Atlanta Zoo Boo: Discovery What Lurks in 2025

Looking for Atlanta’s favorite fun family Halloween festival? Boo at the Zoo Atlanta turns the place into “Boo Town” for two weekends of not-so-scary thrills. From trick-or-treat lanes to carnival games, this beloved event lets kids collect sweets while parents enjoy animal encounters and festive photo-ops — all included with general admission and free for Zoo Atlanta members and children under three.

Spook-tacular Setting: Where the Wild Things Roam

What happens when a zoo becomes a Halloween town? Lions and lanterns, dragons and candy trails.

Boo at the Zoo unfolds across Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, just minutes from downtown’s Grant Park. Strolling characters in whimsical costumes wander shaded pathways, while Komodo dragons, gila monsters, hooded vultures, and over 1,000 other animals provide real-life thrills alongside festive pumpkins and Halloween decor. The zoo’s lush, family-friendly environment ensures a safe and engaging experience, with accessible pathways and ample seating for all ages.

Mark Your Calendars: When the Magic Happens

Two weekends. Six hours of daytime Halloween joy. All the fun without the frights.

The family Halloween festival at Zoo Atlanta is expected to return on October 18-19 and 25-26, 2025, with activities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, based on Zoo Atlanta’s traditional scheduling (official dates pending confirmation).

Arrive early in costume—following family-friendly guidelines—to maximize time at treasure hunts, craft stations, and photo-ops before nap time. The event is rain-or-shine, though some outdoor activities may be adjusted for weather.

Who Should Go & Why

From toddlers in lion costumes to parents with coffee cups—this event hits the sweet spot for fall family fun.

Perfect for families seeking gentle Halloween fun, Boo at the Zoo blends education with play. Parents love the inclusive pricing (free with membership or standard tickets, starting at around $22.99 for adults and around $18.99 for kids online), while little ghouls enjoy Trick-or-Treat Lane, carnival games, and the “Missing Mayor” Boo Train Ride.

Costumes must be family-friendly and non-obstructive—think adorable pandas or lions rather than horror masks—to ensure safety for guests and animals. With over 1,000 animals and interactive activities, it’s an ideal outing for kids aged 2-12 and their families.

What Makes Boo So Special

Sure, there’s candy. But Boo at the Zoo also brings puppets, crafts, and mystery train rides.

Atlanta’s favorite fun family Halloween festival returns with:

• Kids’ Trick-or-Treat Lane: About a dozen treat stations offer one piece of candy each (while supplies last), designed exclusively for kids to enjoy safe trick-or-treating.
• Carnival Games: Halloween-themed games on the Grand Patio, like ring toss or pumpkin bowling, let kids win small prizes, adding excitement for all ages.
  Kids’ Crafts: Create spooky keepsakes, such as paper pumpkins or animal masks, at craft stations (9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while supplies last).
• Magic Shows & Performances: Enjoy Halloween-themed magic shows, puppet performances, or live entertainment, with new acts introduced annually (check schedule for 2025 showtimes).
• Strolling Characters: Snap selfies with whimsical, zoo-themed characters like friendly witches or animal mascots, roaming from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• “Missing Mayor” Boo Train Ride: Board the Norfolk Southern Zoo Train for a themed mystery adventure to find Boo Town’s missing mayor (separate ticket, approximately around $3-$5, required; runs 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
• Animal Encounters: Special presentations featuring reptiles, birds, and mammals tie Halloween fun to wildlife education, with keeper talks scheduled throughout the day.

Related Post: Zoo Atlanta Discount Tickets – Save Up to 42% Off Today

• Photo Stations: Capture memories at themed backdrops with pumpkins, hay bales, and zoo-inspired props, perfect for family photos.
  Additional Features:
• New for 2025 (TBC): Past years introduced attractions like a virtual reality experience (“Jinxed” in 2024) and dance parties, suggesting potential surprises like costume parades or interactive storytelling for 2025.
• Educational Component: Learn about nocturnal animals or creepy crawlies through guided tours or signage, blending fun with Zoo Atlanta’s conservation mission.
• Food & Drink: Seasonal treats like candy apples and hot cocoa are available at zoo cafes, alongside regular dining options (e.g., Nourish Café).
  Accessibility: The event is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, with sensory bags available for guests with sensory needs (request at Guest Services).

Skip the Scare of Planning—Let Tripster Handle It

Planning a fall day out with the little monsters? Tripster makes it easy (and dare we say, fun) to turn your Boo at the Atlanta Zoo visit into a full-on family adventure. Bundle tickets with nearby hotels and other Atlanta attractions in just a few clicks—no tricks, just treats.

With time-saving tools, real discounts, and flexible vacation packages, we help you focus on the giggles and glow sticks—not the logistics. Book your Boo at the Zoo getaway today and get ready for a fall memory that sticks like glitter in a craft drawer.