Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to keep up with all of the Halloween fun coming up this season!

Los Angeles Zoo
October 2019 (weekends)
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323.644.4200
General admission (ages 13-61) $21; Seniors $18; Kids (ages 2-12) $16; Parking free

Boo at the LA Zoo is an annual event that has grown with every Halloween season; where once it was just a day, it now runs the entire month of October. Daily activities include a gentle hay bale maze, animal shows, and some freaky photo ops. On the weekends extra fun is added with the pumpkin-smashing feeding sessions, pumpkin carving demonstrations, crafts, face painting, and strolling characters. Kids with strong constitutions can also watch some Fearsome Feedings, during which carnivorous animals tear into carcasses. Finally, on October 21 & 22 and 28 & 29 kids can enjoy trick-or-treating around the zoo. Check out our full review to see how the kids we've brought have enjoyed it.

Pointer: We've found that the Creature Treats pumpkin munching schedule on the printed hand-outs is not always accurate, but the schedule on the website is. Avoid disappointment by checking the live schedule!

Moorpark Teaching Zoo
October 26 - 27, 2019
7075 Campus Road
Moorpark, CA 93021
805.378.1441
Adults $8; Children (ages 3-12) $6, (under 2) free; Parking free

Those who didn't know this gem of a zoo was in the Valley have our sympathy; luckily there's time to correct the error before Halloween! As the name implies, this zoo is a training ground for student zookeepers and animal trainers - all of whom are not only required but eager to share what they're learning. The animals are mostly rescued exotic critters, and they seem to enjoy performing for their supper (every hour on the hour). What they make of the trick-or-treaters and the costume parade on Halloween weekend is anybody's guess.

Orange County Zoo
October 26, 2019
1 Irvine Park Road
Irvine, CA 92862
714.973.6847
Adults & kids $2; ages 2 & under free; Irvine Park entry fee $5 per vehicle

Right smack in the middle of Irvine Park is a modest little zoo where, for less than the price of a trip to Starbucks, a family can visit, pet, and feed a variety of endearing animals. Come Halloween time, the critters get a pumpkin-smashing fiesta while guests indulge in trick-or-treating, spooky crafts, a scavenger hunt, and face painting.

Santa Ana Zoo
October 19-201 & 26-27, 2019
1801 East Chestnut Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Non-members $19.95; Members $9.95; Children under two free; Parking free

OCers can do a double shot of Halloween zoo fun, following up the daytime pumpkin crunching in Irvine with some nighttime trick-or-treating among the critters in Santa Ana. Even bigger kids will want to tag along, for the Teen Scream haunted house included with admission.

Santa Barbara Zoo
October 18-20, 2019
500 Ninos Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
805.962.6310
Adults $17; Kids (2-12) $11; Parking $10

Although slightly off the Angeleno beaten path, Santa Barbara's zoo is popular with Southland families. Far smaller than LA's or San Diego's parks, Santa Barbara manages to balance a good selection of interesting animals with a space that is easily manageable with small children. Little ones like the train ride and feeding opportunities; parents appreciate the smaller crowds and ocean breezes. The annual Boo at the Zoo event features evening trick-or-treating, music, spooky storytelling, a costume parade, and a scare zone for older kids. Note that the zoo closes early these three days, so that it can open for the evening event (starting at 5:30 on Friday and 4:30 Saturday and Sunday).

Finally, October is a great month to visit either the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Safari Park; both zoos (and many other fun spots) offer children under the age of 12 free admission for the entire month of October!

Originally published October 14, 2011