Lemurs at the Amarillo Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo (photo courtesy Amarillo Zoo)
The season of jack-o-lanterns, trick-or-treating, and other fall frolics has returned. Texas offers a trove of terror, but there’s plenty of family-friendly fun at zoos across the state to celebrate the season.
Dallas Zoo: Oct. 26–29
The gates will creak open after-hours for Halloween Nights at the Dallas Zoo. Children dressed in Halloween costumes can trick-or-treat in the wild and catch special events and activities throughout the zoo, including special shows, play games, and costumed characters.
Fort Worth Zoo: Oct. 27–29
Fort Worth Zoo’s not-too-scary Boo at the Zoo is complete with live entertainment, games, costumed characters, and trick-or-treating.
Cameron Park Zoo, Waco: Oct. 31
Consider adding a trick-or-treating stop at Cameron Park Zoo as it hosts its annual Zoo Boo. Enjoy themed exhibits, games, and more in addition to candy.
Abilene Zoo: October 28
Ghouls and goblins can gather treats at stops throughout the zoo, compete in costume contests, and enjoy other animalistic activities.
Texas Zoo, Victoria: Oct. 27–29
During the Texas Zoo’s annual Haunted Zoo, the entire facility is turned into a huge walkthrough haunted house.
Houston Zoo: Oct. 14–16, 20–22, 27–29
Zoo Boo at the Houston Zoo will offer trick-or-treating, music, animal-themed candy stations, and a costume contest. Pick up a small pumpkin to decorate, learn to dance like a zombie, and help create a monster mural.
Amarillo Zoo: Oct. 27–29
At The Amarillo Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo event, you’ll find costumed animals handing out candy, a skeleton of the world’s largest frog (the size of a dinner plate), and art created by giant cockroaches and rats. Get your picture taken with Sasquatch, join the costume contest, and try a game of Pumpkin Putt Putt Golf or Batty Bat Toss.
Caldwell Zoo, Tyler: Oct. 28–29
Wear your favorite Halloween costume and join the Caldwell Zoo for some merry, not-so-scary Halloween fun during Boo at the Zoo. There will be fun games and treat stations around the zoo from 1-3:30 p.m.
Gladys Porter Zoo, Brownsville: Oct. 30-31
Guests of all ages are encouraged to come out in their favorite Halloween costumes to the Gladys Porter Zoo for its annual Boo at the Zoo. There will be more than 50 different game and treat stations along with a 5,184-square-foot haunted house. Zoo members will get free access to the event and will be treated to an extra hour of members-only fun.
