301-271-4922

🎃👻 BOO IN THE ZOO IS BACK! 🦇🦥

Back by popular demand! Catoctin Wildlife Preserve is excited to bring back one of our most beloved fall traditions — BOO IN THE ZOO! 🎃🦥

As the sun goes down, the wild comes alive! 🌙🐍 Join us for an unforgettable evening of trick-or-treating, festive fun, and wild encounters as you explore the preserve after dark.

Bring the whole family, put on your favorite costume, and get ready for a Halloween adventure unlike any other! 🍬🕷️👻

📅 BOO IN THE ZOO — 2026 DATES
🎃 October 23, 24 & 25
🎃 October 30 & 31

⏰ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
🚨 Last admission at 8:00 PM

🎟️ ADMISSION
🍭 Trick-or-Treaters: $30 per person — all ages (treat bags are included with each ticket)
👻 Non-Trick-or-Treaters: $15 per person
🧸 Children 2 & under: FREE

⚠️ Tickets are limited and may sell out quickly!

🌙🐾 BACK TO OUR WILD ROOTS… AFTER DARK. 🐾🌙

 Where the familiar becomes wild, the night comes alive, and Halloween gets a little more adventurous. 🎃🦥🐍

Come experience BOO IN THE ZOO after dark! 👻🕸️

Highlights

🍬 Trick-or-Treat Stations (treat bag provided with trick-or-treater ticket)
🐾 Animal Encounters
🍔 Food Trucks
🎳 Games
🎨 Fun Activities
🔥 Campfire
👻 Halloween fun for the whole family
…and so much more awaits you!

💥 All activities are weather permitting💥

Come join us for a night filled with fun, food, animals, games, and unforgettable memories! 🎉

Interested in sponsoring or volunteering for this event? Email admin@cwpzoo.com for more information!

Frequently Asked Questions

Costume Guidelines
Guests of all ages are welcome to wear costumes, provided they follow the guidelines below. This is a family-friendly event designed with children ages 12 and under in mind. All costumes and attire should be appropriate for a family-friendly environment.
Costumes That Are Not Permitted Entry may be denied to guests wearing costumes or attire that include:
Obscene or objectionable content: Costumes or clothing displaying obscene or inappropriate language, graphics, images, or other objectionable material are not permitted.
Gore or graphic violence: Costumes depicting excessive blood, gore, graphic violence, or themes that are excessively frightening or disturbing are not permitted.
Full-face masks for adults: Adults may not wear full-face masks that completely conceal their identity.
Toy weapons: Toy weapons, including costume weapons or realistic-looking replicas, are not permitted.
Inappropriate coverage: Costumes and clothing must provide appropriate coverage and be suitable for a family-friendly environment.
Public safety uniforms or impersonation: Adults may not wear costumes that could reasonably be mistaken for law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, military members, security officers, or other public safety officials. This restriction does not apply to children.
Event staff reserve the right to determine whether a costume or attire is appropriate for the event and may deny entry or request that a guest modify or remove an inappropriate costume.
Can I purchase tickets at the gate when I arrive?
No, all tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets will not be available at the admission gate during the event.
Are the tickets timed?
Yes, the event has timed tickets. Please make sure to arrive a few minutes before your entry time.
We are members of the Preserve, do we still need a ticket?
Yes, all guests will need a ticket to enter this event.
Can I switch my tickets to another weekend?
Tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable, and cannot be changed for an alternate date/time. Must have a copy of your email or valid ID to redeem.