Party Tips

• You must purchase your tickets online in advance. Have your email or a screenshot of the tickets ready on your phone to show as you enter the gate. Or, if you prefer, print your tickets before you head to the Zoo to be scanned as you enter the gate.
• Don’t forget to bring a treat bag. Reusable cloth treat bags can be purchased at the Gift Shop for $2.
• 5 – 6:30 p.m. is our most popular party time. You may want to consider attending later in the evening to enjoy the twinkle lights, carved lit pumpkins and the glowing atmosphere of the Zoo at dusk!
• Wear comfy shoes. The trick-or-treat trail features 20 treat booths along a route that is approximately 1.3 miles long or around 3,330 steps!
• While we encourage you to come in costume, remember we are a family-friendly party. Adults may NOT wear costume masks that cover the entire face.
• The trick-or-treating route goes one way, and guests are permitted to complete one loop only.

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 entrance will close at 9 p.m. and guests must exit the Zoo by 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 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 27, 2024.

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. As this event caters to 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 capacity 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 other than the Zoo’s parking lot or off Zoo grounds 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 parking lot and included in your ticket price. Please do not park anywhere other than the Zoo’s parking lot or  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. A limited quantity of electric wheelchairs is available during Boo at the Zoo.  Advanced reservations for an electric wheelchair can be made online 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 (while supplies last). And please help make your Halloween more wildlife-friendly by buying sustainable palm oil candy.  (See Sustainability section below for more info)

Are tickets available anywhere other than online at LouisvilleZoo.org?
Tickets are available at louisvillezoo.org. Meijer is also offering Anytime Tickets at select locations. See the Meijer section below. All other tickets are only available through the Zoo’s website, louisvillezoo.org.

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?
Corporate Ticket Club member employees can purchase discounted (night-specific) tickets online. Zoo members receive a discount on tickets. Meijer is also offering Anytime Tickets at select locations.  Learn more below!

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).

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; do I receive a discount?
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.

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 (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 23, 2024. This special night will feature peanut-free treat booths and added non-food treats like stickers, tattoos, pencils and more.