Abilene Boo at the Zoo 2026 Returns for Seven Spooky Days

One of my favorite fall traditions in Abilene is coming back, and this year families will have seven chances to get a little spooky at the Abilene Zoo.

Boo at the Zoo returns October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 and, appropriately enough, Halloween Day, October 31. The Zoo turns into a giant fall festival packed with costumes, candy, animals, and plenty of things for the entire family to enjoy.

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Boo at the Zoo Has Plenty of New Fall Fun

This year's lineup includes trick-or-treating throughout the Zoo, a Creepy Creatures show, a costume contest and dance party, a hay-bale maze, corn pits, a petting zoo, and animal encounters. There will also be Jojo the Dino and an Animal Parade.

Several of the themed areas we have enjoyed before are returning too, including Pumpkin Country, Medieval Legends, Reptile World, Zoomanji, Fiesta de Animales and Pirates of the Caribbean Cove.

That means you might be walking past pirates one minute, reptiles the next, and somebody dressed like a superhero carrying a bucket full of candy shortly afterward.

Only at Boo at the Zoo.

An Abilene Fall Tradition for My Family

As a longtime Abilene Zoo member, I've watched this event become one of those Big Country traditions families put on the calendar every October.

I've taken my own family through the Zoo during Boo at the Zoo, and some of my favorite memories are simply watching kids in costumes get excited about the animals.

That's also why I'll be including a gallery below featuring some of the animals often seen at the Abilene Zoo. Depending on the day, some animals may be indoors, behind the scenes or simply somewhere else in their habitat.

Zoo Members Get a Boo at the Zoo Discount

Here's another reason I've enjoyed being a Zoo member. Abilene Zoo members receive discounts, along with their regular membership benefits offered throughout the year.

So get the costumes ready, grab the candy buckets, and mark those October weekends.

Boo at the Zoo is coming back to Abilene, and I'm ready for another Zoo Day.

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