As the sun goes down, the Hattiesburg Zoo will light up with a Halloween twist, transforming the zoo into a festive world of glowing lights, family fun, and spooky sights.
The venue’s annual “Zoo Boo – Where the Wild Things Glow!” is back for 12 nights in October. The event transforms the zoo into an illuminated Halloween adventure filled with larger-than-life lanterns, family-friendly activities, animal encounters, and more. 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.
Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy the zoo’s wide variety of animals, unlimited rides on the on-site 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, a four-story attraction offering climbing walls, balancing elements, aerial challenges, and zip lines, will be open nightly. Officials noted that the 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,” Hattiesburg Convention Commission Director of Guest Services and Retail Demetric Kelly said. “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 runs from 6-9 p.m. and will take place Oct. 9-10, 16-17, and 23-30. Tickets are $15 when purchased online before 5 p.m. on the day of the guest’s visit. Tickets are $17 when purchased at the gate. Guests are encouraged to buy passes in advance.
What to know before you go
Officials emphasized that Zoo Boo is a Halloween celebration, 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. But walking around with buckets in pursuit of candy is not encouraged.
Adults may not wear full-face masks at Zoo Boo. Officials said this is for the safety and comfort of guests.
Zoo Boo is a rain-or-shine event. If conditions require a closure or schedule change, updates will be posted on the Hattiesburg Zoo’s social media pages.