photo of mom and daughter dressed up for Boo at the Zoo attraction

Tickets for “Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer” on sale to public now (media release)

CONTACT:

Kyle Shepherd, 502-744-5639 Kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo are proud to announce the return of “Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer”, celebrating 44 years of merry, not scary fun! Tickets are on sale now and available at louisvillezoo.org/boo. This beloved event is a Louisville tradition and will begin this year starting September 27 and running through October 30 (Thursday – Sunday nights).

Tickets are all-inclusive and include Boo at the Zoo admission, parking, Spooktacular Carousel, “not-so-itsy-bitsy” Spider House and the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow attraction.

Children and adults are invited to dress up in their wildest costumes for the after-hours event.

Boo at the Zoo turns the Zoo into a living storybook, complete with favorite characters brought to life. There will be music, photo opportunities around every corner and, of course, a safe place to trick-or-treat for kids 11 and under. Guests are encouraged to bring their own trick-or-treat bags, but reusable treat bags will be available for purchase at the Zoo’s Gift Shop (while supplies last).

Tickets:

Tickets for “Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer” are $13.75 for all non-members ages 3 and older and $7.25 for all members ages 3 and older. Children ages 2 and under are free and do not require a ticket.

Members and guests can purchase tickets online at louisvillezoo.org/boo, with their chosen date and arrival time. Ticket capacity is limited each night with popular nights expected to sell out quickly.

A limited number of Meijer “anytime tickets” can be purchased at participating Meijer stores for $11.75 starting September 21, 2025. Visit louisvillezoo.org/boo for a list of stores.

“Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer” is a rain or shine event.

Sponsors:

Boo at the Zoo is presented by Meijer and sponsored by Ford Motor Company, Norton Children’s, PNC Grow Up Great and UPS. With additional support provided by Councilwoman Josie Raymond & District 10 residents, Councilman Anthony Piagentini and District 19 residents, Ky Saves 529, and Nu Yale.

“Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer” provides critical support every year to the Zoo’s animal care programs, visitor experience and conservation education.

Event Hours:

On “Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer” event days:

The Zoo will close early for regular daytime visitors. Gates will close at 3 p.m. with guests being allowed to visit until 4 p.m.

The party starts at 5 p.m. and Halloween guests will enter the Zoo at their ticketed time until 9 p.m. At 10 p.m., the trick-or-treat route will close, and all guests must exit the Zoo.

Special Dates:

Allergy-Friendly Night

Wednesday, October 22; Enter 5 – 7:30 p.m., enjoy until 8:30 p.m.

This special night features peanut-free treat booths and added non-food treats like stickers, pencils and more.

Sensory-Friendly Night at Boo at the Zoo

Wednesday, October 29; Enter 5 – 6:30 p.m., enjoy until 8 p.m.

This night will feature a sensory-friendly trick-or-treating experience with fewer lights, lower music and smaller crowds. Tickets are very limited so purchase early to reserve your spot.

Costume Fun:

The Zoo encourages all visitors to wear family-friendly costumes. Adults may join in the fun, however full costume masks that cover the entire face are not permitted for adults.

To learn more about costume guidelines, the event and “Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer” activities, visit louisvillezoo.org/boo.

Animal Schedules:

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.

Regular Zoo Hours:

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through September 21, 2025, Zoo hours are 10 a.m. ─ 5 p.m. (enjoy until 6 p.m.). Beginning September 22, 2025 – Mid March 2026, Zoo hours will be 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (enjoy until 5 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more info.

###

About the Louisville Zoo
The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), a global alliance of zoos and aquariums.