Families filled Utah's Hogle Zoo this weekend for Boo at the Zoo, a daytime Halloween celebration that let kids trick-or-treat their way past some of the zoo's most popular residents, including polar bears. This year's timing carried a small twist: Halloween itself landed right on the event's final day, a scheduling coincidence that doesn't happen every year.
A Saturday Tradition That Lined Up With Halloween Night
Boo at the Zoo usually falls on a Saturday near Halloween rather than on the holiday itself, according to Amelia Naumann, special and community event manager at Utah's Hogle Zoo, as reported by ABC4 Utah. This year, Halloween fell on the event date, giving families a reason to dress up a little earlier in the day before trick-or-treating at home that night. The celebration was scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 30-31, according to a weekend roundup from heraldextra.com.
Naumann told the station that trick-or-treating could start right at 9 a.m., with visitors able to see polar bears as they made their way through the zoo. The event gave families a chance to celebrate the holiday alongside the animals, per the same account, rather than just at home or around the neighborhood. Zoo visitors were encouraged to visit their favorite exhibits while roaming the grounds and collecting treats along the way.
Costumes, Candy And A Bring-Your-Own-Bag Rule
Listings description the event as open to people of all ages, inviting guests to dress in costume for a daytime celebration in Salt Lake City. According to Visit Salt Lake, guests were asked to bring their own trick-or-treat bags while visiting animals along the route. A separate listing from nowplayingutah.com placed the Saturday portion of the event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. while supplies lasted, suggesting candy availability could taper off later in the day.
Naumann said adults and other visitors could receive as much candy as possible, underscoring that the celebration wasn't just aimed at young trick-or-treaters. The zoo prepared decorations and photo opportunities throughout October, she said, giving families chances to snap pictures amid the seasonal displays before the big weekend arrived.
How It Differs From Hogle Halloween's Nighttime Lights
Boo at the Zoo shouldn't be confused with Hogle Halloween, a separately ticketed evening event that is not included with daytime zoo admission, according to nowplayingutah.com. That after-dark experience transforms the zoo into what organizers describe as a family-friendly, not-so-scary adventure featuring immersive light displays, interactive experiences and live entertainment. Most animal habitats are closed or dark during Hogle Halloween, since the nighttime format centers on lights and activities rather than wildlife viewing.
The nighttime event also offers a ride on the Eccles Express for $3.50, per nowplayingutah.com's listing. Costumes are encouraged for Hogle Halloween, but organizers prohibit full-face coverings, costume masks, weapons, realistic prop weapons and large costume props — a safety rule aimed at keeping the crowded evening event manageable for families.
A Nonprofit Zoo With A New Arrival To Celebrate
Utah's Hogle Zoo operates as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1979, according to the zoo's own website. That accreditation reflects animal care standards the zoo says it upholds as part of its nonprofit mission.
Among the animals guests might encounter this season is Weila, a young orangutan born at the zoo on June 21, 2025. Staff initially hand-reared Weila before placing her with foster orangutan Acara, and the zoo says its team continues to bottle-feed Weila while she bonds with her foster mother. The zoo says it is preparing additional upcoming holiday experiences for guests beyond this year's Halloween programming, though further details have not yet been released.
