The Gladys Porter Zoo will hold its 28th annual “Boo at the Zoo” celebration Sunday, October 30th and Monday, October 31st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Become a Zoo member and you are eligible to come in early during the members’ only hour from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Come out for a ghoulish good time at this alternative way to trick-or-treat – perfect for kids, teens and families alike!
Boo at the Zoo guests of all ages are encouraged to come out in their favorite Halloween costumes. There will be more than 50 different game and treat stations.
Boo at the Zoo Admission
From now until October 29th, tickets are on sale at the Gladys Porter Zoo office for the discounted rate of $2.50 per person for non-members. On October 30th and 31st, tickets will be $3.50 for non-members. Boo at the Zoo is a FREE event for Zoo members with membership card and photo ID. Event tickets are non-refundable and will not be replaced if lost or stolen.
Concessions
Zoo Concessions will have a number of snacks for you and your family to enjoy while at Boo at the Zoo! Prepare your palate for turkey legs, roasted corn, pizza, popsicles, Dippin’ Dots, nachos and more. Yum!
Zoo members have free access to the event and can get in early starting at 5 p.m. each night by showing their membership card. To alleviate congestion, there will be a total of three entrances; the main Zoo gate, a side gate near parking lot (pre-paid admission only), and a members-only entrance at the new Membership office.
Please be aware that due to construction on Ringgold Street there is no thru access from Palm Blvd. onto Ringgold Street. Parking will be available but is limited so be sure to arrive early or consider carpooling.
BATZ MAP
Check back soon to see the updated map. Click to Download Map (PDF)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I become a Zoo member?
Sign up to become a member before Boo at the Zoo! Zoo members have free access to the event and can get in as early as 5:00 p.m. each night by showing their membership card with photo ID. Also, members avoid long lines with special members-only entrance. Call the Zoo at (956) 546-7187 today for membership details!
Can I purchase my tickets in advance?
Purchase your Boo at the Zoo tickets in advance at the Zoo’s front office. Tickets are on sale at discounted rate of $2.50 per person until October 29th at 5:00 p.m.
Where are the entrances?
Make sure to look for directional signs to enter Boo at the Zoo. There will be a total of three entrances; the main Zoo gate, a side gate off of 6th St., and a members-only entrance at the Zoo’s side exit.
Where can I park?
Parking can be a hassle, so try carpooling if possible. Zoo parking is available but limited.
Does the Zoo provide bags for treats?
Sometimes we have a limited supply of treat bags. Remember to bring your own trick-or-treat bags for all your Boo at the Zoo treats and prizes.
Does the Zoo have an ATM?
Yes, but we encourage you to have cash in hand for the event to avoid long lines at the ATM. We have two ATMs one outside of the main Zoo entrance and the other inside the Zoofari Gift Shop. To gain access to the ATM in the Zoofari Gift Shop you have to ask Zoo staff located in the stroller and wagon rental station to open the gift shop. Ticket booths will only be accepting cash to purchase tickets for games and food stations.
How much are the games and food?
Game and food tickets are $0.25 each. Most games cost one ticket, with the exception of the cake walk (4 tickets), face painting (3 tickets), green screen photo booth (20 tickets), haunted house (16 tickets) and mermaid show (12 tickets).
The price for food items varies. Hot cheetos with cheese – 6 tickets ($1.50), sodas – 10 tickets ($2.50), water – 9 tickets ($2.25), Gatorade – 12 tickets ($3.00), roasted corn – 12 tickets ($3.00), turkey legs – 24 tickets ($6.00), sausage on a stick – 10 tickets ($2.50), hot dogs – 9 tickets ($2.25), Frito pie – 10 tickets ($2.50), nachos – 13 tickets ($3.25), Dip N Dots small (16 tickets) $4.00 / large (32 tickets) $8.00, Ice Cream (8 to 12 tickets) $2.00 to $3.00. Plus The Oasis, our full service concession stand will be open to serve Boo at the Zoo guests.
VOLUNTEERS
The Zoo is currently accepting volunteer applications, on a first come, first serve basis, for its most popular and spooktacular event of the year! Boo at the Zoo will be held on the evening of October 30th (Friday) and 31st (Saturday) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. There are only 50 volunteer booths available for the first 50 volunteers groups that turn in their complete application. Space is limited and the deadline for accepting applications is Friday, October 14th. If volunteer space is filled prior to deadline, applications submitted after space is filled will not be considered.
Once the volunteer assignments are ready, the list will be posted on this page.
ZOO MEMBERS
Zoo membership has its privileges like free admission to “Boo at the Zoo” and special members-only hour at 5 p.m. The members’ only entrance is located in the new Membership building.
Boo at the Zoo member tickets are available for pick-up in the Zoo office during regular hours of operation. Members will need to show proof of their membership by bringing their cards and a driver’s license. If the cards were lost or stolen, please contact the Zoo office at (956) 546-7187 ext. 310 or email mems@gpz.org to make arrangements to purchase replacement cards.
Want to learn more about becoming a Zoo member or purchase a membership? Check out our membership benefits page.