London Zoo Halloween | Boo at the Zoo for Family Fun

What to expect at London Zoo during Halloween

Step into a wild Halloween adventure at London Zoo, where the animal kingdom takes on a spooky seasonal twist and every corner bursts with autumn colour, eerie fun, and family-friendly surprises.

Halloween-themed events: The zoo comes alive with Halloween spirit with the “Boo at the Zoo” experience, offering a week of themed activities, such as marshmallow toasting by a fire-pit, and face-painting stations for younger visitors and families.
Creative workshops: Kids can join pumpkin-painting and mask-making sessions, guided by friendly staff, and take their handmade creations home as Halloween souvenirs.
Animal encounters after dark: Discover how nocturnal creatures stir once the sun sets. Special talks and games reveal the fascinating nighttime habits of bats, owls, and other mysterious residents of the zoo.
Silent disco: As part of the festive fun, there’s a UV‐lit silent disco, where you bring your own headphones to dance the day away.
Spooky trails and surprises: Follow signposted routes through decorated habitats, spot hidden golden pumpkins, and enjoy spontaneous pop-up fun across the grounds.

London Zoo Halloween events

Boo at the Zoo

Dates: 25 October – 2 November 2025
Timings: 10am to 5pm (normal zoo hours)
Location: Throughout London Zoo
Included with admission: Yes
Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages (children must be accompanied)

A week-long Halloween programme featuring pumpkin patches, marshmallow toasting, spooky animal talks, craft workshops, and a silent disco. Ideal for families seeking a fun seasonal outing at the zoo.

London Zoo Halloween highlights

Pumpkin painting*

Choose your own pumpkin, decorate it in a tipi, and pick it up later. A creative, hands-on seasonal treat.

Silent disco

Put on your headphones and get ready to dance for a UV-lit silent disco on the lawn. Fun for kids and families alike.

Spooky animal talks

Explore nocturnal wildlife at The Cassons through sensory games, myth-busting challenges, and fun “trick or treat” activities for all ages.

Spooky Species Live

Watch a special Halloween edition of this popular animal show, featuring close-up encounters with extraordinary creatures and fun, spooky surprises.

Halloween crafts

Kids can create their own flapping bat to take home, while learning fun bat facts, combining creativity with wildlife education.

Marshmallow toasting*

Gather around the glowing fire pit to toast marshmallows. Sweet, toasty fun that perfectly captures the cozy Halloween spirit.

Face painting*

Add the finishing touch to your spooky look with themed face painting. Transform into a bat, a witch, or a Halloween creature.

Golden Pumpkin Hunt (members only)

Every day during Boo at the Zoo, members hunt a hidden golden pumpkin for a prize. A fun twist for membership holders.

*Additional charges apply.

Plan your visit to ZSL London Zoo at Halloween

Zoo opening hours: 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm)
Halloween dates: 25 October – 2 November 2025
Boo at the Zoo activities: Run throughout normal zoo hours, with select sessions (like talks, crafts, and silent disco) scheduled between 11am and 4pm.
Spooky animal talks & craft workshops: Timed slots vary daily; check the onsite schedule.

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings (10am – 12pm) for quieter crowds, shorter queues at activities, and a relaxed family-friendly experience.

ZSL London Zoo timings

Address: ZSL London Zoo, Outer Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY | Find on Maps

By tube: Camden Town (Northern Line) a 10–12-min walk; Regent’s Park (Bakerloo Line) a 15 min walk.
By train: Camden Road (Overground) a 15-min walk.
By bus: Routes 88 and 274 stop near Gloucester Gate (a 5-min walk).
By car: Follow A41 or A501 towards Regent’s Park. The zoo entrance is signposted along the Outer Circle.

Parking: Limited paid parking at the zoo (~ £15/day). Additional spaces available at Regent’s Park Car Park near the Broad Walk entrance (~10 min walk).

Restrooms: Step-free toilets are available throughout the zoo, including near the main entrance, Terrace Restaurant, and Animal Adventure area.
Lockers/Coat check: Small lockers are available near the main entrance; large luggage storage is not provided.
Strollers/Wheelchairs: Strollers permitted across the zoo; manual wheelchairs available free of charge (refundable deposit required).
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi available throughout the zoo; connect to the “ZSL Public Wi-Fi” network.
Gift shop: Located by the main exit; offers plush toys, books, sustainable souvenirs, and seasonal Halloween merchandise.
Water fountains: Found near picnic areas and cafés; refill stations provided for reusable bottles.

See the zoo map for more

Step-free & distances: London Zoo offers step-free routes across most exhibits, with smooth pathways and ramps connecting key areas like the Terrace Restaurant, Animal Adventure, and Gorilla Kingdom.
Wheelchair rentals: Manual wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come basis (refundable deposit required).
Accessible toilets: Step-free accessible restrooms located near the main entrance, Terrace Restaurant, and Reptile House.
Sensory support: “Zoo for All” relaxed sessions are available during Boo at the Zoo, featuring reduced noise and crowd levels for sensory-sensitive visitors.
- Sensory-friendly sessions: On “Zoo for All” (Wed 29 Oct & Sat 1 Nov), “Into the Night Relaxed” 2 pm to 2:30 pm; “Silent Disco Relaxed” 3 pm to 3:30 pm.
Hearing loops: Available at select ticket counters and information desks.
Service animals: Registered assistance dogs are welcome but not permitted inside animal enclosures or walk-through habitats like Butterfly Paradise or Lemur Walkthrough.

Plan your visit to ZSL London Zoo

Costumes: Children are encouraged to wear family-friendly costumes, but full-face masks, fake weapons, or outfits that may frighten animals are not permitted.
Accompany minors: Children under 16 must be accompanied by a supervising adult.
Animal welfare: Please do not feed, touch, or disturb animals during events. Flash photography is restricted near enclosures and nocturnal exhibits.
Photography: Flash photography or strobes may be restricted during nocturnal animal talks in The Cassons area.
Food & drink: Outside food is allowed in picnic areas only; glass containers and alcohol are prohibited.

Terrace Restaurant: The zoo’s main dining spot serves hot meals, kids’ lunch boxes, and seasonal autumn dishes like soups, pies, and roast specials.
The Coffee House: A cosy indoor café offering freshly brewed coffee, pastries, and sweet Halloween treats such as pumpkin muffins and themed cupcakes.
Aquarium Kiosk: Ideal for grab-and-go snacks, sandwiches, and hot drinks near the aquarium and playground area.
Outdoor picnic spots: Visitors may bring their own food to enjoy in designated picnic areas around the zoo, open throughout the Halloween season.

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Frequently asked questions about London Zoo Halloween events

Can I book tickets just for the Halloween events without a general admission ticket?

No, the “Boo at the Zoo” event is included with general admission to London Zoo. A separate event ticket is not required for most activities.

Is there a capacity limit for the events?

Yes, certain workshops and craft zones may have limited capacity and work on a first-come or pre-book basis. It’s best to arrive early for popular sessions.

Are the Halloween events suitable for children?

Yes, the Halloween programme is family-friendly, with pumpkin painting, craft activities, and animal talks suitable for children, though adult supervision is required.

Will the events continue in poor weather?

Most activities run rain or shine, though outdoor elements (pumpkin patch, marshmallow fire-pit) may be modified. It’s advisable to check the zoo’s event status on the day.

What happens if an event is canceled and I’ve already booked my ticket?

If the zoo cancels a specific session, they will usually offer an alternative slot or a refund for that portion, but general entry remains valid. Check terms at time of booking.

Can I bring a pumpkin home if I pick one on site?

Yes, as part of the pumpkin patch experience at Boo at the Zoo you can choose a pumpkin, decorate it, and collect it to take home.