PHILADELPHIA - Spooky season has officially arrived in Philadelphia! For the first time in its 20-year history, the Philadelphia Zoo is expanding its quintessential family-friendly Halloween event, Boo at the Zoo, to run all month in October.
Running for five full weekends from October 3 through November 1 (plus Indigenous Peoples' Day), America's first zoo is preparing to welcome tens of thousands of costumed guests. The expanded 2026 schedule is packed with trick-or-treating, towering giant skeletons, seasonal treats, and of course, viral animals chomping down on pumpkins.
"We are beyond excited to bring Boo at the Zoo, a longstanding Philly Zoo family tradition, to our guests and members every weekend in October," said President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “Autumn is such a special time at the Zoo. Our animals become more active in the cooler weather and enjoy the pumpkin harvest, our canopy of 1,500 trees transforms our campus into one of the best spots for leaf peeping in the city, and of course, there will be plenty of candy and costumes around every corner."
What’s New for Boo at the Zoo in 2026?
With trick-or-treating mapped out across the zoo campus (including the allergy-friendly Teal Pumpkin Project at every candy station), the Zoo has introduced several massive new attractions for the 2026 season:
- 10-Story Fall Foliage Views: For the first time, guests can ride the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel to take in spectacular aerial views of the Zoo's 1,500 transforming autumn trees.
- Giant Skeleton Invasion: Keep an eye out as you walk the campus! More than two dozen 5-foot and 12-foot skeletons (generously donated by Home Depot) have invaded the zoo grounds.
- Cryptic Creatures Exhibit: Head to the Small Mammal House to explore the myths and legends of cryptids—including the infamous Jersey Devil—and learn the real truth behind wild animal encounters.
- Trick-or-Tree House & Tarot: The iconic 1876 Tree House will be decked out in creepy-crawly decor, featuring an extra candy station and live tarot card readings from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Haunted Morning Tours: The popular "Wake Up With Wildlife" premium morning tours (Oct 4 and Oct 11 at 8:30 AM) will include an exclusive stop inside The Solitude—the oldest and rumored most haunted building at the Zoo.
Pumpkin Feedings & Animal Enrichments
One of the highlights of Boo at the Zoo is watching 12 different animal species interact with the fall pumpkin harvest, donated by Riverwards Produce. You won't want to miss the viral hippos crushing whole pumpkins in their jaws!
Saturday Feeding Highlights:
- 10:00 AM – Bears at Carey Bear Country
- 11:00 AM – Giant tortoises at Reptile House
- 2:00 PM – Hippos in African Plains
- 2:30 PM – Ossabaw Island Hogs at KidZooU
Sunday Feeding Highlights:
- 10:00 AM – Big Cat Falls
- 12:00 PM – Orangutans at PECO Primate Reserve
- 12:30 PM – Gorillas at PECO Primate Reserve
Frightfully Delicious Fall Food
If you work up an appetite carrying your candy bag, the Zoo’s culinary team has rolled out an exclusive seasonal menu. Guests can visit the apple cider bar at Impala Plaza for hot cider and Vampire Blood Frozen Frazils, or indulge in Scorpion Fries dusted in Flaming Hot Cheetos at Backyard Kitchen. For something sweet, Churro Churro is offering a decadent pumpkin cheesecake parfait.
Plan Your Perfect Philadelphia Halloween
Boo at the Zoo runs from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM on operating days, and tickets are available now on the Philadelphia Zoo's website.
If you are planning to spend your day at the Zoo before heading out into your own neighborhood for the evening candy rush, be sure to map out your evening schedule with Philadelphia: trick-or-treat times and local events.
And for the parents looking to unwind after a long day of chasing kids and giant skeletons—or adults heading out for a night on the town—you can discover exactly where the best Halloween bars in Philadelphia are to keep the festive spirits flowing long after the Zoo gates close.
