Boo At The Zoo, Harvest Hollow Hay Maze Return For Halloween

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is inviting Bay Area families to take part in a Halloween tradition during the last weekend in October, heralding the return of Boo at the Zoo.

This year's "spooktacular" will take place Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27, featuring a costume parade and contest beginning at noon on both days. Kids will also get to marvel at chimpanzees, lemurs and rhinos as they "chomp and stop" their Halloween pumpkin treats, and show off their moves at the Franken-stomp Costume Dance Party.

Back after a hiatus is the "creepy crawly" Haunted Nature Trail, and the indoor Insect Zoo will be decked out with Halloween decor. Other holiday-themed attractions include an immersive VR ghost train, the Harvest Hollow Hay Maze craft activities and a treat station.

Costumes are encouraged, but zoo officials ask attendees to avoid wearing masks for the animals' safety.

Boo at the Zoo 2024

• Dates: Oct. 26 & 27, 2024
• Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Costume parade: 12 p.m.)
• Location: San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
• Daily schedule:
  • 10 a.m.: Zoo Opening Time
  • 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Haunted Nature Trail and Insect Zoo
  • 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Kid’s Costume Contest (Location: Playground)
  • 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Franken-Stomp Contest Dance Party (Location: Playground)
  • 4 p.m.: Last Entry Into the Zoo
  • 5 p.m.: Zoo Close Time
• Tickets and other details are available online.