Lincoln Children’s Zoo will hold five evenings of trick-or-treating from Oct. 23–27, plus an afternoon session on Sunday, Oct. 25. General admission costs $7.95 for nonmembers, and advance tickets are required.
Published Oct. 19, 2026.
By Hola Nebraska
LINCOLN, Nebraska — Boo at the Zoo returns to Lincoln Children’s Zoo from Friday, Oct. 23, through Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, with five evenings of trick-or-treating and an additional daytime session on Sunday. Admission starts at $7.95 for nonmembers, and every guest age 2 or older needs a ticket reserved in advance.
The Halloween event features trick-or-treat stations where children can collect candy, coupons and other treats. Proceeds support the zoo and its animals.
General admission runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. each evening. On Sunday, Oct. 25, the zoo will also offer an afternoon session from 12:30 to 3 p.m. VIP ticket holders receive entry 30 minutes before the general admission period begins.
Boo at the Zoo takes place at 1222 S. 27th St., Lincoln, NE 68502. Parking at the zoo is limited, but free shuttle service will operate from Lincoln High School and Antelope Park.
Boo at the Zoo 2026 runs Oct. 23–27, with a Sunday afternoon session
| Date | General admission | VIP early entry |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, Oct. 23 | 5:30–8 p.m. | 5 p.m. |
| Saturday, Oct. 24 | 5:30–8 p.m. | 5 p.m. |
| Sunday, Oct. 25 — afternoon | 12:30–3 p.m. | Noon |
| Sunday, Oct. 25 — evening | 5:30–8 p.m. | 5 p.m. |
| Monday, Oct. 26 | 5:30–8 p.m. | 5 p.m. |
| Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 5:30–8 p.m. | 5 p.m. |
General admission tickets are valid for any of the scheduled general admission sessions. VIP tickets are valid only for the selected session.
The event’s 2026 schedule and ticket information include the evening hours, Sunday afternoon option and admission rules.
General admission costs $7.95, and trick-or-treat bags are extra
Lincoln Children’s Zoo has separate admission rates for members and nonmembers. Everyone age 2 or older, including adults accompanying children, must have an admission ticket.
| Ticket or activity | Price |
|---|---|
| General admission — nonmember | $7.95 |
| General admission — zoo member | Free with advance reservation |
| VIP admission — nonmember | $11.95 |
| VIP admission — zoo member | $7.95 |
| Official trick-or-treat bag | $3.75 per person collecting treats |
| Train ride | $3 per ride |
Each person who wants to collect candy must purchase an official Boo at the Zoo bag. The treat stations will place candy, coupons and other items only in those bags. Adults who are accompanying children but not collecting treats do not need to buy a bag.
VIP admission provides entry 30 minutes early and access to a designated VIP line. Zoo members receive free general admission for the people covered by their membership, but they must still reserve tickets. Members should bring identification and proof of membership.
Memberships from other zoos, including Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, do not qualify for the Lincoln member discount.
Tickets must be purchased online before arriving
No tickets will be sold at the entrance. Both members and nonmembers need to arrange admission before coming to Boo at the Zoo. A zoo membership card by itself is not an event ticket.
The Boo at the Zoo ticket checkout also lists a $2 processing fee per online transaction. Tickets are nonrefundable.
Trick-or-treat bags and train tickets are separate purchases and do not include admission. Guests attending with a member discount must enter the required membership information during checkout.
Free shuttles will run from Lincoln High School and Antelope Park
On-site parking will be limited during the event. Lincoln Children’s Zoo has arranged free shuttle transportation from two alternative parking locations:
- Lincoln High School.
- Antelope Park.
Evening shuttle service begins at 4:15 p.m. For the Sunday, Oct. 25 afternoon session, shuttles begin at 11:15 a.m. The zoo lists 9:15 p.m. as the final evening shuttle service time.
The zoo is located at 1222 S. 27th St. Its regular parking entrances are accessible from 27th Street, A Street and Memorial Drive, although parking availability will be more limited during Boo at the Zoo.
Zoo hours and access will change during Boo at the Zoo
The zoo will close to regular daytime visitors at 3 p.m. on Oct. 23, 24, 26 and 27. It will be closed to regular daytime guests throughout Sunday, Oct. 25, because of the Halloween event.
The historic section of the zoo, located beyond the train depot, will be closed from Oct. 19 through Nov. 1 for event preparation and cleanup.
Food will also be sold during Boo at the Zoo. Valentino’s is scheduled for Friday through Sunday, with Amigos/Kings Classic scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. Food purchases are separate from admission.
For questions about tickets, the zoo can be reached at 402-475-6741 or [email protected].
Boo at the Zoo ends Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 8 p.m. Admission must be arranged before arrival, and free shuttle transportation is available from Lincoln High School and Antelope Park.
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