Boo at the Zoo returns to Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire this October half term, running from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026. Families can expect ghost tours, spooky stories, creepy crafts and costume contests, plus a closer look at the animals that use poison and venom to survive.
The Halloween activities are free with Zoo entry, though a few extras carry an additional charge.
What’s on at Boo at the Zoo 2026
This year’s theme is poisonous and venomous wildlife. Trails, talks and activities around the UK’s largest zoo reveal how animals use venom and poison, and why protecting them and their habitats matters.
- Halloween Storytime: interactive Halloween stories with Makaton elements at 10.30am, 1.15pm and 3pm daily (except 31 October).
- Creepy Crafts: make your own Halloween flappy bat in the learning hub, from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Everything you need is provided.
- Halloween Costume Contests: come dressed up for the daily contest at 12.20pm, with a prize for the winner.
- Wildlife Gravestones: explore Halloween gravestones from 10am to 4pm and learn about poisonous and venomous animals and the conservation challenges they face.
- Ghastly Ghost Tours: uncover Whipsnade’s ghosts and horrible history. Recommended for ages 7+ due to themes of death and gore.
- Spooky Animal Talks: Halloween-inspired talks about some of the Zoo’s most fascinating animals.
Paid extras
Additional charges apply for the Spooky Train Ride, where passengers can look out for spooky wildlife friends (and bats) on the Halloween railway trail, which is included with a train ticket. Halloween face painting and ceramic painting, where children can decorate their own Halloween keepsake, are also charged separately.
While little ones get crafty, grown-ups can grab a seasonal pumpkin spice latte and soak up the atmosphere.
Visiting Whipsnade Zoo this half term
Alongside the Halloween fun, visitors can see more than 10,000 animals, from rhinos and elephants to penguins. Parking is free, children under 3 go free, and there’s a huge adventure playground plus free indoor soft play (which must be booked in advance).
Whipsnade Zoo Gold Members, Fellows and Patrons can also take part in an exclusive Halloween quiz and collect a special prize on completion.
Every visit supports the science and conservation work of ZSL, the charity behind the Zoo. Find out more and book tickets on the Whipsnade Zoo website.
