ZooBoo is a great way to celebrate the Halloween season without the creepy crawly scariness of a haunted house. The Indianapolis Zoo welcomes kiddos young and old to an experience like no other. This year’s event is full of familiar favorite activities, as well as some new surprises.
Pumpkin Town at Indianapolis ZooBoo
Enter ZooBoo through Pumpkin Town Gardens, known year-round as White River Gardens. You’ll travel through Bat Alley to reach the Bicentennial Pavillion, which has been transformed into a magically spooky festival headquarters.
Pumpkin Town is where you will find Jack’s Barn where you can meet house cats available for adoption as well as miniature horses. A Mirror Maze is full of squeals and smiles. Don’t miss the thrilling dance parties or the costumed characters roaming around with maybe a trick or treat up their sleeve.
Trick or Treat Trail
The trick-or-treat trail is held in the Plains, giving guests plenty of space to spread out and enjoy this activity. Bring your own bag to collect goodies from various sites. Some tables even have non-edible treats, if you prefer.
You’ll travel to eight different treat stations and be greeted by friendly zoo employees and volunteers. Of course, costumes are not required, but why not take advantage of this opportunity to get another wear out of that adorable superhero suit or princess gown?
Adults can get in on the trick-or-treating with a trail of their own on Fridays and Saturdays only. From 5-8 pm, grown-ups 21 and over will want to mosey over to the plaza outside the Orangutan Center to sample a variety of adult beverages. If you’re dressing up, just keep in mind that adults are asked to avoid costumes that involve full-face makeup or masks.
Indianapolis ZooBoo Photo Ops and More Fun
The various exhibits throughout the zoo provide even more Halloween fun. Trails of themed photo ops are arranged throughout the zoo. Head to the Forests for a spooky scarecrow safari and travel through Bat Alley as you exit the Indianapolis Colts Welcome Plaza.
The Gator Pirate Bayou is located near Flights of Fancy. Play some games and walk the plank, grab a snack, or get a picture with a pirate at one of the themed photo stations.
You can stop by Aunty Guzzle’s to concoct a potion with magical ingredients at the Cafe on the Commons. The zoo’s amusement rides are even all dressed up for the holiday. For an additional fee, ride the carousel BACKWARDS, see the zoo from the Spooktacular Train Ride, or experience thrills on the Roller Ghoster.
Tasty Treats at Indianapolis ZooBoo
The zoo puts out some frightfully festive food to celebrate ZooBoo. Guests in search of a full mean can grab Frankenweenie hot dogs, Bigfoot Burgers (served on a donut bun!), or Hocus Pocus pulled pork sandwiches. Just looking for a snack or a sweet treat? You’ve got options ranging from Moster Rice Krispie treats to Poltergeist Parfaits to vegetarian sweets.
Adult beverages are available as well! Find petrifying potions and spooky spirits, including varieties from our friends at Daniel’s Vineyard, at Aunty Guzzle’s, Sunken Sweets, and ZooBoo Brew.
Brewfari
Scarlet Lane Brewing Co. brings you a wildly spooky night out just for the grown-ups. Make it a date or plan a trip with friends. Brewfari 2023 is on October 7 from 8-11 pm. The evening includes samples from 22 local breweries, cideries, and distilleries, as well as music, a chance to view animals after regular hours, Halloween-themed activities, and more. Costumes are always encouraged!
Indianapolis ZooBoo Hours
ZooBoo’s schedule differs from regular Indianapolis Zoo hours. Please visit the zoo website for up-to-date daytime hours.
Wednesday-Thursday: 2-7 pm
Friday-Saturday: 2-9 pm*
Sunday: 2-7 pm
*Indianapolis ZooBoo will close at 7 pm on October 7 for the adult-0nly event, Brewfari.
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