BRONX, N.Y. — September 1, 2026 — The Bronx Zoo’s beloved Boo at the Zoo festival returns this fall, now with more chances to discover the wonders of wildlife through play, sensory exploration, and up-close access to animal experts in one of New York’s most charming autumn destinations. The seasonal celebration will run on weekends from Sept. 26 through Nov. 1, plus Monday, Oct. 12.

Boo at the Zoo provides families with a full day of fall adventure among 265 acres of park and with more than 11,000 animals. The debut of engaging elements like the Hay Maze & Challenge Course and Boo Carnival games station invite kinesthetic fun, while Animal Chats welcome guests to learn directly from Bronx Zoo wildlife experts about fascinating species.

Guests of all ages can enjoy these new features, which expand upon the signature the Boo at the Zoo experience to offer more in-demand, immersive moments:

  • NEW Hay Maze & Challenge Course: Climb, crawl, and balance through a trail of challenges and custom straw sculptures that represent unique animals. Sneak like a snow leopard or hop like a frog to complete a series of movement challenges designed to engage kids’ senses and strength.
  • NEW Animal Chats: Hear directly from animal experts about some of the zoo’s most fascinating species through animal enrichment, behavioral insights, and interactive Q&As.
  • NEW Boo Carnival: Play classic carnival-themed games like Pumpkin Smash, shuffle ball[KL1] , ring toss, tic tac toe, and more.

The action-packed event also brings the annual return of familiar Bronx Zoo activities that have become central to the Halloween traditions of countless families:

  • Costume Parade: Join stilt walkers and puppeteers for on-the-move costumed entertainment.
  • Boo Dance Party: Boogie down with wildlife puppets, music, and bubbles after each parade.
  • Pumpkin Garden: Snap photos with giant animal pumpkin displays designed by artisans.
  • Magic & Mind Reading: Delight in animal-inspired magic tricks led by a much-loved magician.
  • Wildlife Theater: Join Bruja Alma and her spooky animal puppet friends as they sing, dance, and tell The Tale de los Animales Who are No More. Can you help Alma conjure up a solution?
  • Face Painting: Transform into a spooky or sweet creature with free face-painting for ages 3+.
  • Spooky Stories to Tickle Your Spine: Hear folktales from around the world featuring animal species that can be seen at the zoo.
  • Creepy Crawly Mystery Wall: Touch mysterious textures and materials to learn about animals and other creatures.
  • Extinct Animal Species Graveyard: Learn how to prevent future extinctions at the eerie graveyard of wildlife species that are no longer with us.
  • Plus – MORE spook-tacular fun, including expert-led pumpkin carving demos, a palm oil-free candy trail, lawn games, and a Halloween-themed community mural.

Boo at the Zoo is included with Bronx Zoo admission and is free for WCS Members. Tickets are required and must be reserved in advance; slots sell out quickly. This year, for maximum flexibility, Boo at the Zoo tickets are not timed. A schedule of daily activities and their in-park locations can be found at BronxZoo.com/Boo. Visit BronxZoo.com/Boo to view available dates and book your visit.