Haunt the Zoo & Haunt the Zoo: All Grown Up Return, Date Night featuring Rickmobile, More Happening in October 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1 – SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6: PUMPKIN DRIVE

The Oklahoma City Zoo's annual Pumpkin Drive is back! From Tuesday, October 1 through Sunday, October 6, guests bringing a pumpkin larger than their heads to the Zoo will receive FREE same-day admission. The limit is one free admission per person. Pumpkins will be available for purchase in front of the Zoo at $7 each or 4 for $20. Donated pumpkins will be used to decorate Haunt the Zoo.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6: PISTOL PETE’S 96TH BIRTHDAY

Party with Pistol Pete! The OKC Metro Chapter of the OSU Alumni Association invites you to put on your orange party clothes and celebrate Pistol Pete's 96th birthday on Sunday, October 6, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Pistol Pete will cut the birthday cake, serve cupcakes and have a special birthday gift for all of the kids in attendance. Activities will take place in the Zoo’s entry plaza, admission required to enter the Zoo.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14: DATE NIGHT FEATURING THE RICK AND MORTY RICKMOBILE

After a successful introduction in June, the Oklahoma City is pleased to announce the return of Date Night on Monday, October 14, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The Zoo will be open exclusively for adults 21-and-older to explore, enjoying the beautiful Oklahoma fall with a multitude of activity options, including a special appearance by the Rickmobile, making its only Oklahoma City stop on the nationwide “Don’t Even Trip Road Trip” tour. The Rickmobile is like the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile, but instead of a hotdog, the vehicle is shaped like Rick and Morty’s mad scientist, Dr. Rick Sanchez. It opens to reveal a mobile merchandise shop, with t-shirts, figurines, toys and more from Rick and Morty and other classic Adult Swim series. Tickets are $25 and are on sale now.

MONDAY, OCT. 14 – FRIDAY, OCT. 18/MONDAY, OCT. 21: SCHOOL’S OUT DAY CAMPS

Go wild over fall break! The OKC Zoo’s School’s Out Day Camps offer a variety of activities including Zoo tours, up-close animal visits, crafts and games. Snacks are provided, but campers must bring their lunch. Ages 4-11 welcome. Advanced registration and payment required. All campers are required to bring a copy of their immunizations. Camp runs 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. Drop-off at Education Center from 8-8:30 a.m. Cost per child per day is $40 (ZOOfriends members) or $45 (non-members). To learn more and register, click here.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18: WORLD OKAPI DAY PRESENTED BY BOB MOORE SUBARU

Presented locally by Bob Moore Subaru, World Okapi Day is Friday, October 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Hidden in the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo lives the mysterious and enigmatic okapi. Although a respected cultural symbol of the only country in which it is found, it is threatened by slash-and-burn agriculture, illegal mining and poaching. World Okapi Day invites wildlife fans of all ages to learn more about okapis and how to help protect them. Event activities include conservation games, keeper chats, enrichment sessions, photo opportunities and more. This event is free with Zoo admission. After the event, okapi fans can continue their support by visiting OKC’s Vanessa House Brewery, a World Okapi Day partner contributing a portion of sales from 12 noon – 11 p.m. to conserving the species and its habitat.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18: CHOMP & STOMP PUMPKIN ENRICHMENT EVENT

Pumpkin season has arrived at the Oklahoma City Zoo and that means it’s time for Chomp and Stomp! Caretakers have busily been preparing fun and tasty pumpkin treats for the animals in keeping with this year’s theme: Ghosts of the Forest. Some prefer sliced, others want diced and some like the whole pumpkin. These culinary creations are presented as part of the Zoo’s ongoing animal enrichment program, designed to stimulate their senses and encourage natural behaviors. OKC Zoo is hosting Chomp and Stomp, its annual Halloween animal enrichment event, on Friday, October 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Animal caretakers will prepare enriching and edible pumpkin creations for some of the Zoo’s animals. These activities are free with Zoo admission.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19: OKTO-BEAR-FEST

Drink beer, save bears! Join the OKC Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers at OKC’s Anthem Brewing Company on Saturday, October 19, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. for great brews benefiting wildlife conservation. Attendees will enjoy raffle prizes and silent auction. Plus, 20 percent of all beer sales will benefit bear conservation efforts. All proceeds from this event will go to Vital Ground Foundation, an organization which secures land outside of federally protected areas for grizzly bear habitat, which is important for allowing the population to expand. More information about the event is here.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, OCT. 19 & 20/SATURDAY & SUNDAY, OCT. 26 & 27: 36TH ANNUAL HAUNT THE ZOO

The state’s premier Halloween event, Haunt the Zoo, returns to the Oklahoma City Zoo for its 36th year with more to explore than ever before! At the Zoo, guests can go trick-or-treating along the Haunt the Zoo trail! General admission or ZOOfriends membership is required for Zoo entry. Trick-or-treat bags can be purchased day-of at ticket windows on Haunt the Zoo days. Bags are $7 for non-members and $6 for members. The Zoo will also offer Boo-It-All passes (including admission, all rides and attractions, plus trick-or-treat bags) priced at $29 for kids/seniors, $33 for adults, or $22 for ZOOfriends members.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25: SECOND ANNUAL HAUNT THE ZOO: ALL GROWN UP

Haunt the Zoo: All Grown Up returns for its second year - BIGGER and BETTER than before! Join us Friday, October 25 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. for OKC’s biggest and best 21+ only Halloween event! The thrills and chills span half of the Zoo with not one but TWO haunted experiences! Food will be available for purchase at three outdoor grills and from five food trucks including Let's Do Greek, Oh My Gogi, Yum Pig, Mission In-Pasta-Bowl and Cookie Dough To Go. Area 51 VIP experience is presented by the Grand Casino Hotel & Resort. Tickets are $30 and are on sale now.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26: KATTFEST 2019 AT ZOO AMPHIHEATRE

The Zoo Amphitheatre, Oklahoma City’s iconic, outdoor concert venue, is proud to host KATTFEST 2019 on Saturday, October 26. This year’s performers include Marilyn Manson, Bad Wolves, Filter, Candlebox, Saint Asonia, 10 Years and Blacktop Mojo. The show begins at 2 p.m. and doors open at 1 p.m. For more than 75 years, the Zoo Amphitheatre has been a mecca for musicians and music lovers alike. Managed by 3HORSE Productions, LLC, the Zoo Amphitheatre is adjacent to the Oklahoma City Zoo and remains one of Oklahoma City’s most enduring and unique attractions. To learn more about the Zoo Amphitheatre, current concert listings or for ticket information, visit www.thezooamphitheatre.com.

ONGOING: OKC ZOO’S EDUCATION PROGRAMS

The Zoo's family-based education programs connect the entire family to nature while exploring and learning together! Pre-registration is required seven days in advance of program date. Visit www.okczoo.org/family-programs or call (405) 425-0218. Mark these upcoming programs on your calendar!

Cub Club Toddler Programs 

Bring your little cub as we learn about Zoo animals through lessons, crafts, discovery stations, and/or guided zoo tours. Each month features a different theme. Ages 2-5 years. Cost per child/adult pair: $12 (member), $15 (nonmember).

Dates and themes for October:

  • October 9, October 12 or October 17 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Bodacious Bats - Flap and flutter to learn about our favorite fuzzy nocturnal animals – BATS – and even make them a yummy snack! 

ONGOING: OKC ZOO SCOUT PROGRAMS

This October, the Oklahoma City Zoo has many opportunities for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to learn about the natural world through a variety of scout badge and overnight programs. Check out what’s ahead.

ONGOING: CAMEL RIDES AT THE OKC ZOO

OKC Zoo guests can add to their zoo-venture with a camel ride on one of three dromedary camels, Fred, Bill or Mongo. The $6 tickets to ride may be purchased on-site at the camel ride area. Rides will take place daily from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (weather permitting) and children under 6 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Other rules are posted at the habitat. Camel rides are not included in the Zoo-It-All or Ride-It-All packages.

ONGOING: EYE SPY SAFARI FOR KIDS PRESENTED BY DEAN MCGEE EYE INSTITUTE

Hey kids, set out on a safari to learn more about the OKC Zoo’s extraordinary animals. The Eye Spy Safari for Kids is a free, interactive activity for children ages 3-11. Each child who completes their safari scratch-off card will receive a prize. Presented by Dean McGee Eye Institute, Eye Spy Safari cards are available at the Zoo’s Guest Services and ZOOfriends’ offices throughout the summer. Prizes are available at the Safari Shop located in the Global Plaza. Participation is free with Zoo admission and kids get a prize when they complete their card.

ONGOING: OKC ZOO’S WILD ENCOUNTERS

The Oklahoma City Zoo provides you with an exclusive peek at what happens behind the Zoo scene with Wild Encounters! Wild Encounters are unique experiences that let you see some of your favorite Zoo animals in up-close ways like never before. Follow our expert animal keepers backstage to learn more about the animal’s unique personalities, stories. Wild Encounters are available daily and each experience comes with a souvenir lanyard! Wild Encounters are also a great gift idea for any occasion. Participants must be 6 years of age or older. Prices range from $41–$79 per person depending on the encounter. ZOOfriends’ members receive $11 discount per encounter. Contact Guest Services at (405) 425-0262 for reservations.

ONGOING: OKC ZOO’s “ASK A Keeper”

OKC Zoo offers daily opportunities for guests to engage with its animal keepers called “Ask A Keeper”. These free, informal chats allow guests to ask questions about the Zoo’s wildlife and their counterparts in nature from the experts themselves–our keepers. Our animal keepers are everyday heroes dedicated to protecting and conserving our world’s wildlife and wild places. “Ask A Keeper” signage will be posted on grounds and the schedule includes the following animal areas:

  •          10 a.m.: Wallaby (Children’s Zoo)
  •          10:30 a.m.: Galapagos tortoise (Island Life)
  •          11:30 a.m.: Stingray Bay
  •          1:30 p.m.: Great Escape
  •          2 p.m.: Asian Elephant Presentation (Sanctuary Asia, elephant pavilion)
  •          2:30 p.m.: Red panda (Sanctuary Asia)
  •          3 p.m.: Southern cassowary (Sanctuary Asia)

See all that the OKC Zoo has to offer in November…

  • Give for Gorillas Cellphone Challenge – November 1 through 30
  • Young Thug & Machine Gun Kelly at ZooAmp – Friday, November 1
  • National Bison Day – Saturday, November 2
  • Veteran’s Day (free admission to active duty, active reserves and retired veterans) – Monday, November 11
  • Thanksgiving Day, OKC Zoo Closed – Thursday, November 28

Go wild at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden! Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the Oklahoma City Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Regular admission is $11 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Stay up-to-date with the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube by visiting Our Stories. Zoo fans can support the OKC Zoo by becoming Oklahoma Zoological Society members at ZOOfriends.org or in-person at the Zoo! To learn more about these and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.