Entertainment

For San Antonio families looking for something a little different this Halloween, the San Antonio Zoo is offering a full day of family-friendly fun, with discounted admission for local residents, trick-or-treating, live entertainment and extended hours that will keep the celebration going well after sunset.

On Saturday, October 31, 2026, the zoo will welcome visitors from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for a special Halloween celebration featuring its seasonal Zoo Boo! presented by PNC, a Halloween party and Community Locals Day, which offers admission for just $8 per person. It's an opportunity for families to spend Halloween together while enjoying wildlife, seasonal activities and a familiar San Antonio destination at a reduced price.

With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, the extended hours also give parents more flexibility to plan an outing around their family's schedule, whether that means spending the afternoon exploring animal habitats or arriving later for trick-or-treating and entertainment.

$8 Community Locals Day Makes Halloween at San Antonio Zoo More Affordable

One of the biggest highlights of the October 31 celebration is the return of Community Locals Day, a San Antonio Zoo initiative designed to make wildlife experiences more accessible to the surrounding community.

For $8 per person, eligible visitors can explore the zoo while learning about animal care, wildlife conservation and the educational work that takes place behind the scenes.

The discounted admission is part of the zoo's broader effort to connect more people with wildlife and encourage an appreciation for conservation, particularly among families who might not otherwise have an opportunity to visit regularly.

Community Locals Day admission is available on select dates and can be purchased online through the zoo's official ticketing system. Families planning to attend the Halloween celebration are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance and review applicable admission requirements.

The zoo has also announced upcoming Community Locals Days on November 27 and December 4, 2026, giving San Antonio residents additional opportunities to visit at the discounted rate.

Free Halloween Trick-or-Treating, DJ Entertainment and Puppet Shows on October 31

The Halloween festivities will continue throughout the afternoon and evening with the zoo's special ZOO BOO Halloween Party, featuring activities designed for children and families.

Free trick-or-treating will be offered during two scheduled periods:

Along with Halloween treats, guests can enjoy a DJ, interactive bubble activities and puppet shows, adding another layer of entertainment to the zoo's traditional animal exhibits and attractions.

The celebration will also feature the decorative displays of Fiesta de los Muertos, giving visitors a chance to enjoy another seasonal experience during their Halloween visit.

For parents searching for Halloween events in San Antonio, family-friendly trick-or-treating or things to do with kids on October 31, the combination of daytime zoo activities and evening festivities offers several ways to participate without committing to a single scheduled event.

Zoo Boo! Brings Fall Decorations, Seasonal Treats and Wildlife Experiences Together

Designed to be festive without being overly frightening for younger visitors, Zoo Boo! combines familiar zoo experiences with fall decorations, themed activities and seasonal entertainment.

Throughout the celebration, guests can look forward to Halloween photo opportunities, seasonal food and beverages, entertainment on select weekends and opportunities to experience animal encounters and keeper activities when available.

Costumes and themed photo opportunities are also part of the seasonal atmosphere, making the event appealing to families hoping to capture a few Halloween memories while spending time together outdoors.

Unlike a traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating outing, Zoo Boo! also gives children a chance to connect their Halloween experience with wildlife and conservation education, an important part of the San Antonio Zoo's year-round mission.

What Families Should Know Before Visiting San Antonio Zoo on Halloween

San Antonio Zoo

3903 N. St. Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX 78212

The zoo describes trick-or-treating as free, but visitors should confirm admission and any applicable activity requirements before arriving.

Visit the San Antonio Zoo website for tickets and visitor information

A Halloween Tradition That Brings San Antonio Families Together

For many San Antonio families, Halloween is as much about spending time together as it is about costumes and candy. Events like Zoo Boo! offer another way to celebrate, particularly for households with younger children who may prefer an organized, family-friendly setting.

The San Antonio Zoo's combination of discounted admission, wildlife education and seasonal entertainment also gives local families an opportunity to enjoy a well-known community attraction while making new memories.

With the Halloween celebration continuing through 9 p.m. on October 31 and Zoo Boo! wrapping up November 1, families have one final weekend to experience the zoo's seasonal festivities before the calendar turns toward Thanksgiving and the winter holidays.

Residents planning a visit should check the zoo's official website for current ticket availability, admission eligibility, entertainment details and any last-minute schedule changes.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more San Antonio family events, local attractions, holiday celebrations and community happenings throughout the season.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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