Boo at the Zoo 2026 — Daytime & Boo at Night Guide the Arcadia Way

Get ready for Boise’s wildest and most anticipated Halloween tradition! Boo at the Zoo 2026 is back, bringing a fantastic mix of family-friendly daytime fun and an eerie, after-hours adventure for those looking for a slightly spookier thrill. Whether you're dressing up the little ones for trick-or-treating or planning an exciting evening walk among the illuminated exhibits, here is everything you need to know to make the most of this year's event.

The Two-Part Event Explained

Zoo Boise splits its premier Halloween celebration into two distinct experiences to cater to all ages and scare levels. From festive daytime weekend activities packed with sweet treats to atmospheric night-time pathways glowing under the autumn moon, there's something for everyone this October.

Daytime Weekend Details (Oct 24–25)

The weekend of October 24–25 is dedicated to classic, family-friendly Halloween cheer. Designed for kids of all ages (and kids at heart), daytime admission includes:

• Trick-or-Treat Stations: Wander through the zoo grounds and collect goodies from various community booths.
• Costume Contests: Show off your creative, scary, or hilarious costumes for a chance to win fun prizes.
• Face Painting: Transform into your favorite animals, superheroes, or spooky creatures with professional face painters on site.

Boo at Night Details (Oct 14–17, 21–24, 28–31)

If you are looking for an after-hours experience with a bit more atmosphere, Boo at Night runs across multiple dates in October (Oct 14–17, 21–24, and 28–31). This version offers:

• An exclusive evening stroll through the zoo after the sun goes down.
• Mystical, spooky lighting illuminating the pathways and animal habitats.
• A thrilling, slightly eerie nighttime vibe perfect for older kids, teens, and adults.

Member & Ticket Info

Tickets for both daytime and night sessions traditionally sell out fast due to high demand.

• Zoo Boise Members: Enjoy early access booking windows and discounted ticket rates. Be sure to log into your membership account before purchasing.
• General Public: Tickets must be purchased online in advance for specific time slots. Keep an eye on the official Zoo Boise website for exact box-office release dates and pricing tiers.

Where to Stay: Why Arcadia is Just a Short Bike Ride Away

If you are visiting from out of town or simply want a seamless staycation during the Halloween festivities, look no further than Arcadia. Located nearby at 3433 W Chinden Blvd in Garden City, Arcadia puts you close to the action.

Situated just a short, scenic bike ride away from the vibrant greenbelt and Julia Davis Park, Arcadia offers an ideal home base. Skip the parking hassle at the zoo—hop on a bike, enjoy a refreshing autumn ride along the river, and pedal right over to the gates in minutes.

HORROR26 CTA

Make your autumn getaway even sweeter! Use code HORROR26 when booking your stay at Arcadia this October to secure your reservation and dive headfirst into the season's best local events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can adults wear costumes to Boo at the Zoo?
  Yes! Costumes are encouraged for visitors of all ages during both daytime and evening events, though masks that cover the entire face may be restricted for safety during night events.
• Is Boo at Night scary?
  It is designed to be "spooky" rather than terrifying, featuring atmospheric lighting and music rather than jump scares, making it suitable for most families.
• Where is Zoo Boise located?
  Zoo Boise is nestled right inside Julia Davis Park in the heart of downtown Boise, making it easily accessible from the surrounding greenbelt and nearby lodging options like Arcadia.