Boo at the Zoo Presented by First 5 California

Two Weekends of Animal-Themed Halloween Fun

The most popular event of the year is coming up with two full weekends of Boo at the Zoo Presented by First 5 California. Bring it on by wearing your creative and imaginative animal or super-hero Halloween costumes and more, on Saturday and Sunday, October 21-22 & 28-29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Highlights of this popular family event include the daily costume parade and contest and watching as zoo animals “chomp and stomp” their Halloween and pumpkin treats throughout each day.

The costume parade and contest will take place at 12 noon each event day at the Elinor Friend Playground, where entrants can line up to parade around the Sculpture Learning Plaza and Playfield Lawn before being considered for the various costume categories.

These include:

  • Best Animal Costume
  • Best Family Costume
  • Best Toddler Costume
  • Judge’s Favorite

Winners are selected in first, second, and third place.

Local Judges:

  • Chuy Gomez from 102JAMS is confirmed for Saturday 10/21 12-1p.
  • Daryl “Guru” Johnson from 95.7 The Game is confirmed for Saturday 10/28 12n-1p.

This year, special trophies will be awarded in each category.

The highlight of each day is the line-up of scheduled treat presentations for animals, such as chimpanzees, lemurs, rhinoceroses, and more, which makes Boo at the Zoo one of the most unique Halloween events around. Be sure to take a snap of the schedule located on A-frame signs as guests enter.

The event also features the Happy Harvest Hay Maze, a 5,000-square foot hay maze and the largest one in San Francisco, featuring a hay pit, toddler maze and fun facts kids can find at dead ends within the maze. A candy treat station is located in Entry Village where guests can pick up a candy treat bag upon exiting.

Guests are encouraged to dress in costume, however, please avoid wearing masks for the animals’ safety.