FAQ

Zoo Boo is a long-standing family tradition at the Detroit Zoo and we want to do what we can to ensure an enjoyable experience for all. Below are a few tips to help you prepare for your Zoo Boo experience.

  • Accessibility
    • Drop-off and Pick-up: If a member of your party has mobility limitations, there is a drop-off and pick-up area in front of the main admission gates. Please follow the signs.
    • Wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs): We recommend that guests bring their own wheelchairs and electric scooters. A limited number of wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for rent at the Chrysler Main Train Station while quantities last. Wheelchairs are $10, and ECVs are $28.
    • Special Needs: The Detroit Zoological Society is committed to accommodating individuals with diverse backgrounds and learning abilities. We have a strong desire to be autism and special needs-friendly, and we hope all families have an enjoyable experience!
    • Sensory Support: Zoo Boo contains interaction with sound and live entertainment. You may want to consider bringing these items to support a sensory-friendly experience:
      • Noise-reducing headphones or ear plugs
      • Fidget tools
      • Weighted lap pad
  • Allergy Info

    While we do not include candy with peanuts and tree nuts in the goodie bags, some items may be made in a facility that processes these products.

  • Animal Habitats
    • All 125 acres of the Detroit Zoo will be open for Zoo Boo
    • All indoor areas will be open for Zoo Boo.
  • Bags

    Join us on our Green Journey by bringing your own trick-or-treat bag. The Zoo will not provide bags to Zoo Boo guests. A limited number of reusable bags are for sale at Zoofari Market.

  • Costumes

    We encourage you to have fun and get creative with your costumes when attending Zoo Boo at the Detroit Zoo. Costumes worn during these events, however, should not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally harm another Guest. In addition, balloons of any kind, as well as sports balls, bouncy balls or other similar types of balls are not allowed on Zoo grounds.

  • Dates

    Zoo Boo will be hosted from 2 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 7-8, 14-15 and 20-22.

    The last entry will be at 4:30 p.m.

  • Food and Gift Options

    Table 28, Cup & Pint, Buddy’s Pizza, Boardwalk Station and Mitten Market will be open for food and beverage service during your Zoo Boo experience. Make sure to visit Zoofari Market and Photo Memories to purchase your favorite Detroit Zoo keepsake before you depart! Credit or debit cards are strongly preferred as means of payment.

  • Parking

    Parking is $8 per car for all Zoo Boo attendees, including Detroit Zoo members.

  • Pricing

    General admission:
    Tickets on sale now. Advance tickets range from $19-$25 per person, ages 2 and older.

    Groups
    The more the merrier! Groups of 20 or more visiting Zoo Boo at the same time can receive $2 each ticket. To take advantage of this special discount, contact Group Sales Manager Jenise Collins at jcollins@dzs.org or (248) 336-5841.

    Parking is $8 per vehicle for all attendees.

    • All guests, ages 2 and older, require a ticket for entry.
    • Tickets must be purchased in advance online or at Customer Care during regular Zoo hours.
    • Limited number of walk-up tickets available on event days.
    • The number of tickets available is limited.
    • Tickets are valid only during specific event dates and hours
  • Refunds
    • Zoo Boo is a rain-or-shine event. No refunds will be provided.
    • Visitors who try to visit on a different date of Zoo Boo will be required to pay a change fee per ticket.
    • Event tickets may not be used for general admission to the Detroit Zoo.
  • Restrooms
    • All restrooms at the Detroit Zoo are equipped with an accessible stall and baby changing stations.
    • Family restrooms and our Mommy & Me nursing station will be accessible for the entire event.
  • Rides

    • The 4D Theater, Tauber Family Railroad and the Carousel will be open for your enjoyment during Zoo Boo. Tickets for the 4D theater are $7 per person; train tickets are $3 per person for a one-way ride; and the Carousel is $3 per rider.
    • Bundle these with the Theater + pass for $8 to get access to a 4D Theater movie, and your choice of a ride on the train OR Carousel.

  • Safety Guidelines

    You can read the current safety guidelines at detroitzoo.org/health.

  • Themed Weekends

    We’re taking the fun to the next level with special themed weekends! Throughout the month of October, we will be decorating the park each weekend to honor our favorite nerdy pastimes, celebrate legendary movie monsters, and represent your favorite movie or book genres.

    Want to join in on the extra special fun? Feel free to dress up according to each weekend’s theme! Costumes are welcomed during Zoo Boo.

    Nerd Out in Nature | Oct. 7-8
    We are kicking off Zoo Boo by celebrating whatever makes us nerd out! Whether it’s your favorite television show, boardgame or hobby, show us what brings you joy.

    Monster Mash | Oct. 14-15
    This weekend is for legendary movie monsters! Walk like Frankenstein, howl like the Wolf Man or bring your own favorite monster to life on your trip to the Zoo.

    Movies, Books and Make Believe | Oct. 20-22
    Embody your favorite action hero, dress the part for your go-to romantic comedy or solve clues like a mystery detective. Whether it’s a book or movie, everyone has their go-to genre. Share yours with us during the final weekend of Zoo Boo!

  • Trick-or-treating

    Zoo Boo is a trick-or-treating event. Stations will be located throughout the Zoo, please reference Zoo Boo map for locations.

    Treat bags will not be provided, though a limited number of reusable bags will be available for purchase inside Zoofari Market.

  • Wagons, Strollers, Segways and Bicycles
    • Guests are welcome to bring their own wagons and strollers.
    • Single and double strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, and Electronic Convenience Vehicles are available for rent at the Main Train Station (near the front of the park) and at the Africa Train Station (in the far corner of the park when the train is operating). Rented items cannot be taken on the Tauber Family Railroad.[ Convenience Rental Pricing ]
    • Segways, bicycles and other self-propelled vehicles are not permitted at the Detroit Zoo.

     

  • Weather
    • Please come dressed for the weather. Zoo Boo is held rain or shine.
    • The Zoo Boo trail has been expanded to allow for you to enjoy all 125 acres of the Detroit Zoo
    • Printed maps will not be available. Please download/view the event map below.
    • The Zoo is 125 acres. If you walk all the primary pathways on the main route, it is a 1.7-mile trip. Adding in smaller paths increases your distance.