Halloween San Diego Zoo: 2025 In-Depth Guide

San Diego Zoo Halloween HalGLOWeen 2025 returns to the famous San Diego Zoo with glowing pumpkins, neon creatures, and upbeat music. Running every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October, this family-friendly night event transforms this world-famous zoo in Balboa Park into a glittering playground where youngsters meet stilt-walking scarecrows, groove with a skeleton band, and marvel at acrobatic spiders.
Free entry for kids 11 and under makes it an unbeatable value, and all festivities are included with your regular zoo ticket, so you can explore exhibits by day and light-up fun by night.
Ready to glow wild? Read on for everything you need to plan your after-dark adventure!
A Glow-Up in Balboa Park
From snakes under UV light to mariachi beneath glowing calacas, this zoo party is lit—literally.
From the moment you pass beneath the HalGLOWeen arch at Front Street, the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park shines in technicolor. The 100-acre zoo becomes a glowing playground with illuminated habitats and festive performances, seamlessly blending daytime animal viewing with nighttime Halloween fun.
- Python Path at Reptile House: UV lighting highlights snakes and reptiles, offering a mesmerizing view of these often-misunderstood creatures.
- Boardwalk Beer Garden in Outback: Enjoy Dusty Keys’ haunting organ melodies at 5:00, 6:05, 7:10, and 8:15 p.m., paired with seasonal brews for adults.
- Día de los Muertos Mariachi at Elephant Odyssey: Catch vibrant performances at Sabertooth Mexican Grill at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 p.m., celebrating Mexican cultural traditions.
- Africa Rocks Stage: Dr. Zoolittle’s Tricks & Treats delivers wildlife trivia and fun at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 p.m.
- Photo Opportunities: The San Diego skyline and glowing fig trees create Instagram-worthy backdrops, with no separate ticketed areas required.
All activities are included with standard zoo admission, ensuring a hassle-free experience across the entire park.
Five Weekends of After-Dark Magic
Trick-or-treat your way through October weekends packed with music, lights, and wild surprises.
HalGLOWeen 2025 lights up the San Diego Zoo every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October (October 3–5, 10–12, 17–19, 24–26, and 31) from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Plan to arrive by late afternoon to enjoy golden-hour animal exhibits. Then, grab dinner at zoo dining options like Sabertooth Mexican Grill or Albert’s Restaurant. Watch the park transform at sunset!
- Skeleton Band at Front Street: Catch high-energy performances at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 p.m., perfect for dancing and family fun.
- Boolahoops at Wegeforth Bowl: Acrobatic hoop-spinning shows at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 p.m. dazzle with glowing props.
- Enchanted HalGLOWeen Forest: Open from 6:30 p.m. in Northern Frontier, this UV-lit trail features mystical displays and towering Venus flytrap sculptures.
- Flexible Itinerary: Staggered showtimes and repeating nightly schedules accommodate early bedtimes, making it easy for families travelling with young children.
Spooky-Sweet Fun for Every Creature
From toddlers in tutus to teens with glow sticks—everyone finds their rhythm here.
HalGLOWeen is designed for pint-sized adventurers, thrill-seeking teens, and nostalgic adults, with a low-scare vibe that emphasizes fun over fright. Free admission for kids 11 and under (a San Diego Zoo tradition in October). Plus, all activities are included with a standard zoo ticket.
- Kid-Friendly Atmosphere: Glowing pumpkins, bubble dance parties at Treetops Plaza (5:30–8:30 p.m.), and costumed characters like the Boo Crew (5:00–8:00 p.m.) keep the mood light and playful.
- Wildlife Explorers Basecamp: Nighttime keeper chats at 5:15, 6:15, and 7:15 p.m. showcase “spooky” animals like bats, owls, and reptiles, emphasizing their ecological importance.
- Music and Performances: The Skeleton Band and Día de los Muertos Mariachi offer lively tunes, while acrobatic “spiders” perform aerial stunts above Desert Dunes at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m.
- Food and Drinks: Savor glow-in-the-dark cotton candy, spooky-themed snacks at various stands, or seasonal brews and cocktails at the Boardwalk Beer Garden for adults.
- Accessibility: The zoo offers wheelchair-accessible pathways and sensory-friendly options.
Highlights That Light Up the Night
Trivia, mariachi, and glowing flytraps—where Halloween meets conservation and carnival magic.
HalGLOWeen blends conservation messaging with carnival-level spectacle, creating a unique Halloween experience you won’t find anywhere else.
- Dr. Zoolittle’s Tricks & Treats: This interactive show at Africa Rocks (5:00–8:00 p.m.) turns wildlife trivia into sweet rewards, teaching kids about the role of “creepy” critters like spiders and bats in ecosystems.
- Día de los Muertos Celebration: Neon-painted Mariachi musicians at Elephant Odyssey fuse cultural traditions with ranchera music, accompanied by glowing calaca (skeleton) decorations.
- Enchanted HalGLOWeen Forest: A UV-lit trail in Northern Frontier features towering Venus flytrap sculptures and synchronized LED displays set to pop music.
- Boolahoops Course: Young explorers can navigate a glowing obstacle course at Wegeforth Bowl, with performances at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 p.m.
- Conservation Focus: Keeper chats and trivia highlight the zoo’s mission to protect species, such as bats that aid pollination and pest control, aligning with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s goals.
The zoo’s towering fig trees, draped in synchronized LEDs, double as living disco balls, creating a magical atmosphere across zones like Africa Rocks and Northern Frontier.
Bundle Your Glow-Getaway with Tripster
Planning a HalGLOWeen trip that’s more fun than frantic? Tripster makes it a breeze to bundle San Diego Zoo tickets with nearby hotels, attractions, and even SeaWorld add-ons. So, you can skip the stress and focus on the fun!
With real discounts, flexible vacation packages, and no surprise fees, Tripster helps you grab those glowing October weekends before they vanish like ghost fog. Let the pumpkins shine and your planning stay simple—reserve your San Diego Zoo HalGLOWeen trip today with us.
Venue
Upcoming Events at San Diego Zoo - Tripster Travel Guide
2920 Zoo Dr
San Diego,
92101
United States
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