The Detroit Zoo is giving families an extra hour to see the animals before the Halloween lights and costumed characters take over this fall. Zoo Boo returns in 2026 with gates opening at 3 p.m., a full hour earlier than in past years, so guests can wander habitats and trails in daylight before the evening event kicks in.
According to the Detroit Zoo, Zoo Boo will run on Oct. 3-4, 9-11, 16-18 and 23-25, with the event stretching from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each night. Guests who arrive at the earlier start time get full access to the entire Zoo, including the back habitats and the Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails, until 6 p.m., per the Zoo's official listing. Some third-party event calendars, including Oakland County Moms, list a 4 p.m. start with last entry at 8 p.m., so families should double-check the time that works best for their visit against the Zoo's own page before heading out.
As reported by WXYZ Channel 7, the added hour reflects what the Zoo has been hearing from visitors. Brittany Gardner, the Zoo's public events manager, said guests wanted more time to experience the Zoo and see the animals during Zoo Boo, the station reports.
What's New This Year
Once the sun starts to set, the illuminated evening portion of Zoo Boo takes over with entertainment and décor, continuing the tradition guests have come to expect after 6 p.m., the station notes. New additions for 2026 include a light-up LED dance floor and a talking pumpkin, both confirmed on the Zoo's event page, alongside the returning trick-or-treat stations, character encounters and themed photo stops.
Select trick-or-treat stations across the front of the Zoo will offer allergen-friendly treats, according to the Detroit Zoo. WXYZ's report adds that the event will include a kids' DJ dance floor, fire performers, aerialists, Top Hat side show acts and extreme juggling, along with scheduled zookeeper chats and fall-themed animal enrichments throughout the grounds. The Zoo Boo Revue is also set to return to the Events Pavilion with showtimes throughout the evening, per the station's report.
Food, Drinks and Extras
Dining options are expanding this year too, with a new speakeasy-style offering joining the lineup, the outlet reports. Blake's Cider Mill Market and Bar is returning with fresh cider, doughnuts and seasonal treats, and proceeds from its Zoo Boo sales support animal conservation, according to the same report. Guests can also pick up a collectible ghost souvenir cup for $14.99 as an add-on to their ticket order, per the Zoo's listing.
The Aaron and Carolynn Frankel Stingray Cove will stay open until 6 p.m. during Zoo Boo, though stingray feedings won't be available, according to the Detroit Zoo. On select dates, community partners will host interactive science and nature activities as part of the programming, the station's report notes.
Tickets, Parking and Planning a Visit
Advance Zoo Boo tickets start at $21, with Detroit Zoo members receiving a 10% discount, according to the Zoo. All guests age 2 and older need a ticket for admission, and tickets can be purchased online at dzoo.org/zooboo, per the same listing. Parking costs $8 per vehicle, though Zoo members park free.
Ticket proceeds go toward the Zoo's work protecting animals, restoring habitats and inspiring future conservationists, according to the Detroit Zoo. Families looking for a grown-up Halloween outing separately might note the Zoo's 21-and-over costume bash on Oct. 2 from 6:30 to 10 p.m., featuring haunted cocktails, according to the Zoo's events listing. The Detroit Zoo is located at 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, Michigan.
