Fall has officially taken over the Houston Zoo, and families are invited to enjoy every spooky, silly, candy-sweet minute of it. Zoo Boo is back for the whole month, running September 25 through October 31, turning the Zoo into Houston’s most autumn-perfect destination for little ghouls and goblins.
The photo opportunities alone are worth the trip: a 15-foot-tall fall foliage arch rises over Autumn Avenue, and guests can stroll through a glowing pumpkin tunnel built from hundreds of pumpkin lanterns. Brave explorers can wander Ghost Town near the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo, pose at the brand-new Great Pumpkin Portrait, get lost in the Tangled Web Trail, and join the action at the Pumpkin Pitch.
Returning favorites are back too: the Chatter Patch near the Flamingo Terrace and Gourdon and Octavius, the beloved talking pumpkins, chatting away near the Reptile House and in African Forest.
On select dates, the magic lasts past sunset. Zoo Boo Extended Hours let families enjoy themed nights with thrills and chills later into the evening, with the Zoo closing at 9:30 p.m. and last entry at 8:00 p.m. (September 25, October 2, 9, 16-18 and 23-30).
The animals join the fun as well: all month long they receive fall-themed enrichment, from pumpkins to cinnamon-scented paw-zzles and seasonal treats, keeping them happy, active and stimulated.
All Zoo Boo activities are included with general admission and are free for Zoo members. Non-members can reserve tickets online, and parking is free in Hermann Park (the METRORail is another easy ride). Guests can even help save gorillas in the wild by recycling old handheld devices at the collection box at the main entrance.
Photo: Houston Zoo
