The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Haunt the Zoo, presented by News9, returns for its 43rd year!Â
This beloved community tradition invites guests of all ages to explore the zoo’s wildlife while trick-or-treating in a fun, safe environment. Haunt the Zoo 2026 includes seven daytime trick-or-treating dates on Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 10 through Oct. 31, plus a special evening Haunt the Zoo event on Friday, Oct. 30.
What’s New for 2026
This year’s celebration takes place along a new path through Expedition Africa with more than 20 sponsored treat stations, dozens of photo props and kid activities.
- New Path – For the first time ever, this year’s celebration will take place along a new path through Expedition Africa. This allows guests to discover wildlife from Africa and accommodate more treat tents, photo props and activities.
- More Treats – Due to popular demand, the Zoo has increased the number of treat tents (and treats!) while keeping the price the same as last year. Guests will discover more than 20 treat tents, each giving away multiple brands of treats.
- An Event with a Purpose –$1 from each Haunt the Zoo event bag sold benefits the Zoo’s Round Up for Conservation initiatives supporting Monarch butterflies, Texas horned lizards, gorillas, Asian elephants, and more!
Daytime Haunt the Zoo
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10-31, guests are invited to dress up and stroll through the zoo’s spooky, playful candy trail. With the purchase of admission and a Trick-or-Treat bag, visitors can explore the zoo while gathering treats—a unique way for the whole family to celebrate Halloween together. Since a maximum of 2,500 treat bags are sold per event date, guests are encouraged to purchase bags in advance, as dates may sell out. To purchase tickets, visit Daytime Haunt the Zoo.
About the Treats
Guests of all ages can participate in the trick-or-treating but must purchase an official treat bag from the Zoo. Treat bags are $10 per person or $9 for ZOOfriends members. A minimum of two treats will be distributed at 20 sponsored tents found along the path.
- Sustainable Palm Oil – The OKC Zoo is committed to conserving our planet’s resources, wildlife, and wild places and is a proud member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). RSPO encourages companies to make sustainable differences for animals like orangutans and tigers and their habitats. All treats distributed as part of Haunt the Zoo are made with certified sustainable palm oil. For a shopping guide on Halloween candy makers who are members of the RSPO and contributing to wildlife conservation by using certified sustainable palm oil click here.
- Teal Treat Option – For those with allergies, instead of receiving an edible treat a guest can receive a teal treat ticket. At the end of the trail, these teal tickets can be redeemed at the team tent for non-food items. One non-food item per ticket.
Evening Haunt the Zoo
For a Halloween experience from dusk to dark, the Evening Haunt the Zoo event takes place Friday, Oct. 30 from 5:30-9 p.m. This special one-night-only event features atmospheric entertainment and exclusive offerings—and it tends to sell out quickly, so early ticket purchases are recommended. To purchase tickets, visit Evening Haunt the Zoo.
Know Before You Go
A few details to help your visit go smoothly: guests are encouraged to wear costumes that are family-friendly and appropriate for all ages. Full-face masks, fake weapons of any kind, and balloons are not permitted, and costumes deemed overly frightening or disruptive may not be allowed. Haunt the Zoo trick-or-treat bags are non-refundable but may be rebooked for another available date. Haunt the Zoo tickets are on sale now at www.okczoo.org/htz. General Zoo admission or ZOOfriends memberships plus official Haunt the Zoo treat bags are required to trick-or-treat and must be purchased.
Thank You Sponsors
The Oklahoma City Zoo is thankful for all the sponsors that make Haunt the Zoo a highly anticipated annual event. The 2026 Haunt the Zoo presenting sponsor is Oklahoma’s Own News 9. Supporting sponsors include Sam’s Club, Frito Lay, Express Employment International, Primrose Schools, Chick-fil-A, Tinker Federal Credit Union, Coca-Cola, and Bob Moore Subaru. Photo Op Sponsors include Dental Depot, Caitlin Marshall, and Lawrence H. and Ronna C. Davis.
