Halloween at the San Francisco Zoo is in full swing today, with Boo at the Zoo running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sloat Boulevard and the Great Highway. The event packs in a costume parade, a judged costume contest, trick-or-treating, crafts, animal treat presentations and a DJ dance party, all included with regular daytime admission or a zoo membership.
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department announced the event's return in a Facebook post Saturday morning, pointing families toward San Francisco Zoo & Gardens for the day's festivities. According to the zoo's official event listing, the costume parade kicks off at 11 a.m., followed by the costume contest at noon. Judges are handing out prizes in four categories: Toddler, Family/Group, Animal, and Judge's Favorite, per the same listing.
Pumpkin Treats and a Trick-or-Treat Booth
Beyond the parade and contest, the zoo's event page notes that staff will present Halloween-themed pumpkin treats to resident animals throughout the day, giving visitors a chance to watch the zoo's creatures dig into seasonal enrichment. A trick-or-treat candy booth, crafts and activities, and a DJ dance party round out the schedule, the zoo's listing states. Animal treat presentations are scheduled at multiple times between 10:15 a.m. and 2:45 p.m., though the zoo describes that lineup with less certainty than the rest of the day's events.
Family event guide Mommy Poppins separately describes Boo at the Zoo as including a costume parade and contest, a giant hay maze, animal feedings, candy treat bags for kids, and plenty of trick-or-treating, along with music, crafts and bubbles throughout the grounds. The outlet lists admission at $31 for adults and $22 for children ages 2 through 11, with kids age 1 and under getting in free. It also confirms the zoo's location at Sloat Boulevard at the Great Highway.
Masks and Ticketing Details to Know
One wrinkle for anyone still planning their costume: the zoo's event page asks guests not to wear full-face masks, noting that they can startle the animals. Costumes that keep faces visible are the safer bet for anyone hoping to get close to the exhibits.
Ticketing guidance varies depending on the source. The San Francisco Chronicle states that reservations are required for Boo at the Zoo, while the zoo's own tickets and hours page says visitors can buy tickets online in advance or at the main gate ticket window the day of their visit. For those sticking around after the Halloween programming wraps at 3 p.m., the zoo's directions and parking page notes that last entry for general admission is 4 p.m., with members allowed in until 4:30 p.m.
