Family Halloween event at the Indianapolis Zoo with a Trick-or-Treat Trail, pumpkin smashing by the elephants, a potions class, a Halloween menu and wine and cocktails.
ZooBoo is back at the Indianapolis Zoo from Wednesday, September 23, through Sunday, November 1, 2026. It's a family Halloween event for people who prefer their October outings light on scares, so it works well for younger kids. Costumes are encouraged, and children 12 and under can wear masks or full face paint.
The Bicentennial Pavilion is transformed into a Halloween hub, and the Trick-or-Treat Trail runs through the Plains section, where all eight candy stations are located. The fan-favorite Elephant Pumpkin Smash lets you watch the zoo's elephants stomp, smash, and snack on giant pumpkins at the elephant waterfall in Plains. There's also a potions class with Magnificent Mixie or Professor Pumpkin, along with the Round-Go-Merry carousel, the Spook-Track-Ular train ride, the Mirror Maze, and Pirates Cove. For the adults, Daniel's Vineyard serves wine and ZooBoo Brews has cocktails, and the zoo puts out a Halloween menu called ZooBoo Bites. Black Cat Curios in ZooBoo Village hosts adoptable kittens from IndyHumane, who stay at the zoo until ZooBoo ends.
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If you're bringing kids who get overwhelmed, there are sensory-friendly days when music and lights are reduced, with free sensory bags and quiet rooms available. The event runs Wednesday through Sunday, with no ZooBoo on Mondays or Tuesdays. Hours are 2-7 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and 2-9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is included with regular zoo entry and free for members.
