Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is swapping its usual daytime safari vibe for something spookier this month, opening its gates after dark for Zootacular, a Halloween event combining candy, costumed crowds, and a rare after-hours look at its nocturnal residents. The event, presented by Veridian Credit Union, runs on select nights in October.
Candy, Crafts, and a Speakeasy for Grown-Ups
At the center of the event is what organizers call Treat Street, where kids receive custom trick-or-treat bags to fill at nine stations scattered across the zoo, according to Macaroni KID West Omaha. Families can also explore glowing pathways and watch live entertainment built to amaze attendees, as reported by KETV, while kids dance along to spooky music scattered throughout the grounds. For visitors 21 and older, the event includes a seasonal speakeasy called the Halloween Hideaway; pop-up bars are located in Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Pavilion and the Scott Aquarium Conference Center, per the same Macaroni KID report.
Danielle Kucera told KETV that the zoo offers a uniquely fun backdrop for Halloween compared to other celebrations around the Omaha area. The event also leans into its animal-care mission rather than just costumes and candy: guests can take part in an animal-enrichment craft, then visit Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night to see nocturnal species, the Macaroni KID writeup notes.
Pricing Ranges From Standard Tickets to Private Heated Lounges
Standard general admission for Zootacular runs $25 for non-member adults and $15 for non-member children ages 3 to 11, according to information posted at Zootacular's official site. Zoo members get a 25 percent discount, and kids under two get in free.
Families looking to splurge have a couple of upgrade paths. VIP tickets run $60 to $65 and include early entry at 4:30 p.m., a pasta dinner, and Halloween crafts. For larger groups wanting more privacy, the zoo is renting out private Ghouly Iglooze lounges for up to six guests, priced between $240 and $300, with dedicated attendant service and priority entry included.
A Shift From the Zoo's Former Lantern-Lit Halloween Event
The zoo held Ghouls & Glow in 2023. Zootacular features hands-on activities, including trick-or-treating and animal enrichment.
The shift tracks with the zoo's broader scale and ambitions. Spanning more than 160 acres, Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is home to over 17,000 animals and draws more than a million visitors a year, per background compiled by Midtown Crossing. The zoo's indoor exhibits include the Desert Dome, billed as the world's largest indoor desert, and the Kingdoms of the Night exhibit, described as the world's largest nocturnal habitat.
Families can use the event's website to plan their visit, including looking into Ghouly Iglooze rentals and VIP pasta dinner options.
