Costumes? Check. Treat bags? Definitely. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has once again transformed into the happiest haunted place in Ohio: Boo at the Zoo is back, bringing merry-not-scary Halloween magic to families every weekend in October 2026.
For the first four Saturdays and Sundays of October — October 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18, and 24 & 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. — the Zoo’s Adventure Cove region becomes “Boo Central,” packed with festive activities that are included with regular Zoo admission (and free for Columbus Zoo members). No separate event ticket required: the Halloween fun comes with your day at the Zoo.
What families can enjoy
- Trick-or-Treat Trail — 13 treat stations with double the candy selection of last year, winding through Adventure Cove.
- Jesse’s Jack-O-Lantern Journey — an enchanted pumpkin path glowing with carved masterpieces.
- Giant Pumpkin Carving — watch artists turn enormous pumpkins into works of art.
- Henry’s Character Craze Hay Maze and the Character Ambassador Fun House.
- Halloween Hoedown with the Oak Ridge Bears and the new “Rave at the Grave” DJ dance party.
- Adventure Cove rides — carousel, train and more, open throughout the event (ride tokens sold separately).
- Conservation Lake — character meet-and-treats and community dance performances on select days.
Plan your visit
- When: Saturdays and Sundays, October 3–25, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Where: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Road, Powell, OH 43065.
- Admission: Boo at the Zoo activities are included with regular Zoo admission; free for members.
- Costumes: family-friendly costumes welcome; adults in costume must be accompanied by children under 13.
- More info: columbuszoo.org/boo-at-the-zoo
What makes Boo at the Zoo special is that it layers the Halloween celebration on top of an already world-class zoo day: the animals are out during daytime hours, the fall colors in Powell are at their peak, and every trail doubles as a trick-or-treat route. Happy City News recommends arriving early — the treat stations draw big crowds by afternoon, and morning visits pair perfectly with the sea lion presentations at Adventure Cove.
Beyond the candy, it is the rare fall festival that doubles as wildlife education: keeper chats continue throughout the event, the jack-o’-lantern displays sit beside animal habitats, and the whole celebration runs on the Zoo’s mission of connecting people with nature. For Columbus families, it has become the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season — two remaining weekends to catch it this year.
