Fort Worth’s Boo at the Zoo is back. Here’s everything you need to know about the event
What better way to celebrate Halloween than with some exotic zoo animals.
Boo at the Zoo is back. On Oct. 25-27, Fort Worth Zoo will be crawling with treats, entertainment and fun.
The festival is included in the general admission price, granting families access to treat stations so children can trick or treat in their Halloween costumes. Special spooky-themed live shows with animals will be available as well.
There’s a lot going on during this weekend at the zoo, so prepare for the mania by planning ahead.
What is Boo at the Zoo?
The Fort Worth Zoo will be hosting a non-scary Halloween celebration. This includes a pumpkin patch and specialized live shows by zoo keepers and their animals.
The zoo will display a plethora of painted pumpkins for the annual pumpkin patch. If your pumpkin was chosen, you must drop it off between Oct. 21 and Oct. 23. You can then pick up your pumpkin during business hours between Oct. 29 and Nov. 1. Pumpkins not picked up will be disposed by the end of day on Nov. 1. Be sure to stop by to see all the creative gourds.
While you attend Boo at the Zoo, there are shows going all day long. Here is a glimpse of the schedule, according to the Fort Worth Zoo website:
Dr. Suds Bubble Lab – Check out what’s poppin’ at this fan-favorite show! A mesmerizing display of bubble tricks and tips will thrill guests of all ages! (10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. at The Reserve)
Renfield the Bat – This maniacal mammal is downright batty! Enjoy the antics of this engaging puppet. (11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 4 p.m. at The Reserve)
Haunted Mystery Zookeeper Animal Stage Show – Solve a haunted mystery with the help of some furry and not-so-furry sidekicks! (Noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., at Outdoor Learning Theater)
Magical Monster Mash – Mix it up with a magician, music and audience interaction at this not-so-spooky Halloween show. (11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:45 p.m., at Texas Town in Texas Wild!)
Pumpkin Patch – Be sure to take a gander at this gourdeous gathering of pumpkins painted by local residents and Zoo staff.(10 a.m. to 5 p.m., along Zoo main path across from MOLA: **In the event of rain, the pumpkin patch will be relocated to the smaller side of Picnic Outpost.**)
Strolling Characters – Get ready for some serious selfies! Popular beloved characters will be roaming the main path, ready for a meet and greet. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m., along the Zoo’s main path)
Razzmajazz – Dance down to Texas Town as you enjoy the jovial sounds of this brass trio. (11 a.m. to 2 p.m., along the Zoo’s main path)
Hay Maze – Wind and weave your way through this tot-sized maze. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Reserve)
IKEA Craft Patch – Get crafty with the kids when making a Halloween-themed art project, sponsored by IKEA. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Picnic Outpost)
Bone Rattler Express* – Got some guts? Take a trip on the Bone Rattler Express to see some spooktacular sights. One-way tickets are $5, $4 for Zoo members (10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Safari Depot and Texas Depot)
Kooky Carousel* - Putting the trick in trick-or-treat – take a backwards ride on the Kooky Carousel ... if you dare! Tickets are $5 per ride, $4 for Zoo members. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Texas Town, across from the train depot)
The Zoo recommends checking the schedule of keeper chats and stage shows to help plan your day.
What to know about Boo at the Zoo
Boo at the Zoo will happen all weekend long beginning Friday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Zoo officials encourage everyone to come in their Halloween costumes. However, adults and children that are 13 years or older are asked to keep their faces visible, meaning no heavy costume makeup.
Tickets are already on sale. General admission tickets are valid for any day within 30 days of purchase.
With a general admission ticket, or Fort Worth Zoo membership, guests will receive six treat coupons. These tickets are eligible for trade in at the treat station where each ticket will receive four pieces of candy. If you have dietary restrictions, they also have non-candy treat stations available.
General Admission: Adult (Ages 13-64), $19.00. Child (Ages 3-12), $15.00. Senior (Ages 65 and older), $15.00. ($1 online discount is placed, for those who buy tickets in person all prices will go up a dollar.)
Wednesdays are half priced admissions, however Boo at the Zoo does not occur on Wednesdays.
You can purchase additional treat coupons for $3 for six.
Parking: $5, free for members.
Fort Worth Zoo is located on 1989 Colonial Parkway.
Volunteer at Boo at the Zoo
If you want to become a member of the “Boo Crew,” you can earn some community service hours. Volunteeers will be tasked with handing out candy, serving as area monitors and other positions.
Each volunteer must be able to work one of two shifts: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
A $5 volunteer fee covers a snack, limited-edition Boo at the Zoo volunteer t-shirt and one zoo admission ticket (to be used at a later date).
Volunteers must be 16 years or older in order to volunteer.
One adult chaperone for every group of five volunteers younger than 18.
This story was originally published October 21, 2024 at 12:17 PM with the headline "Fort Worth’s Boo at the Zoo is back. Here’s everything you need to know about the event."