SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Zoo’s Halloween festival returns on Saturday, Oct. 31, with a costume parade, animal pumpkin enrichment, trick-or-treating, crafts and a DJ dance party. The most important planning detail is easy to miss: Boo at the Zoo is not free general admission to the Zoo.
The Zoo’s own event page says the Halloween activities are free with paid daytime admission or Zoo membership. A San Francisco Recreation and Parks calendar listing currently labels the event cost “Free,” so families searching “is Boo at the Zoo free?” can encounter conflicting official information. For admission, the Zoo’s own ticket and event pages are the controlling source.
When is Boo at the Zoo 2026?
Saturday, Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. The costume parade begins at 11 a.m., followed by the costume contest at noon. The Zoo lists four contest categories: family, animal, individual and toddler.
Is Boo at the Zoo free?
The Halloween programming is included once you are inside, but ordinary Zoo admission still applies unless you enter under a membership or another eligible admission program. The Zoo currently lists weekend general admission at $34 for adults ages 12–64, $27 for seniors, $24 for children ages 2–11 and free for children under 2. Zoo members enter free.
San Francisco residents receive lower weekend prices: $31 adult, $23 senior and $21 child, with proof of residency. The Zoo also lists separate access programs, including $3 admission for eligible San Francisco residents with EBT/SNAP or Medi-Cal cards, subject to its current rules.
What happens at Boo at the Zoo?
The Zoo advertises animal pumpkin enrichment, a main trick-or-treat candy station, children’s crafts, a DJ dance party, face painting, caricatures, Halloween food and drinks, a “Creepy Conservation” table with animal biofacts, and a spooky selfie station. Full-face masks are not allowed because the Zoo says they can startle animals.
How much is parking?
Zoo parking is currently $20 on weekends and holidays, or $15 for Zoo members. Paid spaces are first-come, first-served. The Zoo also notes free street parking along Sloat Boulevard, but availability is not guaranteed.
Which Muni lines serve the Zoo?
The Zoo directs visitors to the L Taraval and says the 23 and 18 buses also stop at the Zoo. Visitors who take Muni can receive a $1 admission discount by showing a same-day Muni receipt, transfer or monthly pass at the ticket window. Check SF News Today’s transit page before leaving for any service changes.
Why official listings appear to disagree
Rec and Parks’ current calendar entry displays “Cost: Free.” The Zoo’s own Oct. 31 event page is more specific: “Boo at the Zoo activities are free with paid daytime admission or Zoo membership.” That distinction matters because a family arriving without a membership or qualifying pass should expect to buy Zoo admission.
Sources
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens — Boo at the Zoo event details
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens — current admission, parking and transit discounts
- San Francisco Recreation and Parks — Oct. 31 calendar listing
More Halloween planning
For a genuinely free city event, see our guide to Scaregrove at Stern Grove on Oct. 30. SF News Today is also tracking the Chinatown Halloween Festival.