PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia Zoo is expanding Boo at the Zoo across five weekends for the first time in the Halloween event’s more than 20-year history, stretching the 2026 program through Nov. 1 as the attraction adds new activities and capitalizes on its fall attendance season.
The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 4, 10-12, 17-18, 24-25 and 31, as well as Nov. 1. Boo at the Zoo is included with general admission and zoo membership.
The expanded schedule comes as the zoo expects tens of thousands of visitors for trick-or-treating, animal pumpkin feedings, costume contests and other seasonal programming.
New attractions this year include Cryptic Creatures, an exhibit in the Small Mammal House examining insects, snakes and wildlife-inspired legends, including the Jersey Devil. Scheduled presentations will feature live animals or explore the origins of cryptid stories.
The zoo is also turning its historic Tree House, built in 1876, into the Trick-or-Tree House, with decorations, an additional candy station and optional tarot card readings from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More than two dozen 12-foot and 5-foot skeletons donated by Home Depot will be installed across the grounds, while costume contests will be held at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each event day on Impala Lawn.
The SEPTA PZ Express will operate as the “Boo Choo” during the Halloween season, and the zoo is introducing Frightful Flora, a self-guided tour focusing on plants with unusual or spooky characteristics.
All trick-or-treat stations will participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project by offering nonfood prizes, providing an alternative for children with food allergies or other conditions that can limit their ability to receive candy.
Animal programming will include pumpkin feedings and other seasonal enrichment. Saturday schedules include bears, giant tortoises, Rodrigues fruit bats, birds, hippos and Ossabaw Island hogs, while Sunday activities include big cats, reptiles and amphibians, ravens, hooded vultures, orangutans and gorillas. The schedule is subject to change.
The zoo is also using its temporary Pherris Wheel, installed for America 250, as part of the fall programming. The 10-story attraction provides elevated views of the zoo’s roughly 1,500 trees, with peak foliage expected around mid-October.
“Autumn is such a special time at the Zoo,” President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman said, citing cooler-weather animal activity and the changing tree canopy among the reasons for extending the event.
Separate Wake Up With Wildlife Premium Tours are scheduled for Oct. 4 and Oct. 11 at 8:30 a.m. The tours include admission, guaranteed parking and a visit inside The Solitude, the zoo’s oldest building.
Seasonal food and beverage offerings will also be sold throughout the grounds, including an apple cider bar, pumpkin cheesecake parfaits, a meatball sub and Scorpion Fries topped with chili, nacho cheese, black beans and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos dust.
Philadelphia Zoo is located at 3400 W. Girard Ave. Tickets and additional information are available at philadelphiazoo.org.
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