Boo at the Zoo

• Plenty of magical lit scenes and photo ops
• Enchanting giant straw creatures 
• Spooktacular tunes on the Monster Mash Dance Floor
• Enjoy Storytime with the Old Oakley Tree
• Free rides on the Scary-Go-Round Carousel
• Special animal shows nightly at 5:45, 6:45 & 7:45 pm
• Meet Gourdon the Talking Pumpkin for some classic jokes
• 10 kids trick-or-treat stations + souvenir bag for kids ages 2-12
• Visit with costumed characters in Unseen New World Plaza
• Purchase & paint a pumpkin at our pumpkin patch
• The Jungle Gym is closed but you can still monkey around at the Fall Fun Zone and Carn-Evil Carnival Games
• Frightful Fun, available for purchase, Soaring Eagle Zip Line presented by Tennessee Army National Guard, and Chick-fil-A Adventure 4D Theater

• You can see flamingos, tigers, bears (Oh My!) and Unseen New World Exhibits until 8:30 pm.
• Nightly Themed Animal Show Times at the Ajax Turner Amphitheater at 5:45, 6:45, and 7:45 pm
• 5:45 pm nightly Animal Training Wall at Andean Bear or Sumatran Tiger Exhibit (look for signage on-site!)
• 6:30 pm nightly Animal Encounter at Festival Field (look for signage on-site!)

Kids can expect to visit 10 treat stations, collecting candy at each. Souvenir Trick or Treating Bags will be available for children, please note that Trick or Treating is only intended for children.

Día de los Muertos Night on Saturday, November 1

Join us for a special night of Boo at the Zoo as we team up with Conexión Américas to honor Día de los Muertos with themed entertainment, cultural activities, and opportunities to reflect and celebrate loved ones who have passed.

Special Trick-or-Treat Bag (Kids Only)

Available this night only while supplies last!

• 5:00 PM – Alpaca Walk through Entry Village
• 5:45 PM – Andean Bear Training at the Training Wall
• Catrinas Skeleton Performers presented by Conexión Américas from 6:30 – 8:30 pm
• Sugar skull demonstration in Expedition Peru, where our Education Team will share the meaning and art behind Calaveras de Azúcar
• Día de los Muertos–themed Expedition Peru featuring decorative skeletons, an Ofrenda display and informational signs about the holiday
• Chupa Chups samples on the treat trail
• Meet special guests Crown Princess of Avalor and Mirabel

Specialty Food Items

• Pozole Soup – Pizza Kitchen
• Mexican Hot Chocolate – Snakebites
• Horchata – Coffee & Cones
• Churros – Bear Plaza Kiosk

All Saturdays and the last weekend of Boo at the Zoo is certainly the busiest. Regardless of which day you come, arrive early! Gates will open at 5 p.m.

Thursday-Sunday tend to be the busiest nights. Mondays-Wednesdays will likely be the least crowded nights.

Boo at the Zoo is a rain-or-shine event. No refunds or rainchecks. In the event of rain, some activities may be delayed or canceled.

Spooky Treats and Speciality Drinks can be purchased throughout the park until around 8 pm. Check out this year's Boo menu below or view the map to see where to purchase.

You are also welcome to bring in outside food and drink.

The event is geared for children ages 2 to 12 years old, but after dark, some areas may be scary for young children. We are not hosting the “Haunted Farm” this year, so there are no intentionally scary areas of the event.

Boo at the Zoo is intended to be family-friendly, so excessively scary costumes are prohibited. The Zoo reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing a costume or attire that is considered inappropriate or could detract from the experience of other guests.

After dark, some areas may be scary for young children. Your event guide (available upon entry) will provide more guidance.

Adults are welcome to dress for the occasion but should avoid masks and scary costumes. The Zoo reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing a costume or attire that is considered inappropriate or could detract from the experience of other guests.

Fridays & Saturdays at the Grassmere Historic Home

Have you ever wondered why we wear black to funerals, or where the phrases "Wake" or "graveyard shift" came from? Or the real reason flowers were sent to funerals? Then be sure to visit the Grassmere Historic Home and our "Dying Superstitions and Traditions" tour during Boo at the Zoo! This fun and educational tour of the Croft House at night will give you insight to these fun facts, and showcase some of the beautiful mourning clothing and jewelry we have in our collection. A free, timed ticket is required, and can be obtained from the on-site ticket table by the by the Festival Field Pumpkin Patch. Tours are limited to 25 people and run every half hour from 5:30 - 8:30 pm.

Boo at the Zoo is one of Nashville Zoo’s most popular events. Families looking to avoid large crowds may find a quieter experience by arriving when gates open at 5 PM on weekday evenings.

To help guests with sensory sensitivities enjoy their visit, Nashville Zoo offers several supportive resources during Boo at the Zoo:

• Social Story: A Boo at the Zoo social story is available to help guests prepare for their visit in advance. English (pdf) | Spanish (pdf)
• Zooper Packs: Complimentary Zooper Packs are available at the ticket booth and include helpful items such as fidget toys, earplugs, and other tools designed to support a fun and stress-free experience.