The popular annual event allows kids to come in after hours and celebrate the spooky season with tricks and treats around every exhibit.

Halloween comes early at the Smithsonian's National Zoo this year, with the return of Boo at the Zoo — three nights of trick-or-treating, costumed critters and candy-fueled fun for the whole family. From Oct. 16-18, families can wander candlelit, cobweb-strewn paths past Halloween-decked exhibits, snag treats at stations scattered across the grounds and catch glimpses of the zoo's animals enjoying their own seasonal enrichment (yes, that includes elephants and jack-o'-lanterns).

Here's everything you need to know to plan your visit, from tickets and parking to what to eat.

Why families will love it

Kids will be enamored by the variety of Halloween-decorated exhibits, ranging from the Elephant Community Center and Small Mammal House to the Reptile Discovery Center. Guests receive a souvenir goodie bag and can fill it with sweets, snacks and other surprises at treat stations throughout the zoo. This way, kids get both Halloween excitement and a chance to see animals in a special setting while learning something new about them in the process.

"When we got to the zoo, we all (adults included) got to trick-or-treat. We were given a trick-or-treat bag when we arrived (one of those reusable give away bags) and we just walked through the park and got our goodies," shared travln-beegees on TripAdvisor. "There were at least 30-plus stations of candies and goodies (like chips, juice, cookies). There were decorations throughout the zoo…The kids definitely had fun and want to make it an annual tradition!"

What families can expect

Once inside, families can wander the grounds in costume, stopping at treat stations tucked throughout the zoo to fill a keepsake goodie bag with candy and small surprises along the way. Spooky-but-sweet touches are everywhere, from skeleton scenes to Halloween decor, giving the whole visit a festive, more-treats-than-tricks feel. Kids can burn off energy at a dance party, and this year brings a new addition: a pumpkin patch photo backdrop for family pictures.

Beyond the trick-or-treating, ticket holders get after-hours access to indoor animal habitats that are normally closed by evening, including the Small Mammal House, Elephant Community Center and Reptile Discovery Center, so there's still plenty of wildlife to see even after dark. For an extra fee, families can also hop on the Conservation Carousel or take a ride on the National Zoo Choo Choo train.

Feed your own little monster with a snack from one of the regular park food stands. Typical on-site foods include made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, Sbarro pizza and salads at the Zoo Cafe Market & Deli.

Planning your visit

  • Time: Starting time is 6 p.m. with the last entry being at 8 p.m.
  • Date: Oct. 16-18
  • Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC
  • Cost: $35 per ticket for nonmembers, 15% off for zoo members
  • Tickets: Tickets for the event can be bought online through the event page. It's advised to buy them beforehand, as they can sell out the day of the event because of its popularity.
  • Parking: Parking is not included with a ticket. Event parking costs $30 per vehicle in advance or $40 the day of the event. Regular member and daytime parking passes are not valid for Boo at the Zoo. Additionally, there may be street parking available in the nearby Cleveland Park neighborhoods if you are up for a 20-minute stroll.
  • City transit: It's recommended to take the Metro to the Woodley Park-Adams Morgan Red Line stop, which is a 10-minute walk to the zoo gates.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I wear a costume?
    Yes, costumes are encouraged, but adults cannot wear full-face masks and guests should not bring props that look like weapons.
  • Are there food allergies to worry about?
    The zoo notes that the event is not nut-free, so families should check ingredient labels carefully.
  • What are the entry rules?
    Guests should plan to enter together, and 8 p.m. is the event's last-entry time.
  • Is Boo at the Zoo rain-or-shine?
    Pack an umbrella and check out the exhibits because the zoo has indicated that the event is held rain-or-shine.
  • Can I bring my dog?
    Pets are strictly forbidden, but an exception is made for certified and trained service animals.