Boo at the L.A. Zoo 2026: Trick-or-Treat With the Animals!
What’s better than trick-or-treating? Trick-or-treating past giraffes, gorillas, and flamingos. Boo at the L.A. Zoo is one of the sweetest Halloween traditions in Los Angeles, with candy stations, costumed characters, and pumpkin treats for the animals, all in the daylight hours that little ones love.
In 2026, Boo at the L.A. Zoo takes place on two weekends, October 24–25 and October 31–November 1, and it’s included with regular Zoo admission. Here’s everything your family needs to know, from trick-or-treat times and what’s new to tickets, parking, and tips for a smooth visit.
Boo at the L.A. Zoo 2026: Quick Facts
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Saturday, October 24 – Sunday, October 25, 2026
Saturday, October 31 – Sunday, November 1, 2026
Trick-or-treating: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day
Zoo hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last entry 3:45 p.m.)
Boo activities are free with paid Zoo admission or an active L.A. Zoo membership, so there’s no separate event ticket to buy. The Zoo strongly encourages buying date-specific tickets in advance, especially for Halloween weekend.
What Families Can Expect at Boo at the L.A. Zoo
Trick-or-Treating Among the Animals
Six candy stations presented by MARS are set up between the Children’s Zoo and Treetops Terrace. Candy is available while supplies last, so bring your own trick-or-treat bag (or pick one up at the gift shop) and plan to arrive early.
Halloween Headquarters and Photo Spots
Treetops Terrace becomes Halloween Headquarters, with games and activities, plus pumpkin painting for an additional fee. Five decorated photo spots at Selig Plaza, the Marketplace, the Children’s Zoo, the Rose Garden, and Treetops Terrace make it easy to capture those costume pictures.
New for 2026: An Inflatable Corn Maze
This year’s new addition is an inflatable corn maze, a fun, mini adventure for kids who love to explore. Costumed characters will also stroll through the Children’s Zoo, with different characters each day.
Creature Treats and Conservation Fun
Some of the Zoo’s animals get special Halloween and pumpkin enrichment during “Creature Treats,” and the Zoo says the schedule is coming soon. Kids can also learn about bats, vultures, and condors at SPOOKY Conservation in the Rose Garden, and catch a vulture talk at noon each Boo day at the World of Birds Show Theater.
Special Guests by Day
Each day brings something a little different: Give Kids Art on Saturday, October 24; the Los Angeles Public Library on Sunday, October 25; and Bob Baker Marionette Theater performances at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 31.
Members’ Early Access
L.A. Zoo members at the Family Deluxe level and above get an exclusive early morning on Saturday, October 24, from 8 to 10 a.m., with early trick-or-treating, keeper talks, and pop-up activities. Members need their card and photo ID, and guest passes aren’t honored during early access.
Costume Rules
Kids and grown-ups are encouraged to come in costume. The Zoo does not allow full-face masks, weapons, obscene costumes, or anything that could disturb guests or animals, so keep costumes comfortable, safe, and animal-friendly. Need inspiration? Browse our fun Halloween costumes for LA kids.
Tickets, Parking, and Getting There
Buy date-specific general admission tickets on the L.A. Zoo tickets page. Children under 2 are free but still need a ticket, and members don’t need reservations. The Zoo’s deals page lists options like the Family Fun Pack for two adults and two children.
Parking at the Zoo is free. The Zoo sits in Griffith Park near the junction of the 5 and 134 freeways, across from the Autry Museum, and Metro Bus 296 also serves the area. See Getting Here for directions.
Strollers can be rented for $15 per day ($20 for a double), and the Zoo offers free sensory bags as a KultureCity-certified venue. Some paths are hilly, so check the accessibility page if you’re bringing a wheelchair or scooter.
Tips for Visiting Boo at the L.A. Zoo
Arrive right at 10 a.m. Candy stations run while supplies last, and the first hour is usually the calmest. Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, so expect the October 31 weekend to be the busiest.
Pack a trick-or-treat bag, water, sunscreen, and layers. Late October in Griffith Park can be warm at midday and cool in the shade. Outside food is allowed, but no glass, disposable straws, or alcohol.
Finally, plan for tired legs. The Zoo is big and hilly, so bring a stroller for little ones and pick a few must-see animals rather than trying to see everything.
Takeaway
Boo at the L.A. Zoo is a gentle, daytime Halloween outing that’s perfect for toddlers and young kids, with trick-or-treating, a new inflatable corn maze, costumed characters, and animal pumpkin treats. It runs October 24–25 and October 31–November 1, 2026, and it’s included with regular Zoo admission.
Buy tickets in advance, arrive early for the best candy selection, and check the official Boo at the L.A. Zoo page for the Creature Treats schedule. Looking for more Halloween fun? See our Halloween events in Los Angeles, pumpkin patches and fall festivals, and Halloween Time at Disneyland guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Boo at the L.A. Zoo in 2026?
Boo at the L.A. Zoo takes place Saturday and Sunday, October 24–25, and Saturday and Sunday, October 31–November 1, 2026. Trick-or-treating runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
2. Is Boo at the L.A. Zoo free?
Boo activities are included with paid Zoo admission or an active L.A. Zoo membership. Pumpkin painting costs extra, and children under 2 are admitted free with a ticket.
3. Can kids wear costumes to the L.A. Zoo?
Yes. Kids and adults are encouraged to wear costumes, but full-face masks, weapons, and anything that could disturb guests or animals are not allowed.
4. Is parking free at the L.A. Zoo?
Yes. Parking at the L.A. Zoo is free until further notice, according to the Zoo’s FAQ.
5. What age is Boo at the L.A. Zoo best for?
It’s especially great for toddlers through elementary-age kids, since everything happens in daylight and nothing is scary. Older kids will still enjoy the animals, the corn maze, and the conservation talks.
Comments