Back to All Events

(Sensory-friendly night) Boo at the Zoo

  • Saint Louis Zoo 1 Government Drive St. Louis, MO, 63110 United States (map)

Boo at the Zoo at the Saint Louis Zoo

Dates: Select nights October 9–30
Sensory-friendly night on Monday, October 12
Time: 5–8:30 p.m.
Location: Saint Louis Zoo
Cost:
$16 general admission
$13 for Zoo members
Free for children 0–23 months

The Saint Louis Zoo's “spooktacular” Halloween event returns! Families can enjoy festive decorations, entertainers, special food and drink menus and more. The Saint Louis Zoo’s nighttime, non-scary Halloween experience, Boo at the Zoo, is presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon.

Please note, this is not a trick-or-treating event.

Halloween Decorations & Nighttime Animal Views

  • Explore fun, spellbinding decorations and photo opportunities throughout the Zoo, now creeping all the way up Historic Hill with more festive decorations and animals to see!

  • NEW this year, take an evening stroll through the indoor Primate House to spot primates and Hoffmann’s two-toed sloths. Please note, the outdoor Primate Canopy Trails will not be open during Boo at the Zoo. 

  • Slither into the Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium to catch sight of turtles, tortoises, frogs, toads, lizards, snakes and more.

  • Spiders, centipedes, beetles and other invertebrates await you at the Bayer Insectarium.

“Boo-tastic” Attractions & Entertainment

  • NEW this year, see dinosaurs after dark at Dinoroarus, included with Boo at the Zoo ticket purchase.

  • FREE admission to Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel and “Spookley’s 4D Jamboree” playing at the 4D Theater. 

  • NEW this year, take a spin on the Emerson "Booline” Railroad at night! Tickets sold separately. 

  • Enjoy the Wild Explorer VR Experience. Tickets sold separately.

  • Interact with nightly roaming actors that bring the decorated displays to life!

Souvenirs and Food

Savor a variety of delicious fall-themed food and drinks at various locations around the Zoo. Be sure to shop the “boo-tiques” for souvenirs, including limited-edition Boo at the Zoo souvenir T-shirts, available for purchase online and at select Zoo gift shops while supplies last.

Sensory-Friendly Night

Monday, Oct. 12, is sensory-friendly night for families and individuals with sensory needs. This special night will mirror the traditional Boo at the Zoo experience but also includes sensory maps, quiet areas and trained Zoo staff to assist individuals with sensory sensitivities. Sensory-friendly night at Boo at the Zoo is presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon.

Parking and Entry

The Zoo will close to the public at 4 p.m. Doors reopen at 5 p.m. for the event. Parking is free on both Zoo parking lots during the event. Lots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Costume Policy and Safety Measures

Costume masks and face paint/makeup that conceal the whole face are not permitted on guests 14 and older. Scary costumes are not permitted. Costume appropriateness is up to the discretion of Zoo security. See stlzoo.org/boo for the costume policy and up-to-date details prior to your visit.