Haunt the Zoo is a spook-tacular time for all with daytime trick-or-treating available weekends through October 31, candy galore, seasonal festivities, time exploring the Zoo, and so much more! Get advance tickets at okczoo.org.

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s Haunt the Zoo for Halloween returns for its 43rd year bringing generations of Oklahomans together for the biggest and best Halloween adventure around! Presented by Oklahoma’s Own News 9, Haunt the Zoo invites families to enjoy a new trick-or-treat trail, fall inspired activities, and elaborate decorations as they are immersed in the incredible setting of the Oklahoma City Zoo. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available now at www.okczoo.org/htz. 

                Haunt the Zoo occurs Saturdays and Sundays through October 31, 2026. Trick-or-treating is available each day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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. Trick-or-treat bags are $10 each or $9 for ZOOfriends members and will sell out, so advance reservations are encouraged and can be made at www.okczoo.org/htz.

“Haunt the Zoo has become a beloved community tradition that we look forward to sharing with new and returning fans each year,” said Jenna Dodson, OKC Zoo’s Director of Events and Sales. “We take pride in creating a memorable Halloween experience that engages families, friends, volunteers, and our community partners and hopefully inspires them to develop a deeper connection to the Zoo.”

                This year, guests will embark on a new Haunt the Zoo trail through Expedition Africa with up-close views of giraffes, lions, zebras, ostrich, and other African animals and showcasing a selection of themed props including a brand-new interactive pumpkin house that bring the Halloween vibe to life. Trick-or-treaters will visit 20 candy stations to collect candy and snacks from friendly volunteers along the trail. Unique Zoo activities and concession menus with favorite fall flavors also add to the festivities.

A favorite tradition of Halloween is dressing up and there’s no better place to show off creative costumes than Haunt the Zoo! Join in the Haunt the Zoo costume parade each Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. which meets at the entrance of Dinosaur Expedition for a fun stroll to the event trail. Guests of all ages are encouraged to wear family-friendly costumes to the event. Fake weapons and full-face masks are not allowed. 

More Haunt the Zoo Treats!

 

  • Teal Treat Option! Trick-or-treaters with food allergies may request a teal treat ticket at any candy station to be redeemed for a non-food item at the end of the trail. One non-food item per ticket.
  • Making Haunt the Zoo even sweeter, $1 from each event bag sold benefits the Zoo’s Round Up for Conservation initiatives supporting local and global conservation efforts.
  • Capture the smiles and fun of Haunt the Zoo at the boo-riffic photo stations along the treat trail.  
  • OKC Zoo attractions like giraffe and flamingo feedings, the Endangered Species Carousel, and weekend elephant presentations, are the perfect additions to your Haunt the Zoo day! For details on daily Zoo happenings visit www.okczoo.org/plan_your_visit.
  • Discover the world of Dinosaur Expedition, presented by Mathis Home, before it ends on Sunday, November 1. Find over 60 animatronic dinosaurs, dinosaur skeletons, fossil digs, and photo ops in this one-of-a-kind exhibit. Dinosaur Expedition is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission tickets can be purchased at  www.okczoo.org/dinosaurs.
  • 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. Guests of all ages can purchase treat bags to trick-or-treat to participate in collecting candy. Tickets are available at www.okczoo.org/htz.

               

The OKC Zoo is a conservation organization dedicated to protecting our natural world and is a proud member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). RSPO encourages companies to make sustainable differences for animals like Sumatran tigers and rhinos and their habitats. All treats distributed as part of Haunt the Zoo are made with certified sustainable palm oil. For a shopping guide on Halloween candy makers who are members of the RSPO and contributing to wildlife conservation by using certified sustainable palm oil click here.

Have a howling good time at the Zoo’s special nighttime Haunt the Zoo bash on Friday, October 30! This exclusive event includes trick-or-treating, a dance party, costume characters, and more from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets include an official trick-or-treat bag and are $32/person or $15/ person for ZOOfriends members and need to be purchased in advance at www.okczoo.org/htz.

Interested in becoming a Haunt the Zoo volunteer? 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.

                Haunt the Zoo 2026 event dates: Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18; Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, and Saturday, October 31. 

                2026 Haunt the Zoo sponsors to date include presenting sponsor, Oklahoma’s Own News 9, and supporting sponsors Bob Moore Subaru, Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, Continental Resources, Express Employment International, Frito Lay, Primrose Schools, Sam’s Club, and Tinker Federal Credit Union. Photo station sponsors include Caitlin Marshall, Dental Depot, Lawrence H. and Ronna C. Davis.

                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.