Zoo Boo returns to the Detroit Zoo for four October weekends, and this year it starts an hour earlier and includes something that was not there last fall: the $49 million Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails. Here are the dates, the prices, and what admission covers.
Zoo Boo 2026 at a Glance
| Dates | Oct. 3 and 4, Oct. 9 to 11, Oct. 16 to 18, Oct. 23 to 25 |
| Hours | 3 to 8:30 p.m., an hour earlier than last year |
| Tickets | $21 to $25 in advance, $27 at the gate |
| Members | $18.90 to $22.50 in advance, $24 at the gate |
| Who needs a ticket | Everyone 2 and older |
| Parking | $8 per vehicle, free for members |
What the Ticket Covers
A Zoo Boo ticket is not only the trick-or-treat trail. It includes full zoo access until 6 p.m., so the animals are part of the evening if you arrive early. After that, the event takes over the front of the zoo.
Trick-or-treat stations run throughout that front section, with live entertainment and character meet-and-greets along the way. Frankel Stingray Cove stays open until 6 p.m. and is included, though there are no stingray feedings during Zoo Boo.
The New Part
This is the first Zoo Boo with the Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails open, and they are included with admission. The $49 million project is the largest addition the Detroit Zoo has made in years, and October is a good month to walk it, with the crowds spread across four weekends instead of one.
Going With Kids
The earlier start is the news for families. Gates open at 3 p.m. rather than 4, which makes the first hour the calmest stretch of the night and gets younger kids home closer to a normal bedtime.
A few rules worth knowing before anyone gets dressed. The zoo does not allow full-face animal masks, sharp objects or balloons, and it asks that costumes not depict hate, violence or political messaging. Everyone 2 and older needs a ticket, including adults in costume.
Buying Tickets
Advance tickets run $21 to $25 depending on the date, and members pay $18.90 to $22.50. Waiting until you get there costs more: $27 at the gate, or $24 for members. Group rates of $18 to $22 are available. Tickets are at detroitzoo.org.
Making a whole weekend of it? Our guides to pumpkin patches near Detroit and things to do in Detroit in October cover the rest of the season.
Zoo Boo FAQ
When is Zoo Boo 2026?
Oct. 3 and 4, Oct. 9 to 11, Oct. 16 to 18, and Oct. 23 to 25, from 3 to 8:30 p.m.
How much are Zoo Boo tickets?
$21 to $25 in advance and $27 at the gate, with member tickets at $18.90 to $22.50 in advance.
Do adults need a ticket?
Yes. Everyone 2 and older needs one.
Is the zoo open during Zoo Boo?
Yes. Full zoo access is included until 6 p.m., and the Erb Discovery Trails are open.