Halloween Events at Zoos Near Champaign-Urbana

Dressing up in a costume, getting treats and seeing animals all at once? Get your tickets for Boo at the Zoo and learn about other Halloween events at zoos near Champaign-Urbana

Scovill Zoo in Decatur is requiring online advance reservations for its annual family friendly Halloween event; other zoos are announcing special October events

If you love a visit to the zoo AND you’re a fan of Halloween, pencil Boo at the Zoo (and other similar events) into your October schedule. We have many zoos a short drive from Champaign-Urbana making special Halloween plans and we want you to get all the details now so you can avoid missing out.

More information on Halloween in Champaign-Urbana
Halloween Events and Activities Around Champaign-Urbana | Haunted Houses and Where to Get Scared | Where to Trunk or Treat in Champaign-Urbana | Champaign-Urbana Trick-or-Treat Hours | Halloween at Zoos near Champaign-Urbana | Spooky and Fun Halloween Yard Decor

Boo at the Zoo, Scovill Zoo

Must Know Info: Boo at the Zoo is held at Scovill Zoo in Decatur on select dates beginning Oct. 16 through Oct. 30. Reservations are required; tickets available for purchase beginning in late September. Head here for the details on its website.

Get those costumes on and drive your kids over to the Scovill Zoo in Decatur for some outdoor Halloween fun. Kids can roam the zoo in their costumes during special evening hours. When registering, you choose whether that person wants a treat bag so there are two different prices for the treat and non-treat options. Kids under age 2 are free (and do not receive a treat bag). Of course, if you’d like them to receive treats you can register them, too.

Visit the Boo at the Zoo online reservations website to register.

Howlabaloo at the Zoo, Miller Park Zoo

Must Know Info: Howlabaloo at the Zoo is held at Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington on Oct. 25 (evening) and Oct. 26 (daytime). Reservations are not required. Get details on page 40 of the program guide.

This event has lighted displays as part of its fun and excitement. A festive atmosphere with crafts, games, face painting and more. Many activities are included with admission to the zoo. Wear your costumes!

Miller Park Zoo Spooktacular — Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington. (photo: Miller Park Zoo Facebook page)

Zootober, Peoria Zoo

Must Know Info: Zootober is held at Peoria Zoo each weekend after dark from 6-9 p.m.. Dates for 2025 are Oct. 10-11, 17-18, 23-25 and 30-31. Purchase tickets ahead of time to avoid lines the night of the event. Visit the website for details.

There are going to be 10 activity/candy stations throughout the zoo and Halloween scenes with animatronics, actors and more. Note: no animals on display for these events.

Peoria Zoo Meerkats with a Pumpkin — Meerkat with a Pumpkin (photo: Peoria Zoo Facebook page)

ZooBoo, Indianapolis Zoo

Must Know Info: Zoo Boo begins at 2 p.m. on select days between Sept. 24 and Nov. 2 and continues into evening hours (either 7 or 9 p.m.). Buy tickets ahead of time as these are “heavy traffic” days at the zoo. Read the details on the zoo website.

Trick-or-treating on a trick-or-treat trail, themed activities and awesomely active animals make ZooBoo a favorite family tradition. ZooBoo is included with regular admission to the zoo for that day.

Indianapolis Zoo flamingoes celebrating Halloween — Flamingoes celebrating Halloween at the Indianapolis Zoo. (photo: Indianapolis Zoo Facebook page)

Boo! at the Zoo, Brookfield Zoo

Must Know Info: Held on Saturdays and Sundays between Oct. 4 and Oct. 31 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (6 p.m. on weekends), activities are included in regular zoo admission. Read the details on the zoo website.

Visit a number of family friendly Halloween photo ops, show off your costume and get a sweet treat upon exiting the zoo (instead of trick-or-treating) at this year’s Boo! at the Zoo. Activities are included in zoo admission; buy tickets ahead of time.

Boo at the Zoo, Brookfield Zoo — Boo at the Zoo at Brookfield Zoo. (photo: Brookfield Zoo Facebook page)

Boo at the Zoo, Saint Louis Zoo

Must Know Info: Boo at the Zoo is held nightly Oct. 16 through Oct. 30. Tickets are required; there is an admission fee (this is a free zoo during normal operating hours). Read the details on the zoo website.

This evening event is full of illuminated Halloween decorations, strolling entertainers and stage shows and more non-scary evening fun. (Yes, this is a free zoo. Admission to Boo at the Zoo has a cost to attend.) Oct. 14 is a sensory-friendly night.

Interested in another option? Zootoberfest is a fall-themed, Oktoberfest inspired event that happens in early October.

Saint Louis Zoo animals celebrating Halloween — Halloween “treat” for zoo animal at the Saint Louis Zoo. (photo: Saint Louis Zoo Facebook page)

Fall Fest, Lincoln Park Zoo

Must Know Info: Fall Fest isn’t exclusively a Halloween event, but it is certainly worth including on this list. Held Friday-Sundays between Sept. 26 and Oct. 26, several of the attractions are paid experiences (this is a free zoo). Read the details on the zoo website. You can purchase attraction ticket bundles ahead of time; admission to the event is free.

These harvest-themed days feature a pumpkin walk, professional pumpkin carvers, music and more. While the festive atmosphere will carry through the entire zoo for all visitors, there are additional fees for many things. No reservations required for the zoo.