As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, Brookfield Zoo Chicago in Brookfield, IL, comes alive with the magic and wonder of the spooky season. Stroll among vibrant autumn colors, see animals active in cooler weather, and enjoy Halloween events suitable for all ages.
Every October, Brookfield Zoo Chicago transforms into a haunted habitat filled with tricks, treats, and ghastly-good fun! This year’s highlights include Boo! at the Zoo, a family-friendly Halloween event running daily from October 4 through 31, and Boo! Brunch for families on Sunday, October 19. An adults-only event, Zoo After Dark: BOOs & Brews, takes place on Saturday, October 25, from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. and features specialty drinks, a costume contest, and live music. And a Halloween-inspired Walking Tour will launch in October, providing a unique guided experience learning about some of the zoo's most mysterious animals.
Use this guide to plan Halloween celebrations full of wonder, laughter, and just the right amount of spookiness at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
BOO! AT THE ZOO
OCTOBER 4–31
Wander through glowing displays, enjoy Halloween-themed food and drinks, see your favorite animals in a whole new light, and delight in festive activities that bring out the spirit(s) of the season at Brookfield Zoo Chicago every day from October 4 through 31. On weekends, enjoy trick-or-treating, a magic show, and additional thrilling surprises.
This family-friendly Halloween celebration is packed with not-so-scary thrills, festive decorations, and animal habitats dressed for the season. Halloween-themed photo opportunities (perfect for families) featuring giant inflatables, photo frames, and peek-boards will be placed around the zoo. The event includes special weekend programming, such as costume parades, trick-or-treating stations on the East Mall, magic shows, haunted tram rides, and special weekend Zoo Chats for ghosts and goblins of all ages to learn about favorite creatures, such as bats, snakes, and wolves.
PLANNING TIPS FOR FAMILIES
- Arrive early—you’ll avoid crowds and see animals when they are most active—or during the mid-afternoon’s lull.
- Stick to the stroller-friendly pathways.
- Bring your own snacks and water to keep kids happy.
- Skip props that resemble weapons and, for adults, full-face masks during daytime hours.
- Take breaks—you’ll find quiet spots near calmer habitats and activities.
- Pack your charger.
- Keep Chicago’s unpredictable weather in mind. Include comfortable layers in your costume; you never know when the weather will take a turn.
Entry to Boo! at the Zoo is free with general zoo admission; some activities require an additional fee.
Note: All activities are weather-dependent and subject to change. Always check the zoo’s website before you go.
BOO! AT THE ZOO ART FAIR
OCTOBER 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2025
For the first time, Boo! at the Zoo will include a juried art fair featuring local artisans and small businesses. This Sunday-only event will showcase a vibrant display of artworks that celebrate themes related to animals, conservation, education, and the natural world, aligning with the zoo's mission to foster a deeper connection to nature. Artwork will be available for purchase.
If you are an artist interested in showcasing your work on a specific weekend, please register by visiting brookfieldzoo.org/booatthezoo. If you plan to display your work on all four weekends, contact marketing@brookfieldzoo.org to receive a special discount code.
BOO! BRUNCH
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2025
Show off your spook-tacular costumes at this year’s Boo! Brunch, a Halloween-themed buffet at The Pavilions, near the North Gate entrance. Two seatings—10:00 a.m. and noon—are available for hauntingly good brunch classics and a potent and terrifying witches’ brew (don’t worry, it's really just lemonade!) as well as optional adult potions available for purchase. The event features a DJ spinning spooky tunes, spine-tingling setups for family photo opps, and free face painting for all kids. Tickets include zoo admission, so you can visit the Boo! at the Zoo and the zoo grounds before or after your seating.
Space is limited; secure your spot now.
Zoo members receive a discount on Boo! Brunch tickets (discount code: BOO-NUSMEMBERSHIP25).
ZOO AFTER DARK: BOOS & BREWS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025 | 6:00-9:30 P.M.
Bring your friends or go solo for a spooktacular time at Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s (21+) Zoo After Dark: BOOs & Brews event on Saturday, October 25, from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m., on the East Mall. Come dressed to thrill and enjoy a wicked good DJ dance party, an outrageous costume contest with coveted prizes, selfie spots and photo booths, and plenty of lawn games, along with an exclusive menu of specialty foods and drinks at East Mall food stands. Stop by the beer garden for “sip and paint” pumpkin decorating, meet Animal Ambassadors around the zoo, and (trick or) treat yourself to an underwater dolphin viewing experience.
Entry to Zoo After Dark: BOOs & Brews ($45) includes after-hours zoo admission and event parking. Choose an all-inclusive drink ticket ($105) and you’ll get everything included in general admission, plus bottomless drinks from the All-In BOOs & Brews drink menu. Members receive a discount on entry fees. Some activities require an additional cost.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- This event will take place rain or shine—expect the worst and come prepared for Chicago’s unpredictable weather changes.
- Valid ID (21+) will be required for entry.
- Zoo grounds close at 6:00 p.m.—plan to arrive between 5:30–6:00 p.m.
- Use the North Gate Parking Lot (8400 31st Street) for easiest access to the East Mall.
No one under the age of 21 (including children) will be allowed into the zoo for the event. Programming subject to change. Regular zoo admission is NOT included with your BOOs & Brews ticket. No refunds or exchanges. All sales are final.