Partners in Conservation
Learn about the Zoo’s financial commitment to holistic conservation efforts in Central Africa.
There's a LOT to do at Boo at the Zoo!
Join your favorite Boo at the Zoo Character Ambassadors for a merry-not-scary, frightfully delightful event of spirited fun for the whole family. Get your favorite costume ready, and make plans to visit your Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for this Spooktacular Halloween Celebration.
OCTOBER 11 - 13 | OCTOBER 18 - 20 | OCTOBER 25 - 27
FRIDAYS: 5pm - 8pm | SATURDAYS: 10am - 8pm | SUNDAYS: 10am - 5pm
Themed activities are in the following regions: Adventure Cove, Conservation Lake, North America and Asia Quest
Getting ready for your visit
Enjoy a spooktacular visit full of Halloween-themed fun at Boo at the Zoo! This is not a trick-or-treat event...it's all-things Halloween for the entire family! Dress up in your favorite costume and spend a merry-not-scary time with us at the Columbus Zoo.
- Keep scrolling to learn more about our Halloween-themed attractions in these Zoo regions: Adventure Cove, Shores and Aquariums, North America, Conservation Lake, and more.
- Once you arrive, visit the Information Tent in Entry Village, and team members will help you find what you're looking for.
- Boo at the Zoo is included with Zoo admission, so arrive early to visit the animals before they retreat for the night! The Heart of Africa region and Congo Expedition region close at 5:00 p.m., and the Australia and the Islands region closes at dusk.
Things to Do and see
Boo at the Zoo Featured Attractions
When you arrive, stop by the Information Tent in Entry Village, and a team member will help you find everything there is to do at Boo at the Zoo!
Adventure Cove
- Trick or Treat Trail - Seven candy stations will be available, and each child can receive candy from each one. Make sure to use our wrapper recycling stations when you're done enjoying your sweet treat!
- NEW! Lil' Boo Character Fun House
- Henry's Character Craze Hay Maze
- Community Dance Performers will be at the Zoo on select days
Conservation Lake
- Character Ambassador Rolling Celebrations: Keep an eye out around Conservation Lake...every hour, a very special train will roll through with music, fun, and Character Ambassadors!
- Character Ambassador Meet-n-Greets: A rotating cast of Character Ambassadors will be available to meet, and take pictures with, by Lakeside Theater during Boo at the Zoo!
- Magical Jack-o-Lantern Seek-n-Find presented by Disney on Ice presents Frozen and Encanto: Stop by our information booth in Entry Village to get started on this fun adventure.
North America
- Zoo Boo Choo-Choo Train to Vertebrae Village: This spooky train ride is located in our beloved North America region.
Asia Quest
- Jessie’s Jack-o-Lantern Journey: Hand-carved by one of our own team members, over 100 pumpkins await you indoors in our Asia Quest region!
Rides
- Zoo Boo Choo-Choo Train to Vertebrae Village: This spooky train ride is located in our beloved North America region.
- Adventure Cove rides are OPEN!
- The Zoo's Historic Carousel: Along with the nostalgia offered, the carousel is a great photo opportunity for kids in costume!
- 4-D Theater: Want to sit down and warm up? Check out a mini-movie...presented in 4D!
- Dino Island: This popular boat ride is located in the Zoo's Australia and the Islands region and closes at dusk.
Pumpkin Carving Displays
- Giant Pumpkin carving can be marveled at Boo at the Zoo!.
- Jessie’s Jack-o-Lantern Journey: Hand-carved by one of our own team members, over 100 pumpkins await you indoors in our Asia Quest region!
Animal Experiences
While many of our animals are resting for the night after 5:00 p.m., you can still see quite a few, including elephants, sea lions, and more!
Here are some animal experiences that are offered to Boo at the Zoo guests:
Cali Sea Lion's Halloween Harbor
Visit our spooky sea lion and harbor seal tunnel in Adventure Cove!
Dive into Adventure Presentations
- Located in Adventure Cove's theater (look for the lighthouse!)
- Weekends Only
- 2:00 p.m.
- Learn More
Training Tales Presentations
- Located in Adventure Cove's theater (look for the lighthouse!)
- Weekends Only
- 11:00 a.m.
- Learn More
Cheetah Runs
- Located in the Heart of Africa region
- Weekends Only
- Presentations at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
- Learn More
The Barn
- The Barn, presented by Bob Evans Grocery, is located in the North America region
- Weekends Only
- Learn More
Guests are welcomed to call ahead to see which animals may be viewable during their visit: 614-645-3400.
The Fun Continues!
Check out more ways to maximize your family Halloween adventure!
Rides and Attractions
Grab onto your candy and take a spin on one of our smile-inducing rides, like the brand new Adventure Wheel, our historic carousel, or the relaxing North American train ride.
Check out Rides and Attractions at the Zoo
Here's our hint to maximize your thrill time: Purchase a Zoo More Wristband, and enjoy ALL of the available rides at the Columbus Zoo...as much as you want on the day of your visit!
Wristbands can be purchased at Guest Relations or at any Guest Service kiosk.
Food and Shopping
Savor a delightful array of spooky-themed snacks and refreshing beverages to satisfy both your taste buds and your thirst for fun!
- Dining options are available around the Zoo, featuring everything from a warm pretzel to the best fried chicken you'll have all holiday season.
- Stroll through our gift shops for cozy items that will keep you warm all season! Hint: Zoo members receive a 10% discount!
Mobile App
Plan Your Boo at the Zoo trip in the palm of your hands...Download the FREE Columbus Zoo and Aquarium map before your visit!
- Map your route ahead of time
- Get notifications of upcoming Halloween festivities and animal events around you
Costume Policy
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a family destination, and the safety of all Zoo guests is our top priority.
Age-Specific Costume Guidelines
- Guests younger than 13 years of age and their guardians are encouraged to wear costumes.
- Adults who are not accompanied by a guest younger than 13 years old are not permitted to wear costumes.
Appropriate and Family-Friendly Costume Guidelines
- Creative costumes are encouraged and should be in good taste.
- Clothing or costumes with objectionable/questionable material, including obscene language or graphics, are not permitted.
- Any guest wearing clothing or costumes that exposes excessive portions of the skin may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment and is not permitted.
Any guests not wearing proper attire will be asked to either put on appropriate attire or leave the park.
Safety-Related Costume Guidelines
The Zoo reserves the right to ask that your child's mask and/or face paint be removed if it is inconsistent with organizational policies or values.
- Full face masks/paint for adults are not permitted.
- For safety purposes, costumes should not be able to drag on the ground.
- Costumes should not contain sharp objects, pointed objects, or materials that may accidentally strike another person.
- Costumes should not contain any weapons which resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
