Fall into the fun of Haunt the Zoo for Halloween, the annual Chomp and Stomp enrichment event, education camps and programs, Dinosaur Expedition, and SAFARI LIGHTS ticket launch!
TICKETS ON SALE FOR 43RD ANNUAL HAUNT THE ZOO PRESENTED BY NEWS 9
It’s time for the sweetest Halloween celebration around, Haunt the Zoo for Halloween! Presented by
Oklahoma’s Own News 9, Haunt the Zoo has been welcoming generations of Oklahomans for 43 years on a trick-or-treating adventure like no other that combines the delight of Halloween with the unique setting of the OKC Zoo. This year, guests will explore a new Haunt the Zoo trail through the Zoo’s Expedition Africa with up-close views of giraffes, lions, zebras, and other African animals as kiddos collect sweets and treats from friendly event volunteers along the way. Festive activities, decorative photo booths and props, and seasonal food items will be adding to the Halloween vibe. There’s even a new Haunt the Zoo costume parade, from 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., so fans of all ages are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes to the event. Costumes should be family-friendly. Fake weapons and full-face masks are not allowed. Haunt the Zoo is happening Saturdays and Sundays, October 10 through 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. plus a limited, nighttime Haunt the Zoo celebration complete with trick-or-treating on Friday, October 30. General Zoo admission or ZOOfriends memberships plus official Haunt the Zoo treat bags are required to trick-or-treat and must be purchased in advance. Official trick-or-treat bags are $10/bag or $9/bag for ZOOfriends members. $1 from every bag sold will benefit the Zoo's conservation efforts for Sri Lanka Elephant Project, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, FUNDESGUA, and others. For event and ticket details, visit www.okczoo.org/HTZ. Haunt the Zoo sponsor partners to date include Oklahoma’s Own News 9, Andy B’s, Bob Moore Subaru, Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, Dental Depot, Express Employment, Frito Lay, Global Payments, Lawrence H. and Ronna C. Davis, Primrose, Sam’s Club, and TFCU.
The OKC Zoo is looking for volunteers to support this year’s Haunt the Zoo, Saturdays and Sundays, October 10 through 31. Those interested in helping must be 14 or older and volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. These opportunities are ideal for individuals and families plus, civic, school and corporate groups. For more information about volunteering, visit our Haunt the Zoo Sign-Up Genius page.
RESERVE TICKETS NOW FOR OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS PRESENTED BY OG&E
Holiday nights shine brighter with OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS so reserve tickets early to see and experience the magic of it all! Presented by OG&E, Oklahoma City’s beloved holiday tradition, OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, is back for its sixth year with more lanterns displays, flavorful treats, themed photo stations, and festive activities. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is a spectacular light display offering guests of all ages the opportunity to encounter larger-than-life illuminated sculptures on both drive-thru and walk-thru tours within the Zoo, the chance to celebrate the holidays in a wild way! Merrymakers can also experience the glow of SAFARI LIGHTS with private Safari Sleigh Ride tours and Private Igloo rentals. For those, 21 and older, the Holiday Hideaway bar offers specialty cocktails, food items, and other beverages available for purchase, open Thursday through Sunday nights plus Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS begins November 14, 2026, and continues through January 3, 2027, open nightly from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with the last check-in at 10 p.m. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is also open on holiday nights including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Advance online reservations are required for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS and are limited, so purchase early. Pricing varies based on visit date, you pick the date that works best with your schedule and budget. To make reservations or for additional event details, visit www.okczoo.org/safarilights.
Spread a little holiday cheer and sparkle by volunteering to support SAFARI LIGHTS. Those interested in helping must be 14 or older and volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers receive a general admission pass to the OKC Zoo as well as a 40 percent discounts on event-only treats and merchandise. Visit our Sign-Up Genius page to learn more.
LIMITED SPOTS STILL OPEN FOR OKC ZOO’S FALL BREAK DAY CAMPS
Enrollment is now open for the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Fall Break Day Camps focusing on Asian elephant care and conservation! Students will have a ton of fun as they get a behind the scenes look at being an elephant caretaker, learning about training, enrichment, and healthcare that keeps our herd healthy and thriving. Campers won't just learn about elephants, they'll think like keepers, observe like scientists, and care like conservationists. By the end of this adventure, campers will earn their 'Certified' Junior Elephant Caretaker title, with a special keepsake. Camp dates are Thursday, Oct. 15, Friday, Oct. 16, and Monday, Oct. 19, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily for students currently in grades K-5. The cost per child, per day is $54 for ZOOfriend members and $60 for nonmembers. Enroll students at www.okczoo.org/schools-out.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 AND THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 / 8:30 A.M.: MERCY PRESENTS FREE STROLLER MEET UPS AT THE OKC ZOO
The Oklahoma City Zoo, together with Mercy, invite parents with little ones to attend this season’s final two Stroller Meet Ups. Events are scheduled for Wednesday, September 30 and Thursday, October 15, each beginning at 8:30 a.m. Guests will have the opportunity to talk with representatives from Mercy about pediatric care and health then guests are welcome to set out and stroll the Zoo. Plus, light snacks will be provided. Registration for Stroller Meet Ups is free but reservations are limited. Sign up at Mercy Health.
SEPTEMBER 30 / 6:30 TO 7 P.M.: OKC ZOO HOSTS CONSERVATION TALK WITH DR. LAURIE MARKER, GLOBAL CHEETAH EXPERT
The Oklahoma City Zoo is honored to welcome Dr. Laurie Marker, Founder/Executive Director of the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), for a free Conservation Talk on Wednesday, September 30. Hear directly from Dr. Marker about her life’s work studying and protecting cheetahs. Dr. Marker is a research scientist and conservation biologist recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on cheetahs. As Founder and Executive Director of CCF, an OKC Zoo conservation partner, Dr. Marker has pioneered research, established conservation models and created cooperative alliances on behalf of the cheetah that never before existed. Under her leadership, CCF has grown into a world-class cheetah research, education and conservation institution that is now the longest-running and most successful cheetah conservation program in the world. This presentation will be held in the Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Center auditorium and is free to attend. Reservations are not required, seating is limited. There will also be wildlife trivia with prizes and a silent auction for conservation! Find additional information at (12) Conservation Talk with Dr. Laurie Marker at the OKC Zoo! | Facebook.
The Oklahoma City Zoo and OETA invite families to come along on a safari adventure with Sesame Street! Join us on Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to noon for a morning of fun inspired by NATURE’s Sesame Street and the Great Elephant Adventure. This free event includes preview screenings of this new PBS special, educational activities, giveaways, and opportunities to learn more about the Zoo’s wildlife and conservation work around the world. Screenings will be available at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in the Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Center Auditorium. Guests will enter through the Education Center. This event is free to attend with advance online registration at OETA Presents: Sesame Street and the Great Elephant Adventure at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Each registered guest, 3 and older, receives a free OKC Zoo general admission ticket that may be used Oct. 3 or saved for another visit through March 1, 2027.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 / 9:30 A.M. to NOON: OKC ZOO CELEBRATES WORLD PRIMATE DAY
World Primate Day is Saturday, October 3 and the perfect time to visit and celebrate the Oklahoma City Zoo’s great apes, monkeys, and lemurs! Guests of all ages are invited out for this morning full of activities and learning about primate conservation around the world. Enjoy caretaker chats, animal enrichment, kids’ activities with prizes, conservation and education stations, and more happening at the lemur habitat and Great EscApe from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Oklahoma Zoological Society will be on-hand for lemur plush adoptions for $25 and exclusive primate magnets for purchase in support of conservation. Now through December 31, guests who donate an old cell phone or other handheld electronic device to Gorillas on the Line inside the Guest Services office, get a free admission ticket to the Zoo. Recycling small electronic devices helps reduce the demand for conflict minerals like coltan, keeps potentially harmful materials out of our landfills, and raises money for gorilla conservation. Learn more at www.okczoo.org/gorillas-on-the-line. On Saturday, Zoo guests will also be treated to a free water bottle sponsored by Shape Your Future a program of TSET while supplies last. World Primate Day activities are free with regular admission which can be purchased at www.okczoo.org/tickets.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 / 9 A.M. TO 4 P.M.: OKC ZOO PARTNERS WITH OU HEALTH FOR TEDDY BEAR CLINIC
The Oklahoma City Zoo, in partnership with OU Health, are hosting a special Teddy Bear Clinic, on Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kiddos are invited to bring their favorite plush animal for a check-up at the Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital. OU Health representatives and volunteers along with members of the Zoo’s veterinary team will give plush animals an examination while talking with young guests about animal health and wellness. This event is free with admission.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 / 9:30-10:30 A.M.: OKC ZOO HOSTS SENSORY-FRIENDLY HOUR FOR DINOSAUR EXPEDITION
Discover the sights of the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Dinosaur Expedition, presented by Mathis Home, without the roars during its Sensory-Friendly hour on Sunday, October 4. Guests will have a less stimulating environment from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. with smaller crowds and all dinosaur movement, sounds, and effects turned off. Purchase OKC Zoo admission and Dinosaur Expedition tickets in advance at okczoo.org/dinosaurs. Dinosaur Expedition is open daily now through Sunday, November 1.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4: OKC ZOOFRIENDS PASSPORT PERK, FREE CAROUSEL RIDE
The perks keep adding up for Oklahoma City Zoo ZOOfriends members with exclusive monthly offers on top of unlimited Zoo admission for 12 months, special discounts, and memories that last a lifetime! ZOOfriends are eligible for monthly Passport Perks, special offers and giveaways, throughout the year with a current membership. Don’t miss the next Passport Perk on Sunday, October 4, and take a spin on the Zoo’s Endangered Species Carousel for free! One ride per person on Passport. Monthly Passport Perks are subject to availability, animal participation, and weather conditions. View the complete Passport Perks calendar for upcoming dates and offers.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 / SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10: “NOT SO SPOOKY CREATURES” OVERNIGHT PROGRAM AT THE OKC ZOO
Connect with the fascinating world of animals that go bump in the night at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Book your spot for the Zoo’s themed overnight, Not So Spooky Creatures, set for Friday, October 9, explore the unique behaviors of nocturnal creatures. Learn more about their mysterious sounds and movements while uncovering the science behind their behaviors through hands-on activities and interactive games. Plus, private evening and morning Zoo hikes! Overnight admission includes Zoo entry and access to Haunt the Zoo including official trick-or-treat bags on Saturday, October 10. Cost is $65 per person. Kiddos must be five and older and guests under 17 must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older to patriciate. Spots are limited so register early at https://www.okczoo.org/private-overnights.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 / 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M.: OKC ZOO’S ANNUAL CHOMP AND STOMP ANIMAL ENRICHMENT EVENT
It’s a pumpkin party of wild proportions at the Oklahoma City Zoo’s seasonal animal enrichment event: Chomp and Stomp. During this uniquely festive, family-friendly activity guests watch as the OKC Zoo’s animal family chomp and stomp through pumpkins galore. Animal caretakers get creative as they prepare edible enrichment items inspired by the event theme, “Pumpkin Treats and Tails–Stories of the Season”. This event highlights the Zoo’s ongoing animal enrichment program, which is designed to stimulate and encourage the animals’ natural behaviors, such as foraging. Chomp and Stomp is free to attend with Zoo admission. Save the date for Chomp and Stomp on Friday, October 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event schedule will be shared on the Zoo’s socials, website, and digital map at Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden Interactive Map.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 / 5:30 TO 9 P.M.: ONE TIME EXPERIENCE – OKC ZOO HAUNT THE ZOO AT NIGHT
For one limited night, come trick-or-treat at the Zoo! The Oklahoma City Zoo is offering a Haunt the Zoo evening experience on Friday, October 30, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Families can trick-or-treat together along the Haunt the Zoo treat trail, take part in a dance party, meet costume characters, and more! Event admission includes an official Haunt the Zoo treat bag and other activities. Tickets are $15 per person for members and $32 per person for nonmembers. For event and ticket details, visit www.okczoo.org/HTZ.
ONGOING OKC ZOO PROGRAMS/EXPERIENCES
OKC ZOO’S DINOSAUR EXPEDITION, PRESENTED BY MATHIS HOME, ROARS ON UNTIL NOVEMBER 1
Make plans to visit Oklahoma City Zoo’s Dinosaur Expedition, presented by Mathis Home, before it ends on Sunday, November 1, 2026. This immersive exhibit features over 60 animatronic dinosaurs, dinosaur skeletons, fossil digs, and photo ops as well as educational graphics with fascinating facts about these impressive creatures. Located near the Zoo’s Jungle Gym Playground, Dinosaur Expedition is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exhibit sponsors include Mathis Home, Continental Resources, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Mike Ura, Primrose Schools, Michael Melott, and Red Dirt Orthodontics. Purchase Zoo and Dinosaur Expedition admission at www.okczoo.org/dinosaurs.
ORDER AN OKC ZOO “ELEPHANT” LICENSE PLATE, SUPPORT WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Oklahomans are going wild for the Oklahoma City Zoo’s new specialty “elephant” license plate and you can, too! These stunning plates are the perfect way to celebrate the OKC Zoo and its commitment to caring for and conserving Asian elephants. $10 from each plate goes directly back to the OKC Zoo to support its conservation initiatives, education programs, and operations. OKC Zoo plates are available at www.ozsgiving.org/platecontest, click “order plate”.
THE ZOO AMPHITHEATRE UPCOMING SHOWS
The Zoo Amphitheatre is an award-winning, treasured venue that has been connecting Oklahomans to live music since 1936. October’s lineup includes Role Model Presents: Chuck on Tour on Saturday, October 10 and Ole 60: Off the Grid Tour on Thursday, October 22. Visit www.okczooamp.com for more information and tickets.
OKC ZOO FREE, DAILY CARETAKER CHATS
The Oklahoma City Zoo’s experts are excited to share with you about their roles in animal care and conservation and the Zoo’s amazing animal family during these informative chats. The daily chat schedule features several animal habitats and is posted on Zoo’s digital map at map.okczoo.org/home.
OKC ZOO ATTRACTIONS OFER YEAR-ROUND FUN, ADVENTURE
During your next visit to the Oklahoma City Zoo, find adventure and fun with the Zoo’s various experiences and attractions! Get up close and personal with giraffes, flamingos, and other animals during select animal feedings. Hop aboard the Elephant Express Tram, take a spin on the Endangered Species Carousel, or cruise the Zoo on a Scooter Pal. Plus, Wild Encounters offer guests the chance to go behind the scenes to meet the Zoo’s animals and experts in a memorable way! Additional costs apply for most attractions and activities are dependent on weather and animal participation. Plan your Zoo visit today at www.okczoo.org/experiences.
Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Zoo admission can be purchased at the park or online at www.okczoo.org/tickets. Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, and TikTok, and through the Zoo’s Blog. Zoo more with a ZOOfriends membership! Members enjoy free admission to the Zoo for 12 months, plus exclusive benefits and discounts while supporting the Zoo’s animal care and conservation efforts locally and globally. Join ZOOfriends today at www.okczoo.org/membership.