoo, from which you can walk through Hermann Park to the main entrance.
The zoo notes that Friday nights can see higher traffic levels due to other events in Hermann Park, so allow extra time to arrive.
Visitors who have unused cell phones, tablets, or other portable electronic devices can also bring them to the recycling container located near Guest Relations at the main entrance. The program aims to reduce demand for minerals mined in gorilla habitats and other Central African species.
To purchase tickets and check for possible schedule changes, activities, or availability, visit the Houston Zoo’s official Zoo Boo page.
