From Boo to Beware: Two Ways to Celebrate Halloween at Brevard Zoo
This October, Brevard Zoo is giving families two very different ways to celebrate Halloween. The longtime favorite Boo at the Zoo is back for another season of daytime trick-or-treating, while the all-new Beware the Night turns the familiar zoo pathways into something much spookier after dark.
Boo at the Zoo: Family-Friendly Halloween Fun
Boo at the Zoo returns every Saturday and Sunday in October from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., bringing with it all the family-friendly fun that has made it a tradition. Kids can trick-or-treat at themed stations, visit the animals, enjoy special activities and performances, and stop for plenty of photos among the Halloween decorations. Activities are included with regular zoo admission, and guests are encouraged to bring a reusable trick-or-treat bag.
Beware the Night: A Spookier Halloween Experience
But this year, Avery is inching closer to those tween years and has started craving something a little scarier than cutesy Halloween fun. That made the new after-dark experience, Beware the Night, right up her alley.
This separately ticketed evening event runs Saturday and Sundays through October 31 from 7 to 10 p.m. and offers exactly what we were looking for: a spooky atmosphere without launching straight into full haunted-house terror.
What to Expect After Dark
Once the sun goes down, the zoo feels completely different. We followed the Africa and Wild Florida trails through dimly lit paths, fog, glowing jack-o-lanterns carved into our favorite animals, eerie sounds and oversized Halloween displays. Since this happens after normal zoo hours, it is important to know that this is not a nighttime version of a regular zoo visit. Most of the animals are tucked away. We did hear the lions roaring while they settled in for the night and spotted the rhinos sleeping below an overlook, which made walking the trails after hours feel even cooler. The focus here, though, is the spooky atmosphere.
Guests are encouraged to come dressed in costume and become part of the Halloween fun, whether you're visiting for daytime trick-or-treating or after dark for a few extra frights. The themed pathways, glowing displays, and festive photo spots make it easy to get into the spirit from the moment you arrive
We tested our knowledge with animal skeleton trivia and wandered through themed areas featuring everything from a zombie attack and alien invasion to a colorful Día de los Muertos scene. We even stopped to watch a witch busily concocting potions over her cauldron. There were a few little scares along the way, but nothing suddenly came flying out onto the trail after us, which made the main experience a good middle ground for kids who want to feel brave without spending the entire night hiding behind a parent.
Then came Avery’s favorite part of the night: the haunted train ride.
The special “closing time” ride casts you as the final zoo worker of the evening, tasked with heading into the woods even after being warned that you should never close up alone. I will not spoil what happens next, but it was just enough to satisfy her growing appetite for jump scares. The ultimate review came when we got off and she immediately insisted we ride again. And again. Three rides later, I think we got our money’s worth.
For those ready to turn the scare factor up another notch, Friday and Saturday tickets in October also include access to River’s Revenge, an optional behind-the-scenes trail featuring darker environments, creatures, mazes and jump scares. This one is intended for older and braver guests (10 and up is advised), so check the zoo’s recommendations before deciding whether your crew is ready.
Of course, Halloween requires snacks. Beware the Night has its own themed menu, including cricket-topped mac and cheese (if you dare!), enormous turkey legs and specialty cocktails. Scott and I sampled a Witch’s Brew and a “Blood Bag,” while Avery feasted on a turkey leg that was bigger than her head.
Make It a Halloween Double Feature
If you want to make an entire day of it, Boo at the Zoo and Beware the Night can easily become a Halloween double feature. Explore the zoo and trick-or-treat during the day, grab dinner nearby when the zoo closes, then return after dark to see the place completely transformed.
Whether your family prefers candy and costumes, foggy forests and a few frights, or is finally ready to graduate to bigger scares, Brevard Zoo has managed to make Halloween feel like a choose-your-own-adventure this year.
Boo at the Zoo | Sat and Sun 10 AM - 3 PM, Oct 3-31 (incl. in regular admission)
Beware the Night | Thu - Sun 7 - 10 PM; Oct 1-25, open all week Oct 26-31 | $43/person
8225 North Wickham Rd Melbourne 32940
(321) 254-9453
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