The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is commemorating the 40th anniversary of Haunt the Zoo for Halloween, Oklahoma’s largest and longest-running Halloween tradition, and going above and beyond to make this milestone year even more spooktacular. Presented by Oklahoma’s Own News 9, Haunt the Zoo, is a cherished occasion for families and friends to spend time together while enjoying a unique, safe trick-or-treating experience surrounded by the Zoo’s wondrous wildlife!
Haunt the Zoo occurs over eight days, Saturdays and Sundays, October 7 through 29 with trick-or-treating available each day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees can select a morning reservation block between 9 a.m. to noon or an afternoon block from noon to 4 p.m. The trick-or-treat trail closes each day at 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 at www.okczoo.org.
“We are incredibly proud to mark this significant anniversary of Haunt the Zoo and continue this beloved event that has become a favorite for generations of Oklahomans,” said Jenna Dodson, OKC Zoo’s event manager. “To think it all began as a grassroots effort, Haunt the Zoo has grown to become the state’s largest fall celebration connecting thousands to the joy, excitement of the season and the Zoo. We are grateful for the continued support Haunt the Zoo receives from the community at large, its volunteers and fans to keep this favorite going for 40 years and beyond.”
Trick-or-treaters will go wild as they collect sweets and tasty snacks from friendly volunteers at 13 candy stations located along the Haunt the Zoo trail. Take in the sights of Haunt the Zoo as you discover custom made family-friendly decorations and elaborate props along the event trail, all perfect for those photo moments. Only official Haunt the Zoo trick-or-treat bags will be accepted for collecting candy. Adults and kids alike are invited to wear their Halloween costumes during Haunt the Zoo. For the safety of our guests and staff, full face masks and costume weapons are prohibited.
HAUNT THE ZOO ADMISSION TIPS
- Haunt the Zoo tickets are on sale now at www.okczoo.org/htz.
- New this year, opt for bundle ticket options:
- BOO-IT-ALL: Includes Zoo admission, trick-or-treat bag, lorikeet feeding, Stingray Bay and access to the Zoo’s Endangered Species Scareousel. Boo-It-All Ticket Prices: Adults (12-64) = $35 (nonmember) / $19 for ZOOfriends; Child (3-11) and Senior (65+) = $32 (nonmember) / $16 for ZOOfriends; Infants (ages 2 & under) = $8 (nonmember) / $7 ZOOfriends
- ZOO-IT-ALL (No HTZ trick-or-treat bag): Includes Zoo admission, lorikeet feeding, Stingray Bay and access to the Zoo’s Endangered Species Scareousel. Zoo-It-All Ticket Prices: Adults (12-64) = $27 (nonmember) / $11 for ZOOfriends; Child (3-11) and Senior (65+) = $24 (nonmember) / $11 for ZOOfriends; Infants (ages 2 & under) = free
- 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 at www.okczoo.org/htz.
- Military family members and voucher holders can purchase trick-or-treat bags upon arrival.
- Children under 14 must be accompanied by adult for all Zoo attractions included with Boo-It-All and Zoo-It-All ticket options, check attraction times prior to visit. Weather and animal cooperation dependent.
- Arrive within the time of your Haunt the Zoo reservation in order to enter the Zoo quickly and easily.
- All treats distributed as part of Haunt the Zoo are made with certified sustainable palm oil. For a complete list of Halloween candy makers who are members of the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and are committed to making a difference for wild orangutans and other endangered species by using certified sustainable palm oil, click here.
OKC Zoo’s Halloween happenings continue:
- #HTZ40 Social Campaign – Now through September 28, the OKC Zoo is asking fans to share their sweet photo memories of Haunt the Zoo on social by tagging @okczoo and #HTZ40. The Zoo will create special Way Back Wednesday highlights during October of Haunt the Zoo fans and their memories in the comments and in their Instagram stories. The chosen photos will be winners of a Family 4 pack of tickets to the Zoo and official Haunt the Zoo trick-or-treat bags to experience Haunt the Zoo and make memories that are sure to last a lifetime!
- OKC Zoo’s Annual Pumpkin Drive – Pick your pumpkins and pile out for the OKC Zoo’s annual Pumpkin Drive! From Sunday, October 1 through Friday, October 6, guests bringing a pumpkin larger than their heads to the Zoo during regular hours will receive free same-day admission. Limit one free admission per person. Donated pumpkins will help create the Haunt the Zoo scene.
- Hay Maze – Little trick-or-treaters will enjoy this fun, interactive located along the Haunt the Zoo trail. This activity is free with Zoo admission.
- Endangered Species Scareousel – Take a “boo”rrific spin on the carousel – all decked out for Haunt the Zoo. Additional fees apply for each ride and can be purchased in advance with your admission tickets or on-site. Children two and under ride for free.
- Save the date for OKC Zoo’s Haunt the Zoo: All Grown Up – The Zoo is the official haunting grounds for Oklahoma City’s most popular 21 and older, Halloween themed party. Mark your calendar for Friday, October 27 from 7 to 11 p.m. and stay tuned to the Zoo’s socials for event details including ticket sales.
Want to get in on the Haunt the Zoo action? Volunteer! We are in need of hundreds of volunteers to make Haunt the Zoo a sweet success. Volunteers will help with distributing goodies to trick-or-treaters and manning lines at the candy stations. Event volunteers must be 14 or older. This opportunity is ideal for individuals, families and groups. Volunteer sign up for Haunt the Zoo goes live on Monday, August 28 at www.okczoo.org/volunteers-for-special-events.
Haunt the Zoo event dates are Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8; Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15; Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22; and Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29.
2023 Haunt the Zoo sponsors to date include Oklahoma’s Own News 9, Aurora Pediatric Dentistry, Chicken N’ Pickle, Express Employment International, Frito-Lay, Heartland, INTEGRIS Health, Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores, Metro Mark Realty, Primrose School, Sam’s Club and Tinker Federal Credit Union. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available, providing excellent marketing, community support and volunteer opportunities. To learn more, contact jstanley@zoofriends.org.
OKC Zoo’s 40th annual Haunt the Zoo is bringing the candy, fun and wild for all! The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry at 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, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Regular admission is $16 for adults and $13 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, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. Become and everyday Zoo adventurer with a 12-month, ZOOfriends Membership Passport to the OKC Zoo. Membership passports are available for one to 10 people and provide general admission year-round and exclusive offers while supporting the Zoo’s ongoing animal care and conservation programs. Learn more or purchase a membership at okczoo.org/membership.