Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Boo at the Zoo is merry, not scary!

Get ready for lighthearted Halloween fun without the fright during the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s annual Boo at the Zoo celebration, presented by Wendy’s.

This merry-not-scary, frightfully delightful event will take place the following weekends of October 2023.

October 6-8, October 13-15, October 20-22, October 27-29, 2023

Join the Zoo Character Ambassadors and other costumed guests to celebrate the fall season!

Fun Boo at the Zoo Attractions

This family-friendly event features Tommy C. Turtles Trick or Treat Trail with 13 treat stations in Adventure Cove, around Conservation Lake, and Asia Quest.

Learn the Training Tales behind the adorable and silly sea lions on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 at the Lighthouse Theatre in Adventure Cove. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the animal ambassadors are trained and cared for by their trainers.

Head to Lighthouse Stage to learn more about the animals who reside at Adventure Cove. Watch their natural behaviors and learn how you can help them as you watch wildlife in action. The Dive in Adventure shows are on Saturdays and Sundays at 12 pm and 2 pm during Boo at the Zoo.

Meet some of your favorite character ambassadors at the Lakeside Pavilion hourly throughout the event.

Cali’s Pirate-Palooza Rolling Celebration will roll through the Zoo with music and dancing. Halloween Hullabaloo Rolling Celebration will carry popular Zoo Characters throughout the Zoo for more rolling and dancing fun. Later in the day, you’ll catch the Roll Back the Rock and So Long, Farewell Rolling celebration. 

Asia Quest will feature some elephant-sizes pumpkins, and on Saturdays from 10 am – 2 pm, you can watch a skilled craftsman carve these into giant masterpieces.

Go on Jessie’s Jack-o-Lantern Journey to enjoy all things pumpkin along the enchanted path.

You can also take a ride on the Zoo Boo Choo Choo through Vertebrate Village for an addition fee, or take a spin on Sydnee Koala’s Candy Corn Carousel. Additional fees required for rides.

Photo: Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Dress up at the Zoo!

Wear a costume* and have a blast at the Zoo! All costumes must be family-appropriate. No weapons, real or fake, are permitted.

*Only adults accompanied by a child or children under 13 years of age will be permitted to wear costumes on zoo grounds and adults faces must be uncovered, because otherwise, that’s just creepy….

See full details about Boo at the Zoo on the website!

Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Special Sensory-Friendly Halloween Character Meet & Greet for Boo at the Zoo

Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 10 am – 2 pm. 

This special event is held on the Fall Quiet Hours day, and features seasonal sensory-friendly activities for registered guests. Meet character ambassadors, enjoy 4 sensory-friendly treat stations, and more. The event is in the Suzie Edwards Conservation Education Classrooms near the Zoo entrance. Check website for tickets. 

If you wish to visit the Zoo afterwards, you’ll need to purchase admission, or use membership. The day will feature reduced crowds, decreased sounds, and less visual stimulation than a typical day at the Zoo.

*Please note, Boo at the Zoo activities do not start in the Zoo until October 6.
 

Boo at the Zoo Hours

October 6-8, October 13-15, October 20-22, October 27-29, 2023

Fridays: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Zoo opens at 10 a.m. Boo festivities begin at 5 pm)
Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sundays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Heart of Africa and Congo Expedition will close at 5 pm each day.

Event is included with regular Zoo admission, and with memberships. Parking is $10 for non-members. 

See more details about the Zoo discount days, special events, and more. 

Columbus Zoo tickets and discounts, and more

Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Find more Fall Fun here!

• Best places to pick apples in Central Ohio
• Columbus Pumpkin Patches, Farm Activities, Corn Mazes, and More!
• Big list of great Fall date ideas around Columbus
• Best hikes and scenic drives for Fall Color in Ohio
• Over 120 events celebrating Fall and Halloween in Columbus
• 11 Haunted Woods and Haunted Houses Around Columbus

Save