Philadelphia — Halloween is getting bigger at the Philadelphia Zoo. For the first time in the event’s more than 20-year history, Boo at the Zoo is expanding to five full weeks, running every weekend in October plus Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Sunday, November 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Families can dress in costume and trick-or-treat across the 42-acre campus, with candy stations at every stop participating in the allergy-friendly Teal Pumpkin Project so every child can join the fun. Costume contests take place at Impala Lawn at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day, with prizes for first, second and third place.
New for 2026: the Cryptic Creatures exhibit in the Small Mammal House explores the myths and legends of cryptids — including the infamous Jersey Devil — and the real science behind wild animal encounters. The iconic 1876 Tree House becomes a Trick-or-Tree House with creepy-crawly décor, an extra candy station and live tarot readings, while more than two dozen giant skeletons invade the grounds.
Animal lovers won’t want to miss the scheduled pumpkin feedings: bears, hippos, giant tortoises, orangutans, gorillas and big cats all get their own pumpkins, and the viral hippos crush whole pumpkins in their jaws. For a bird’s-eye view of the zoo’s 1,500 autumn trees, guests can ride the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel for 10-story fall foliage views.
Photo: Philadelphia Zoo
