Philadelphia, PA – October 1, 2025 – Get ready for a Halloween season like no other as the Philadelphia Zoo announces the return of its wildly popular "Boo at the Zoo," now bigger, bolder, and more packed with surprises than ever before! Philadelphia's largest family Halloween event is expanding with new attractions, more dates, and extended hours, promising an unforgettable spooky season for all.
Starting October 11th and running through October 26th, Boo at the Zoo transforms the historic grounds into a Halloween wonderland. While beloved annual traditions like the trick-or-treat safari, festive seasonal décor, changing fall leaves, howling children's activities, pumpkin feedings, and engaging animal enrichments will all be back, this year introduces a host of thrilling new additions:
Big New Surprises for 2025 Include:
- Debut of Trick-or-Tree House: For the very first time, the Zoo's iconic Tree House, built way back in 1876, will host a not-so-spooky haunted house! Get ready for a fang-tastic dance party with a live DJ, creepy-crawly decorations, and a secret candy station. Navigate a haybale maze to find your way back to the main path. (Members: Free; Non-member families: $5 add-on).
- More Dates and Times: The event spans three full weekends, plus an additional weekday, offering more opportunities to visit. Look out for special Sensory Friendly Hours on Saturday, October 11th (8:30 am to 9:30 am), and convenient Monday holiday hours.
- New Halloween-Themed Train Ride: In partnership with SEPTA, the PZ Express train will be decked out for Halloween, taking goblins and ghouls on a festive spin through the lush autumn colors.
- Pumpkin Putt Putt: Test your mini-golf skills on a new six-hole course set up on Impala Lawn, here just for Boo at the Zoo.
- Costume Parade Around Bird Lake: Show off your creative costumes for a chance to win a Family Membership! Parades kick off at 1:30 pm daily, with Zoo Staff judging the best group costume.
- Frightful Flora: Embark on a self-guided tour of the Zoo's gardens to discover special plants with a spooky twist.
- Eerie-sistible Education Activities: Engage in fun, educational experiences like launching a jumping spider onto its web or testing your knowledge about vampire bat diets.
"Autumn is such a special time at the Zoo," said Philadelphia Zoo President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. "As we enjoy the cooler temperatures, our animals do, too. Our tree canopy changes to vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds that local leaf peepers won't want to miss. And of course, we love seeing adorable trick-or-treaters dressed as tigers, giraffes, and more greeting their real-life counterparts.”
Animal Enrichment Gets an Autumnal Twist
Vice President of Animal Care and Well-Being, Rachel Metz, highlights how the animal care team loves to celebrate the holidays: "During Boo at the Zoo, this part of animal care gets an autumnal twist, which includes adding seasonal pumpkins and gourds to animal diets, as well as themed boomer balls, puzzle feeders, and more!" Guests can look forward to a full lineup of pumpkin feedings and animal enrichments for hippos, big cats, aquatic turtles, orangutans, gorillas, birds, giant tortoises, and Rodrigues fruit bats.
Frightfully Delicious Food & Special Tours
Beyond the fun and games, the Zoo is rolling out new frightfully delicious menu options and seasonal treats. Indulge in a pumpkin spice latte at Impala Café, dare to try "The Cursed Pizza" (pumpkin puree, gouda, caramelized onion, bacon) at Tiger Terrace, or grab a "Mummy Dog" (bacon-wrapped corn dog) from Backyard Kitchen.
For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, "Wake Up With Wildlife Premium Tours" are available on Sunday, October 12th and Sunday, October 19th. These tours start at 8:30 am and, for the Halloween season, include a special final stop at The Solitude – the oldest (and rumored to be most haunted) building at the Zoo.
Boo at the Zoo is included with both Zoo admission and membership. Tickets are on sale now on the Zoo’s website for the following dates: Saturdays, October 11, 18, and 25; Sundays, October 12, 19, and 26; and Monday, October 13, 2025.
Become a Member for More Perks: Zoo members enjoy exclusive members-only hours, complimentary admission and parking, 10% off shops and dining, discounted tickets to LumiNature, exclusive events, and discounted admission to over 100 zoos and aquariums nationwide. Learn more on the Zoo’s website.
About Philadelphia Zoo: At Philadelphia Zoo, the Zoo moves around you! Pioneering Zoo360, a first-in-the-world system of animal exploration trails, Philadelphia Zoo has inspired more than 70 zoos globally. Zoo360 allows animals like big cats, lemurs, and monkeys to travel and roam through their campuses, exploring and marveling at each other and guests. The Zoo is home to endangered species, connecting people with wildlife to inspire action for animals and habitats. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a non-smoking facility.
