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Merry-not-scary Halloween weekends at the Columbus Zoo with character meet-and-greets, a trick-or-treat trail, hay maze, and Adventure Cove rides included with regular zoo admission
Boo at the Zoo runs Saturdays and Sundays from October 3 through October 25, 2026, at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on those weekends, and the Halloween programming is included with regular zoo admission rather than sold as a separate night ticket.
Most of the action sits in Adventure Cove: Character Ambassador meet-and-greets and rolling celebrations, a trick-or-treat trail with multiple candy stops plus teal-pumpkin alternatives, giant pumpkin carving, a hay maze, Jack-O-Lantern Journey, a fun house, and a Halloween hoedown with the Oak Ridge Bears. New for this year are a Rave at the Grave DJ dance party and an expanded candy trail. Rides and the zoo train run on the usual weekend pattern.
Costumes are welcome within the zoo's family-friendly rules, including visible adult faces and no prop weapons. Download the zoo app for maps, arrive early on peak Sundays, and buy a Zoo More wristband if the kids will live on the rides. Powell traffic and parking lots fill on nice October weekends, so leave buffer time.
