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The Oklahoma City Zoo is reopening its seasonal family event for the 43rd year, turning the grounds into a daytime Halloween experience that mixes costumes, candy and close-up animal viewing. For parents and caregivers, the event offers a safe, daytime option for trick-or-treating that also channels part of the proceeds into wildlife work.
Officials say the festival runs through Halloween weekend, with new attractions this year designed for younger visitors and expanded access to the zoo’s African habitat.
What to expect this year
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Candice Rennels, a spokesperson for the zoo, described the event as a mix of classic Halloween treats and animal encounters. Families can expect branded treat bags, themed photo spots and opportunities to walk through habitats while collecting candy.
Rennels highlighted a new route through Expedition Africa, where visitors will pass by the zoo’s giraffes and zebras and encounter fresh seasonal décor and props set up along the trail.
Dates, times and practical details
- When: Weekends in October, running through Saturday, October 31.
- Hours: Daytime activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Costume parades: Held each Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; participants meet near the Lemur Deck.
- Admission: Zoo entry plus purchase of the official trick-or-treat bag (member and guest pricing applies).
- Conservation tie-in: One dollar from every trick-or-treat bag supports the zoo’s conservation programs.
- Note: Only official bags will be used to collect candy along the route.
New attractions and family highlights
The most visible change this season is the redesigned trick-or-treat trail winding through the savanna exhibit. Rennels urged families to arrive early for parade gatherings near the Lemur Deck so volunteers can help organize groups before they proceed to the trail entrance.
Visitors should also look for a prominent new set piece near the start of the trail that zoo staff say creates a dramatic backdrop for photos and sets the tone for the route.
The event remains intentionally family-focused: daytime hours, volunteer-staffed staging areas and the ability to see animals while trick-or-treating are all meant to make the experience convenient and engaging for children.
Why it matters beyond candy
Beyond entertainment, the zoo positions the event as a fundraiser for its fieldwork and habitat programs. Rennels noted that the event’s proceeds help conservation projects both in Oklahoma and internationally, linking a community celebration to broader wildlife efforts.
For families weighing weekend plans, the zoo’s festival offers a chance to combine seasonal tradition with animal education and a modest charitable contribution.
Tickets and more information are available through the Oklahoma City Zoo website.
