ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo 2025

Looking for a not-so-spooky but totally fun way to celebrate Halloween with the family? ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo is back—and packed with candy, characters, rides, animals, and fall vibes. It’s a family favorite for little ones in costume and bigger kids who want all the seasonal fun without the scare factor.

When is ZooBoo 2025?

Sept. 24 – Nov. 2, 2025

ZooBoo activities run 2–7 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and 2–9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Costumes are encouraged, and kids 12 and under may wear masks or full face paint. ZooBoo is free for members and included with regular admission.

What to Expect at ZooBoo

At ZooBoo, you can expect hands-free activities, trick-or-treating, and plenty of opportunities for costume fun. The October weather is perfect for enjoying both the zoo’s animals and all the spooky, yet kid-friendly, excitement around every corner.

Best of all? ZooBoo is free for Zoo members and included with regular zoo admission.

Can’t-Miss ZooBoo Highlights in 2025

• Pumpkin Town & Leeward Manor – Meet the whimsical Leeward Sisters (Terra, Wisp, and Bubbles) and their cousin Clara Voyent, who uses her “magic tree” to reveal your animal twin. Dance parties, character fun, and photo ops abound under the Bicentennial Pavilion.
• Elephant Pumpkin Smash (presented by Lark Ranch) – Watch the elephants stomp, smash, and snack on giant pumpkins—arguably the cutest demolition you’ll see all fall.
• Magnificent Mixie Potions Show – A lively, kid-friendly “potions class” in front of Café on the Commons near Forests.
• Scarecrow Photo Safari – Hunt down creative scarecrows throughout Forests for festive family photos.
  
  

  
• Trick-or-Treat Trail – Eight treat stations in the Plains—bring a bag and your best “thank you!” manners.
• Rides with a twist (until 7 pm)
  • Roller Ghoster (Indy’s only roller coaster)
  • Round-Go-Merry (carousel in reverse, presented by ITS Logistics)
  • Spook-Tack-Ular Train Ride (behind-the-scenes views, presented by ITS Logistics)
    Indianapolis Zoo
• Mirror Maze (presented by Meijer) – A giggly, get-lost-and-find-your-way-again favorite.
  Indianapolis Zoo
• Pirates Bayou – Join the shipwrecked Boney Scute pirates for swashbuckling games—will you join the crew or walk the plank?

Treats for Grown-Ups, Too

Adult Trick-or-Treat Trail (21+) – Fridays & Saturdays 5–8 pm only. Enjoy free alcohol samples (weather-dependent and while supplies last), presented by Zink Distributing Co.

Related Article: Halloween Brewfari: Adult-Only Night at the Indianapolis Zoo

New & Noteworthy Eats: ZooBoo Foodie Trail (Presented by Red Gold)

Available ZooBoo days, 2 pm–close. A few family-pleasing picks (V = vegetarian, GF = gluten-free):

• Pavilion Café: Fried Witches Fingers (sweet potato fries, GF), Witches Hair Black Pasta with Red Gold Marinara & Meatballs, RIP Dirt & Worms, Cookie Monster Nachos.
• Café on the Commons: Black Out Burger with Red Gold Jalapeño Ketchup, Tater Tot Brains with Red Gold Chili (V, GF), Halloween Cupcake (V).
• Crossing Café: Octopus Hot Dog, Fried Bat Wings with Red Gold BBQ, Frankenstein Ice Cream (V, GF), Candy Apple Popcorn (V, GF), Frozen Ghost Banana (V, GF).
• Westside Café: Black Churros with Blood-Red Raspberry Dip (V), Zombie Corn Dogs, Red Gold Spooky Nachos (GF).
• Dippin’ Dots (Kangaroo Crossing): Spookies N’ Cream, Cotton Candy Cobwebs, Witches Wicked Ice, and more.

Extra Sweet: Kitten Adoptions with IndyHumane

Visit Pumpkin Town to meet Casper and Frankie, two adoptable kittens who’ll join their forever families after ZooBoo ends.

Why Families Will Love ZooBoo in 2025

• It fits every age: Silly-not-scary characters, daytime-friendly vibes, and early evening hours mean even littles can enjoy the fun.
• Active animals: Cooler fall temps = animals at their most playful.
• One ticket, tons to do: Candy stations, rides, shows, and themed zones are included with admission (members get in free).
• Make-it-a-date-night: Adult Trick-or-Treat Trail on Fri/Sat evenings adds a little something for grown-ups.

Need Tickets or More Details?

Everything above comes straight from the Zoo’s official pages for ZooBoo and the ZooBoo Foodie Trail. Check the Zoo’s site for the latest updates, menus, and day-of details.