Zooboo: The Best Family Halloween Event in Fresno

Every October, Fresno Chaffee Zoo transforms into the Central Valley’s biggest Halloween destination. For three nights only, families from Fresno and across Central California come together for trick-or-treating, costumes, live entertainment, and up-close animal encounters — all set against a backdrop of glowing pumpkins and Halloween lights.

ZooBoo isn’t just a Halloween party — it’s a chance to experience the Zoo after hours, when the grounds take on a completely different feel and some of your favorite animals are more active in the cooler evening air.

See the Zoo decked out with Halloween lights, pumpkins, and decorations.

What’s Happening At ZooBoo

Trick-or-Treating & Halloween Photos

Dress up and trick-or-treat your way through the Zoo, with plenty of photo-worthy backdrops along the way.

Costumes

Halloween characters come alive at ZooBoo! It’s the perfect place to debut your Halloween costume before the 31st!

Magic Shows

Catch live magic shows that’ll leave the whole family talking on the way home.

Animal Encounters

Feed a giraffe, see a stingray, and meet some of our animal ambassadors

Who ZooBoo is For

ZooBoo is designed as a kid-friendly Halloween event for young families, grandparents, and everyone in between. If you’re looking for a Halloween event in Fresno that skips the gore and the scares in favor of costumes, candy, and animals, this is it. Costumes are strongly encouraged for kids and adults alike.

Planning Your Visit

A few things to know before you go:

Dates & Times: October 22, 23, & 24, 5–8 PM
Location: Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728

Google Maps • Apple Maps • MapQuest
Daytime Hours: The Zoo is also open 9 AM–3 PM for General Admission on ZooBoo days, if you want to make a full day of it.

Parking: The park has two entrances: one on Belmont Ave. and one on Olive Ave. On busy days when the Belmont entrance has heavy traffic, the Olive entrance is a great alternative.
More information can be found on our Plan Your Visit page under Getting Here.
Parking Rates: The City of Fresno charges a $5 per car parking fee at Roeding Park. Parking rates are subject to change for holidays, special events, and other instances determined by the City of Fresno.
Arrival: We recommend arriving early for parking (and the shortest trick-or-treat lines)

What’s Included: ZooBoo admission includes trick-or-treating, magic shows, character encounters, and evening access to the Zoo.
What to Bring: A trick-or-treat bag, comfortable shoes, and a costume!
Additional Cost for Experiences: Feed a giraffe, touch a stingray or stroll through Zoorassic Park at ZooBoo! These experiences have an additional costs with limited hours and are not guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

COSTUME GUIDELINES

This is a kid-friendly Halloween event, so everyone is encouraged to dress in family-friendly costumes.

No weapons
No extremely scary or gory costumes
No balloons
Inflatable costumes are permitted except at the giraffe feeding station at the Twiga Terrace.

The Zoo’s regular dress code rules apply during this event.

A Central Valley Halloween Tradition

While ZooBoo calls Fresno home, it’s grown into a Halloween tradition for families across the Central Valley and Central California — from Clovis and Madera to Visalia, Merced, and beyond. If you’re searching for a family Halloween event in Central California worth the drive, ZooBoo brings together everything in one place: trick-or-treating, live entertainment, and animals you won’t find at a typical Halloween event.

Don’t miss one of the funnest family Halloween events in Fresno!

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ZooBoo FAQs

ZooBoo is a kid-friendly Halloween event, so we ask everyone to keep costumes family-friendly. No weapons, no extremely scary or gory costumes, and no balloons. Inflatable costumes are welcome, except at the giraffe feeding station at Twiga Terrace. The Zoo’s regular dress code applies throughout the event.

ZooBoo is built for families with kids of all ages. Children ages 2–11 receive discounted child pricing; kids under 2 are free.

Yes! The Zoo is open for General Admission from 9 AM to 3 PM on October 22, 23, and 24, separate from the 5–8 PM ZooBoo event.

Parking is not included; the City of Fresno charges a $5 per car parking fee at Roeding Park. The parking lot has wheelchair-accessible spaces near the Zoo entrance.

The City of Fresno has added pay stations throughout Roeding Park to pay. There are 11 kiosks throughout the park. These kiosks accept exact cash (parking is $5) or card (with a $0.40 convenience fee). You can also pay via the ParkMobile App, available on the App Store and Google Play. Roeding Park annual parking pass holders have been grandfathered into the City’s updated parking system.

You can learn more about parking here or read our accessibility section here.

We recommend buying online in advance, as ZooBoo often sells out!

Yes! See our accessibility section for more details

Yes! Additionally, strollers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters are available to rent from the Safari Trading Co. gift shop on a first-come, first-serve basis.

You can see more about rental rates regarding mobility options here.

SNIFFARI NIGHT: ZOOBOO EDITION

October 25 • 5pm – 8pm

Join us for a tail-wagging good time at Sniffari Night – ZooBoo edition! This special after-hours event welcomes you and your four-legged friend to explore the Zoo together! You are invited to bring your well-behaved, leashed dogs for an unforgettable evening! Enjoy trick-o-treating, a pooch parade, and a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to Elaine’s Pet Resort. Feel free to bring your dogs in costumes.

GET SNiffari Night TICKETS

SNIFFARI NIGHT

Tickets & Pricing

Non-Members

ADULTS (12 & UP) • $22.00
CHILDREN (AGES 2-11) • $20.00
DOGS • $25.00

Members

ADULTS (12 & UP) • $20.00
CHILDREN (AGES 2-11) • $18.00
DOGS • $25.00

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One dog ticket allowed per adult ticket. Each dog must be accompanied by a designated adult at all times. Guests without dogs are welcome to attend Sniffari Night ZooBoo. Sniffari Night tickets do not include zoo admission from 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Non-service animal dogs are not permitted in the Zoo from 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. All Sniffari Night ticket sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and must be used for the date they are purchased.

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Requirements & Expectations

Dogs must have an up-to-date vaccination, including canine parvovirus and rabies
Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Leashes must be no longer than 6′ and non-retractable. Leashes must be attached at all times, even if the dog is in a carrier or stroller.
One dog ticket allowed per adult ticket. Each dog must be accompanied by a designated adult at all times.
Dogs must remain under their human’s control and not behave in an aggressive or disruptive manner. Excessive agitation of Zoo animals or guests because of barking or other behavior may result in the party being asked to leave the Zoo without a refund.
This opportunity is available for dogs only, no other pets allowed.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo is not responsible for any illnesses and/or injuries that may arise from attending Sniffari Night.

By entering Fresno Chaffee Zoo with your dog, you acknowledge and agree that you, as the dog’s owner/handler, assume full responsibility for the actions, behavior, and welfare of your animal. You further agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Fresno Chaffee Zoo, its staff, volunteers, and affiliates from any and all liability, claims, damages, injuries, illnesses, or expenses that may arise in connection with your participation in Sniffari Night, including but not limited to incidents involving your dog’s interactions with people, animals, or property. All dogs must remain on a secure leash and under your control at all times.