🎃 Gainesville, FL · Halloween 2026
30th Annual Boo at the Zoo — Gainesville, FL
30th Annual Boo at the Zoo brings Halloween to Gainesville for the 2026 season — october 28, 2026 at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo.
🎯 GAINESVILLE, FL📅 October 28, 2026📍 Santa Fe College Teaching Zo👨👩👧 FAMILY FRIENDLY🎟 TICKETED
Follow the organizer:
Trick-or-treat among the animals at 30th Annual Boo at the Zoo in Gainesville: a safe, contained, utterly charming Halloween evening built for little ones.
📋 Event Details
📍 Venue: Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo — 3000 NW 83rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32606
📅 Dates: October 28, 2026
🕐 Hours: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (new 2026 date; zoo closed until 3 PM)
🎫 Price: One non-perishable food item per person (supports local food pantry)
👶 Ages: All ages
🚗 Parking: On-site / street parking — check the official event page for details
⏱ Plan for: 2–3 hours
🏢 Organizer: See official event page
🎃 Local Insight Ratings
Best for: Families with young kids who want Halloween magic without the scares.
💡 Know Before You Go
🎃 Costumes encouraged — most zoo events run costume parades or contests for kids.
🎃 Don’t skip the animals — many are most active in the evening; the nocturnal houses are the hidden highlight.
🎃 Buy tickets online — zoo Halloween nights routinely sell out, especially weekend evenings.
🎃 Arrive right at opening — treat stations have the shortest lines in the first hour.
🎃 Bring a stroller and layers — it’s a lot of walking and October nights get cold.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need zoo membership?
No — event tickets are sold separately, though members often get discounts or presale. One non-perishable food item per person (supports local food pantry).
Is it scary for toddlers?
Not at all — zoo Halloween events are deliberately non-scary: lights, music, candy, and cute decorations.
When is 30th Annual Boo at the Zoo?
30th Annual Boo at the Zoo runs October 28, 2026, typically on select evenings — check the zoo's calendar for exact nights.
