Fall in San Antonio means cooler evenings, pumpkin everything, and a family-favorite tradition at San Antonio Zoo called Zoo Boo. Presented by PNC, this not-so-scary celebration is back for its 40th year and runs September 19 through November 1.
Here’s the short version of what to expect. Families get free daily trick-or-treating, an all-new Día de los Muertos experience, costumes, live entertainment, and seasonal food. It’s Halloween fun wrapped around a full day with the animals.
What Is Zoo Boo?
Zoo Boo, presented by PNC, is San Antonio Zoo’s Halloween celebration, built to be festive instead of frightening. That makes it a great fit for young kids and first-time trick-or-treaters.
The best part is the price. Zoo Boo is included with standard admission and always free for members.
Your visit can include:
- Free daily trick-or-treating
- The all-new Fiesta de los Muertos
- A DJ every Saturday and live entertainment
- The John and Greli Less Spider Rainforest with real spiders
- Seasonal food, drinks, and sweet treats
Free Daily Trick-or-Treating
Trick-or-treating happens every day from 4 to 5 pm during Zoo Boo. Kids can collect candy at stations around the park while visiting their favorite animals.
The candy has a conservation twist. All treats handed out contain sustainably sourced palm oil, which helps support rainforest ecosystems and the animals that depend on them.
You can confirm daily times on the Zoo Hours page before you head out.
The All-New Fiesta de los Muertos
New for 2026, Fiesta de los Muertos brings the color and artistry of Día de los Muertos into Zoo Boo. Guests walk through three themed realms full of larger-than-life art and festive photo spots.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
- Plaza de los Recuerdos, with an Ofrenda de Animales honoring beloved animals
- Calaveras Salvajes, where zoo animal sculptures get colorful sugar-skull designs
- El Jardín de los Alebrijes, a whimsical garden of bright folk-art creatures
There’s face painting, culturally inspired displays, and limited-time themed food and drinks. Use the Zoo Map to find each realm once you arrive.
Costumes and Live Entertainment
Costumes are a big part of the fun, and guests of all ages are welcome to dress up. A DJ spins every Saturday, and live entertainment pops up throughout the season.
One thing to plan for is costume guidelines. In past years, San Antonio Zoo has asked that Halloween masks be worn only by children under 12, so it’s worth checking current rules before you go.
Seasonal Food and Treats
Halloween works up an appetite, and San Antonio Zoo brings out fall-flavored food during Zoo Boo. These limited-time bites are half the fun.
Look for seasonal favorites like:
- Deep Fried Oreos
- Zombie Brains, made with crispy cauliflower fritters and sweet Thai chili
- Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Bites
More seasonal food and drinks show up around the park too. See the full lineup on the Where to Eat page to plan your snack stops.
Animal Experiences
Zoo Boo is still a full day at San Antonio Zoo, so the animals stay front and center. Families can visit big cats, primates, reptiles, and more between candy stops.
Interactive animal experiences happen throughout the season, giving kids a chance to learn something new. You can see who lives here on the Animals page to build your must-see list.
Special Zoo Boo Dates to Know
Some days come with extra fun built in. These are worth marking on your calendar:
- Dog Day, Sunday, October 18: dog-friendly trick-or-treating and a dog costume contest, with a separate Dog Day ticket required per pup
- Member Appreciation Day, Saturday, October 24: special perks for members, including Bring a Friend Free
- Congo Falls Member Pin Giveaway, September 26, and Ajari Member Pin Giveaway, October 17, both for active members while supplies last
- Halloween, Saturday, October 31: extended hours until 9 pm with special activities day and night
Tips to Make the Most of Zoo Boo
Keep these in mind before you go:
- Buy tickets online in advance to save time at the gate
- Bring your own trick-or-treat bag to stay eco-friendly
- Aim for the 4 to 5 pm window so you catch the candy fun
- Snap photos at Fiesta de los Muertos early, before the afternoon crowd
Zoo Boo FAQs
Is Zoo Boo scary?
No. Zoo Boo is designed to be family-friendly and not-so-scary, which makes it a good fit for young kids.
Is trick-or-treating included with admission?
Yes. Trick-or-treating is included with standard admission and runs daily from 4 to 5 pm, so there’s no separate ticket for the candy fun.
What is new for Zoo Boo in 2026?
The all-new Fiesta de los Muertos is the big addition, with three colorful realms, face painting, and an animal ofrenda.
Do members pay extra for Zoo Boo?
No. Zoo Boo is always free for members, and members get special perks on select dates during the season.
Can I bring my dog?
On Dog Day, Sunday, October 18, yes. Dogs can join dog-friendly trick-or-treating and a costume contest with a separate Dog Day ticket.
When does Zoo Boo end?
Zoo Boo runs September 19 through November 1, wrapping up with extended hours until 9 pm on Halloween night.
Plan Your Zoo Boo Visit
Make Zoo Boo, presented by PNC, part of your family’s Halloween this year. Grab your costumes, plan your candy route, and buy your tickets online in advance!
Coming back all season long? Since Zoo Boo is free for members, a membership pays off fast. Join the San Antonio Zoo family through our Membership Page and enjoy Zoo Boo plus every visit after.