What's better than going to the zoo, you ask? A visit with a spooky twist!
It’s time to gather your friends and family for a fun-filled, family-friendly event at Brookfield Zoo. Guests can dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy a fantastic Halloween-themed event featuring many creatures and creepy crawlers.
Take a walk around the zoo and visit special areas that include Halloween fun, photo ops, and events. Read on to learn everything you need about your fun day at Boo! at the Zoo.
At this year’s Boo! at the Zoo, there is something for all the ghouls and goblins!
You can strike a pose together at one of the many beautiful spots to take pictures, including the Howl-O-Scenes Photo Spot at the beer garden or one of the Boo! at the Zoo Photo Spots, including giant inflatables, fun photo frames, peekboards, and much more.
While there will not be a costume contest, showing off your creative costumes is encouraged! No guests over 13 are allowed in the zoo in full-body costumes with their heads covered. This is to avoid confusion and for the safety of all guests. All activities are weather-dependent, and schedules/programming are subject to change.
Date: Saturdays and Sundays, October 7-22, 2023
Time: 10:30 AM-4 PM
Location: Zoowide
The whole family can enjoy a wide range of activities at Boo! at the Zoo.
Frightening Photo Ops:
Boo! At The Zoo photo spots: giant inflatables, photo frames, peekboards, and more!
Howl-O-Scenes photo spot at the Beer Garden
Fall Activities from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.:
Pumpkin decorating at the Pumpkin Patch at the Beer Garden (onsite registration required)
Boo! Draw Wall near Nature Stage
Sweet Treat Stations throughout the Zoo
Exciting Entertainment:
Creepy Carousel*
Virtual reality 4D theater show Jinxed: a spooky carnival coaster simulator with dips, drops & thrills*
Magician at Nature Plaza (1-3 p.m.)
*Separate fees apply
Pumpkins to Animals Schedule:
All pumpkin feedings occur at 10:30 a.m.
October 7: Brown bear & polar bears/Great Bear Wilderness
October 8: Capybara/Pachyderm House
October 14: Sloth bears & big cats/Big Cat Walkway
October 15: Nigerian dwarf goats/Hamill Family Wild Encounters
October 21: Brown bear & polar bears/Great Bear Wilderness
October 22: Gorillas/Tropic World: Africa
Special Zoo Chats Schedule
All chats will occur on each day of Boo! At The Zoo:
11 a.m. Screech Owl Chat/Hamill Family Play Zoo
11:30 a.m. Snake Chat/Feathers & Scales
1 p.m. Wolf Chat/Regenstein Wolf Woods
3:30 p.m. Rodrigues Fruit Bat Chat/Australia
Boo! at the Zoo activities are included with Zoo admission and membership; separate fees only apply for VR Theater and Carousel. See below for a list of activities, and purchase your tickets today!
To check for updates to the schedule, visit the zoo’s website at: czs.org/booatthezoo
One of the most popular attractions in the state, as well as one of the best in the country, the Brookfield Zoo attracts visitors from near and far for its incredible design and amazing creatures. Visitors can get up close to the Zoo’s animals through unique encounters and experiences.
The Zoo is home to more than 3,400 animals of over 500 species from around the globe and gained international attention for using moats and ditches to contain animals instead of cages. It was also one of the first in the country to exhibit giant pandas. The Brookfield Zoo is also home to the nation's first fully indoor dolphin exhibit and the first fully indoor rainforest simulation.
Located outside of Chicago, Illinois, the zoo is the perfect place to plan a memorable day with family and friends. With special exhibits, encounters, and exciting seasonal activities, the Brookfield Zoo has been a staple of family fun for generations. Operated by The Chicago Zoological Society, the Zoo is known worldwide for its role in first-class animal care and wildlife conservation. The best part is that this world-renowned facility is in Chicago’s backyard at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois.
There is so much to see and do at the Zoo; it’s worth more than one visit. Many people opt to become zoo members to visit multiple times a year. There are a variety of different membership packages to meet the needs of individuals and families.
They include:
Basic – includes zoo admission and parking at the main entrance.
Plus – includes basic benefits plus tickets to attractions you choose.
Unlimited – includes basic benefits plus admission to all attractions on every visit and parking at both entrances.
Plus, every member receives:
Free admission for one year
Free parking for one vehicle at the main entrance (1st Ave. and 31st Street)
Member discounts on selected attractions inside the zoo
Publications including member emails and Gateways, the quarterly member magazine
Restaurant discounts
Education program and special event discounts
Zoo Hours
Weekdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Weekends 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Book your day today by visiting the zoo’s website: www.czs.org