October brings the return of Haunt the Zoo for Halloween, Fall Break fun, the annual Chomp and Stomp enrichment event, an overnight program, and more.

 

TICKETS ON SALE FOR HAUNT THE ZOO PRESENTED BY OKLAHOMA’S OWN NEWS 9 AND HOMELAND

October heralds the return of Oklahoma City’s beloved trick-or-treat event as Haunt the Zoo, presented by Oklahoma’s Own News 9 and Homeland, comes back to the Oklahoma City Zoo for its 42nd year of costumes, candy, and conservation. Purchase an official Haunt the Zoo bag and enjoy fourteen treat stations around and inside the Children’s Zoo presented by Primrose Schools. Can’t have a treat at one of the 14 stations? Request a teal ticket and redeem for a non-food item at the teal tent at the end of the trail. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes, but full-face masks, weapons, and balloons are prohibited. Zoo admission plus the official trick-or-treat bag must be purchased to receive treats. $1 from every bag sold will benefit the Zoo’s Round Up for Conservation program supporting international conservation efforts, including the Sri Lanka Elephant Project, Dian Fossey Gorilla Foundation and FUNDESGUA. Haunt the Zoo bags are $9 for ZOOfriends or $10 for non-members. Reserve your spot at www.okczoo.org/htz.

  • BE PART OF THE HAUNT THE ZOO TRADITION AND VOLUNTEER! The Oklahoma City Zoo is needing volunteers to help with this year’s spooktacular celebration, Haunt the Zoo occurring Saturdays and Sundays, October 4 through 26. Volunteers must be 14 or older and any volunteer under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This volunteer opportunity is ideal for individuals and families plus, civic, school and corporate groups. To learn more about volunteering or to register, click here.

 

OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS PRESENTED BY OG&E TICKETS LAUNCH FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025

Slots are filling up fast for Oklahoma City’s favorite new holiday tradition: OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, presented by OG&E. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is a dazzling light display offering guests of all ages the opportunity to discover larger-than-life light sculptures on a driving tour through the OKC Zoo. Afterwards, guests are invited to park and re-enter the Zoo for a separate walking experience with immersive and interactive light displays, s’mores stations, themed photo ops and more. Delicious treats and eats will also be available for purchase. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS begins Saturday, November 15, and runs nightly through Sunday, January 4, 2026 with drive-through and walk-through experiences from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with the last check-in at 10 p.m. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS will be 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. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is produced by the Oklahoma City Zoo and Tianyu Culture.

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 THROUGH WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2025: OKC ZOO PARTNERS WITH HOMELAND, COCA COLA TO OFFER $5 OFF ZOO ADMISSION

Shop, save, and celebrate the fall season at the OKC Zoo! Enjoy $5 off general admission to the Oklahoma City Zoo thanks to a special offer from Coca Cola and Homeland. From Wednesday, September 24 through Friday, October 31, purchase $20 of qualifying Coca Cola products from any Homeland location and receive a special coupon code for $5 off a general admission ticket to the OKC Zoo. Zoo fans can apply the discount coupon code to online ticket purchases at okczoo.org. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount offers.

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 9:30 A.M. TO NOON: OKC ZOO HOSTS NATIVE SPECIES AWARENESS DAY

The OKC Zoo is proud to bring Oklahomans closer to animals from the four corners of the Earth, but there are plenty of fascinating species here at home, too. Native Species Awareness Day begins at 9:30 a.m. and runs through noon with caretaker chats, games, guided tours, animal enrichment, and more. See how mountain lions train to take part in their own healthcare, learn about bison biofacts, and let a member of the OKC Zoo bird team show you around the Oklahoma Trails Aviary. Local conservation organizations will be on hand to teach everyone ways to help wildlife and wild places in the state. Oklahoma Zoological Society will offer plush bison adoptions and selling keychains painted by the Zoo’s bison and bears to raise funds for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Bison SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program. Native Species Awareness Day activities are included with paid Zoo admission.  

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 9 A.M. TO 4 P.M.: OKC ZOO HOSTS TEDDY BEAR CLINIC PRESENTED BY OU HEALTH

Young guests are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal for a check-up at the OU Health Teddy Bear Clinic at the Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital on Saturday, October 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers and veterinary staff will give plush animals an examination while teaching kids about animal health and wellness. This event is free with admission.

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M.: OKC ANIMAL SHELTER DOG ADOPTION EVENT

Join us for a dog adoption event with the OKC Animal Shelter as they help pups find a forever home and reduce the number of dogs in custody. The event is Saturday, October 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rosser Conservation Education Center at the east end of the Zoo parking lot. Zoo admission is not required to attend the adoption event. Guests who want to visit the Zoo after adopting a dog may leave their new furry friend with the animal shelter team to pick up afterwards. Adoption fees are being waived and all adopted dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, dewormed, and current on age-appropriate vaccinations. See all the adoptable animals at https://www.okc.gov/Services/Animal-Welfare/Adoptions/Pets-Available-for-Adoption.

 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 THROUGH MONDAY, OCTOBER 20: SCHOOL’S OUT DAY CAMP

Migration is a big part of fall, so the OKC Zoo’s Fall Break School’s Out Day Camps are focusing on how animals move with the seasons. Sign up for 1, 2, or 3 days of learning about monarch migration, African herd migration, and sea turtle migration from Thursday, October 16 to Monday, October 20. Campers must be ages 5-10 years old to participate. Drop off is from 8-8:30 a.m. and pick up is from 4-4:30 p.m. Campers must bring their own lunch and a morning and afternoon snack. Each day camp is $60 per child for non-members or $54 per child for ZOOfriends members. Visit okczoo.org/schools-out to register.

 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M.: OKC ZOO’S CHOMP AND STOMP ANIMAL ENRICHMENT EVENT

Make time this fall break for the OKC Zoo’s seasonal animal enrichment event: Chomp and Stomp. Guests can watch as the OKC Zoo’s animal family chomp and stomp through pumpkins galore. This year the creative animal caretakers’ theme is “The Sweetest Pumpkin: Sweets, Spice and Everything Nice.” Unique food items are provided to the animals as part of 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. The Chomp and Stomp schedule will be shared on the Zoo’s social platforms and website. 

 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25: CRYPTIDS CONFIRMED OVERNIGHT PROGRAM AT THE OKC ZOO

Join the OKC Zoo’s education team for a spooky sleepover on October 25, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. This month’s awesome overnight, Cryptids Confirmed, focuses on animals that were once thought to be fake but turned out to be real. In addition to fun facts, activities, and private evening and morning Zoo hikes, participants can access Haunt the Zoo the next day with official trick-or-treat bags included in the price. The cost is $60 per person and all children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. Visit www.okczoo.org/private-overnights to register.

 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 5:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.: VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SESSION

Ever wanted to volunteer at the OKC Zoo? Join OKC Zoo Volunteer Programs Coordinator Cara Graham for an evening introducing the many ways to volunteer at the Zoo. Volunteers play a big role at the OKC Zoo, giving directions to guests, planting seasonal flowers and bushes, helping animal caretakers and more! Sign up at www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FAFAF2AA3FFC52-volunteer7#/ to attend.

 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 6 P.M. TO 9 P.M.: OKC ZOO MEMBERS ONLY HAUNT THE ZOO NIGHT

For a special Halloween treat, the OKC Zoo is offering a ZOOfriends-only Haunt the Zoo on Friday, October 31, from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy trick-or-treating along the treat trail, take part in a dance party, scour the Zoo on a scavenger hunt, and more! Tickets are $23 each with an official Haunt the Zoo treat bag or $13 for general admission at www.okczoo.org/htz. Not a ZOOfriends member? Sign up now and enjoy free general admission for 12 months, discounts on events, and more! Visit www.okczoo.org/membership for more information.

 

ONGOING OKC ZOO HAPPENINGS

 

KULTURECITY SENSORY-INCLUSIVE OPTIONS

Since 2018, the OKC Zoo has been certified as a sensory-inclusive zoo by nonprofit KultureCity. The Zoo provides complimentary sensory bags that include fidget toys, noise-cancelling headphones, and more. Guests will also find on grounds signage designating quiet zones and headphone zones for those who may feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the Zoo. Sensory bags are available for guests to checkout at no cost on a daily basis from the Zoo’s Guest Services office located in the entry plaza area.

 

READ FOR ADVENTURE, OKC ZOO’S STATEWIDE LITERACY PROGRAM

Check out Read for Adventure, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s unique statewide library program. Read for Adventure brings Oklahoma families to together while building an appreciation for reading and nature. The program’s feature book, Juniper’s Butterfly Garden, inspires kids to read the story of a child’s discovery of monarch butterflies and why it’s important to protect them. Monarchs migrate annually through Oklahoma on their journey from central Mexico to southern Canada and OKC Zoo is committed to conserving vital habitats that benefit all pollinators. The Read for Adventure program is aimed at promoting literacy statewide and invites library card holders to check out Juniper’s Butterfly Garden, from any participating public and tribal library location within the state, to receive a voucher redeemable for FREE general admission to the OKC Zoo for up to four people (child, adult or senior). Vouchers expire June 30, 2026. For a list of participating libraries, visit www.okczoo.org/readforadventure.

 

OKC ZOO’S FALL ATTRACTION SCHEDULE FOR OCTOBER 1–31, 2024

Pre-purchase tickets for these wild extras as well as Zoo admission online at www.okczoo.org/tickets. By purchasing advance online admission tickets, you can bypass the Zoo’s ticket lines for faster entry into the park. This schedule is subject to change without notice. All rides and attractions are operational weather permitting.

  • Camel Rides: Camel rides are available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the cost is $10 per person. Children under 6 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Other rules are posted at the habitat.
  • Cassowary Feeding: Meet some of the biggest birds on the planet Saturdays and Sundays in October, from 2:30 to 3 p.m. in Sanctuary Asia. Cost is $5 per person.
  • Flamingo Mingle: Flamingo Mingle feedings occur daily in the Children’s Zoo habitat from 9:30-10 a.m. and an additional opportunity on Saturdays and Sundays from 3:30-4 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. 
  • Giraffe Feeding (Expedition Africa): Giraffe feedings occur at the giraffe barn daily from 11 a.m. to noon with an additional feeding on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.
  • Explorikeet Feedings (Children’s Zoo): Fly by the Children’s Zoo to see and feed the lorikeets. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Cost is $4 per person.
  • Rhino Feedings: Our Indian rhinos are ready to meet you! Feedings occur from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at Sanctuary Asia. Cost is $10 per person.
  • Stingray Bay: Stingray Bay provides up-close encounters and feeding opportunities with one of the most majestic creatures of the sea, stingrays! Cost is $4 per person to enter. Open daily from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4 p.m. Feeding opportunities available weekdays from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, while supplies last, for an additional $3 per person.
  • The Barnyard at the Children’s Zoo presented by Primrose Schools: This fun encounter connects guests of all ages with our goats and sheep. Weekday hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Elephant Presentation (Sanctuary Asia): These engaging presentations are a BIG hit and free to attend. Presentations occur Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
  • Endangered Species Carousel: Round out your day with a spin on the Zoo’s one-of-a-kind carousel. Rides are available weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $4 per person.
  • Gorilla Trek VR Experience and The Great Migration VR Experience (Great EscApe): View gorillas in the wild with the OKC Zoo’s all-new Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality (VR) experience featuring a 360-degree live action film with motion platform seating or immerse yourself in The Great Migration experience with more than two million animals as they move between Tanzania’s Serengeti and the Maasai Mara reserves in Kenya. Weekday hours from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 9:30 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Cost is $8 per person. Age and height requirements apply.  
  • OKC Zoo Tram: View the Zoo in comfort while learning about its animal and 100+ year history. Tram travels from the Entry Plaza to Sanctuary Asia and rides are offered daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $6 per person. Children two and under free.

 

OKC ZOO’S WILD ENCOUNTERS BEHIND THE SCENES EXPERIENCES 

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Wild Encounters give participants a way to connect with some of their favorite Zoo animals. These ZOO-nique experiences offer wildlife fans an up-close encounter with Asian elephants, Red river hogs, Galapagos tortoises, and more. Meet the OKC Zoo’s expert caretakers while learning about the animals they care for and how the Zoo is working to protect their wild counterparts. The Zoo’s Wild Encounters are available daily and each experience comes with a souvenir lanyard. Groups are limited to 10 people of any age. Prices range from $45–$60 per person depending on the encounter. ZOOfriends’ members receive discount per encounter. For additional information about Wild Encounters or to make a reservation, contact Guest Services at (405) 425-0262.

 

OKC ZOO’S DAILY CARETAKER CHATS

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the Oklahoma City Zoo’s animal family from the expert themselves, our caretakers. Hear from these dedicated and passionate individuals as they share about the amazing wildlife, they care for each and every day. These daily chats are free with regular Zoo admission and include:

  • African hoofstock (Baobab Plaza), daily at 10 a.m.
  • Asian elephants (Sanctuary Asia’s Boardwalk), Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.
  • Vet talk (Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital), daily at 11:30 a.m.
  • Dwarf mongoose (Love’s Pachyderm Building), Friday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m.
  • Lungfish (Love’s Pachyderm Building), Thursday through Tuesday 1:30 p.m.
  • Flamingos (Children’s Zoo), Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m.
  • Apes (Great EscApe), 3:30 p.m.

 

ONGOING: ART GONE WILD: ART MADE BY THE OKC ZOO’S ANIMALS FOR ANIMALS

Art Gone Wild, the Oklahoma City Zoo’s selection of animal paintings, are one-of-a-kind gifts for any occasion. With assistance from their caretakers, the Zoo’s talented animal artists have created an array of paintings available for purchase. Art Gone Wild is part of the Zoo’s enrichment program and the paints are safe for the animals to use as they are non-toxic and washable. New art pieces are created regularly and available to view in the Zoo’s Guest Services office located in the Entry Plaza, open during regular park hours. Original pieces range from $35 to $300, depending on size. All net proceeds benefit one of the Zoo’s conservation initiatives.

 

The Oklahoma City Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. Purchase advance Zoo admission tickets at okczoo.org/tickets and avoid the entry lines. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Zoo admission is $20 for adults and $17 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free.

Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. Looking for a year of Zoo adventures? Consider a 12-month, ZOOfriends Membership Passport to the OKC Zoo providing general admission year-round and exclusive offers while supporting the Zoo’s ongoing animal care and conservation programs. Memberships can be purchased at okczoo.org/membership.