Hattiesburg Zoo Boo

Hattiesburg Zoo’s Zoo Boo Returns with a Wild Halloween Glow
More Than 100 Illuminated Lanterns, Family Activities and Halloween Fun Take Over the Zoo This October
When the sun goes down this October, the wild things will glow at the Hattiesburg Zoo.
The Hattiesburg Zoo’s annual Zoo Boo – Where the Wild Things Glow! returns for 12 nights in October, transforming the Zoo into an illuminated Halloween adventure filled with larger-than-life lanterns, family activities, animal encounters and just the right amount of spooky fun.
More than 100 colorful LED lanterns will light pathways throughout the Zoo, creating a glowing world of witches, wizards, ghouls, goblins and other fantastical creatures.  Zoo Boo puts a playful Halloween twist on the immersive lantern experience.
“Zoo Boo has always been one of our most popular family traditions, and the addition of the Halloween lanterns created an entirely new experience for our guests,” said Rick Taylor, Executive Director of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission. “There is something pretty spectacular about seeing the Zoo illuminated at night. This is the kind of experience families can enjoy together, whether they are children, toddlers, teenagers or ages in between.”
Guests are encouraged to arrive in costume and explore the Zoo as glowing creatures and Halloween characters illuminate the night.
But the lanterns are only the beginning.
Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy animal encounters and enrichment activities, unlimited rides on the Zoo train and carousel, jump houses for children and special Halloween-themed food and beverages.
For guests looking to add a little more thrill to their evening, the High Ropes Adventure Course will be open nightly, challenging participants to take Halloween to new heights. The High Ropes Adventure Course is available for an additional fee. Face painting will also be offered for an additional cost.
“Zoo Boo is a fun twist that brings together the wonder of wildlife and the opportunity to experience the Zoo in a completely different way after dark,” said Demetric Kelly, Director of Guest Services & Retail. “Once the lanterns begin to glow, the atmosphere of the zoo changes. We want families to explore, take pictures, enjoy the activities and simply have a great night together.”
ZOO BOO 2026 DATES
Zoo Boo will take place from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on:
October 9 & 10
October 16 & 17
October 23–30
TICKETS
Zoo Boo tickets are $15 when purchased online before 5:00 p.m. on the day of the event.
Beginning at 5:00 p.m. on the day of the event, tickets are $17 online and at the gate.
Tickets are available at available at https://hattiesburgzoo.connectngo.com/en/tag/special-events.  
Due to the popularity of Zoo Boo, guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GLOW
Zoo Boo is a Halloween celebration, but it is not a trick-or-treating event. Families are encouraged to dress in their favorite costumes and enjoy an evening of Halloween fun in a family-friendly environment.
For the safety and comfort of guests, adults may not wear full-face masks.
Zoo Boo is a rain-or-shine event. In the event conditions require a closure or schedule change, updates will be posted on the Hattiesburg Zoo’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
With glowing pathways, wild encounters, Halloween characters and activities around every corner, Zoo Boo – Where the Wild Things Glow! gives families a chance to see the Hattiesburg Zoo in a whole new light.