By Amanda Winget
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Communications Supervisor

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is inviting families to celebrate Halloween during its annual Boo at the Zoo, now with festivities centered in the Zoo’s Adventure Cove region. Known for its family-friendly rides, animals, and entertainment, Adventure Cove provides a more accessible and engaging experience for guests of all ages.

Boo at the Zoo will take place October 17-19, and October 24-26. Hours are Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Zoo officials say shifting Boo at the Zoo into Adventure Cove provides more convenient access to entertainment and animal habitats while offering safe pathways, indoor-outdoor balance, and an overall easier guest experience.

This year’s Boo at the Zoo features returning favorites along with several new, enchanting attractions. Guests can enjoy trick-or-treat stations, Character Ambassador meet-and-greets, and festive performances, all while experiencing Adventure Cove’s welcoming design and atmosphere.

Highlights

Trick-or-Treat Trail: Bring your own treat bag and enjoy a festive stroll through the trail, stopping at each tent for goodies along the way. Guests will find a variety of sustainably sourced favorites like M&M’s, Skittles, Snickers, Twix, and Starburst. Select stations also feature candy-free surprises such as pop-its and character tokens. Guests are welcome to visit stations more than once—we simply ask that you hop back in line for another turn!

Jesse’s Jack-o-Lantern Journey: A pumpkin-palooza featuring more than 100 intricately carved pumpkins. Guests can cap off their stroll with a performance by Edgar and the Harvest Ramblers—joined by a few animal friends.

Magical Costume Seek-n-Find, presented by Disney On Ice Mickey’s Search Party: Families can search for accessories belonging to favorite Disney characters around Conservation Lake, with chances to win prizes from Disney On Ice, the Columbus Zoo, Zoombezi Bay, and The Wilds. Guests may pick up a form at the Information Station or scan QR codes at each location to participate.

Character Ambassador Meet and Treat: Meet beloved Columbus Zoo Character Ambassadors in their Halloween costumes and enjoy festive fun, photos, and sweet surprises.

Henry’s Character Craze Hay Maze: With 550 bales stacked into twists and turns, it’s a whole lot of fun! This child-sized maze is the perfect place for little adventurers to test their navigation skills.

Adventure Cove Rides: Take a spin, soar, or splash on Adventure Cove’s exciting attractions, including The Sea Dragon, Dust Devil, Safari Stampede, Swingin’ Gibbons, Golden Frog Hopper, Jack’s Tea Party, Tiny Town Train, Tiny Tusks, Falcon Fall, Havoc Harbor, Mission Macaw, Flying Clipper, and Tidal Twist. Additional fee required. FREE for Gold Members and ZooMore Wristbands. All rides are weather- and mechanically dependent.

Other Boo at the Zoo offerings:

“The Little Vampire” 4D Movie: Stop by Shores Park for a thrill-filled 4D adventure with Rudolph, the Little Vampire, and his new friend Tony, who team up to outfly, outwit, and outrun the ruthless vampire hunter, Rookery. Additional fee required. Free for Gold Members and ZooMore wristbands.

The Grand Carousel: Take a ride on the beautifully restored 1914 Mangels-Illions Carousel, located in the Shores region. Enjoy the timeless sights and sounds of this historic treasure. Additional fee required. Free for Gold Members and ZooMore wristbands. All rides are subject to weather and mechanical conditions.

Dinosaur Island Boat Ride: Step aboard for a dino-tastic adventure! This leisurely boat ride takes guests on a one-of-a-kind tour through the Zoo’s Australia and the Islands region, where you’ll spot gibbons, orangutans, and Asian small-clawed otters—along with some prehistoric surprises. Additional fee required. Free for Gold Members and ZooMore wristbands. All rides are subject to weather and mechanical conditions.

Columbus Zoo Train, presented by Primrose School: Climb aboard for a relaxing ride through part of the North America Trek region, where you might spot a wolverine, reindeer, or even a moose. The train has gone green, now running on electric power while keeping the nostalgic sounds guests know and love. Additional fee required. Free for Gold Members and ZooMore wristbands. All rides are subject to weather and mechanical conditions.