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Boo at the Zoo FAQs

Do guests have to be finished and leave the Zoo by 8:30 p.m.?
Timed tickets are available until 8:30 p.m. nightly. The Zoo’s trick-or-treat route will close and guests must exit at 10 p.m.

What about rain or cold weather?
This is a rain or shine event. The cast and crew will be in place to greet you no matter the weather. Bring rain or cold-weather gear. A limited number of rain ponchos and other clothing items will be available for sale at the main gift shop. In the rare case of inclement weather, the Zoo will post any closing announcements on social media and at lousvillezoo.org.

Can you see the animals during Boo at the Zoo?
While you may catch a glimpse of some of our animals, most of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors will not be viewable in the evenings so they can rest and maintain their regular schedules.

Is Boo at the Zoo held on Halloween night?
No, the last night of the event is Sunday, October 29, 2023.

Do regular daytime Zoo hours change?
Yes. On Boo at the Zoo nights, the Zoo gates close early at 3 p.m. with guests allowed to stay until 4 p.m. This early closing allows the Event Team time to prepare for the event. The gates will reopen at 5 p.m. for Boo at the Zoo.

Is smoking permitted?
No. For the safety of our guests, smoking (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited anywhere on Zoo grounds during this after-hours event.

Do kids have to wear costumes?
No, but kids are encouraged to wear costumes to enhance the experience.

Can adults wear costumes?
Adults may wear costumes, but we ask that they be family-friendly (not scary please). As this event caters to small children, adults may NOT wear costume masks that cover the ENTIRE face. The Zoo reserves the right to ask adults to remove full-face costume masks.

Is there off-site parking or a Zoo shuttle?
Our nightly capacities eliminates the need for off-site parking or a Zoo shuttle. Parking is easy and convenient in the Zoo’s lot and included in your ticket price. Please do not park anywhere off zoo grounds or other than the main Zoo parking lot unless directed by a member of the Louisville Zoo staff.

Where do we park? Is there a cost?
Parking is easy and convenient in the Zoo’s lot and included in your ticket price. Please do not park anywhere off zoo grounds or other than the main Zoo parking lot unless directed by a member of the Louisville Zoo staff.

Are gift shops and concessions open?
Yes, some gift stands are open and will sell fun glow items, cloth trick-or-treat bags and more. Members get 10% off select items. Select concession stands will be open and selling snacks and beverages including beer, wine and frozen cocktails. Louisville Zoo members get a 10% discount.  Member Discount does not apply to sale items or alcohol. 

Are strollers and wheelchairs available for rental?
Yes, the Louisville Zoo rents strollers, wagons and wheelchairs (limited number) from the front plaza. Electric wheelchairs are available in limited number during the Halloween Event.  Advanced reservations for an electric wheelchair can be made online in advance to ensure availability.  Any remaining unreserved fully charged electric wheelchairs are available on a first come first served basis. For more information and prices, click here.

What other Zoo tips, and safety guidelines should I be aware of?
Click here for information on Zoo policies regarding balloons, skateboards, alcohol, behavior inside the Zoo and more. Help us be “green” and bring your own treat bag or purchase a reusable bag at the Gift Shop for $2 (while supplies last).

How do I buy a ticket online?
Click here for instructions on how to purchase Boo at the Zoo tickets.

Are tickets available anywhere other than online at LouisvilleZoo.org?
To help us manage our capacity, all tickets must be purchased in advance on the Zoo’s website. Make sure the email on your member profile is up to date so you are able to receive your tickets. Meijer is also offering Anytime Tickets at select locations. Learn more here.

May I get a refund or exchange my ticket for another date if something comes up?
Boo at the Zoo is a rain or shine event.  There are no refunds or exchanges for this important fundraiser.

Are there any discount tickets available anywhere?
Corporate Ticket Club member employees can purchase discounted (night specific) tickets online. Or become a Zoo member and get access to discounted Halloween tickets — learn more. Meijer is also offering Anytime Tickets at select locations. Learn more here.

Do Louisville Zoo members receive special pricing?
Yes. Current members can purchase discounted tickets online for persons covered on the membership. We reserve the right to check member cards and photo IDs at the gate. You can also purchase extra guest tickets for non-member guests not covered on your membership at the same time (at the regular rate).

How do I buy an online ticket using my member number?
Click here for instructions.

When placing a member order online, why do I receive a message that simply says “Error.”
If you experience this, please manually enter in your information (instead of the autofill feature) AND leave the phone field blank.

Do I need to bring my membership card and photo ID even though I used my ID number to buy my ticket online?
Yes. We reserve the right to check member cards and photo IDs at the gate. See Member FAQs for more general member details.

Why do I need to get a ticket online for a specific night and time?
Timed tickets help us manage capacities and provide for a better guest experience. A limited number of tickets will be available for each evening’s time slot.

Can I attend more than one night?
We invite guests and members to attend as many times as you would like. Please note that your admission includes one loop through the trick-or-treat trail.

How many discount tickets can I purchase?
You can purchase tickets for the number of people covered on your membership card. We reserve the right to check membership cards and photo IDs at the gate.

I have a membership to a reciprocal Zoo, how will that work?
We do not accept reciprocal memberships for admission for after-hours or special fee-based events.

We normally park for free as members. Is it also free for the Halloween Party?
Parking is FREE with admission to Boo at the Zoo.

Can Zoo members bring a guest?
Yes, but Member guests pay full price. You can purchase these full-priced extra guest tickets at the same time you purchase your online discount tickets. See all the Ticket Options.

Is there a separate Zoo member entrance?
All visitors enter through the main gate.

I have some rides included in my membership package. Are my rides included or at a discount for the Party?
Carousel rides, entry to the “not-so itsy-bitsy” Spider House, and the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow are all included in admission. Attractions are subject to regular Zoo maintenance and the cooperation of weather and animals.

Can I use my Family Experience Event Pass for Boo at the Zoo?
The Family Experience Event pass is not valid for Boo at the Zoo and may only be used on events labeled “Member Experience Nights.” Please see more information on our website about your Experience Level Benefits.

Can adults trick-or-treat?
Trick-or-treating is reserved for guests 11 and under.

How many times can we go through the treat route?
You may go through the trick-or-treat route one time at your leisure.

Should children bring their own trick-or-treat bags?
Yes, please help us be green and bring your own bags. If you forget a bag, you can purchase a cloth bag at the Zoo Gift Shop on the main plaza for $2 (while supplies last).

Do any of the treats you give out contain peanuts?
While we make a conscious effort to include many treats that do not contain peanuts, some of those treats are made in facilities that process peanuts. If you have allergy concerns, consider attending our Allergy-Friendly Night on October 19, 2023. This special night will feature peanut-free treat booths and added non-food treats like stickers, tattoos, pencils and more. Children with allergies can receive a teal token redeemable for an allergy-friendly option at our Switch Witch booth.

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