Looking for a Halloween half-term adventure that combines spooky seasonal fun with extraordinary wildlife encounters? Boo at the Zoo returns to Whipsnade Zoo from 24 October to 1 November 2026, inviting families to embrace their adventurous side with ghostly tales, creepy crafts, spooky rides and a host of Halloween activities at the UK’s largest zoo.
With more than 10,000 animals to discover, there is plenty to keep curious minds entertained throughout the day. Brave young explorers can delve into the zoo’s eerie past on a Ghastly Ghost Tour, climb aboard the Spooky Railway in search of bats, or settle down for Halloween Storytime sessions. The Wildlife Graveyard promises further seasonal intrigue, while daily Science Shows reveal fascinating facts about how animals use poison and venom to survive in the natural world.
For creative children, pumpkin decorating offers the opportunity to make their own pumpkin tealight, while sand art potion-making adds a colourful twist to the Halloween festivities. Adults can savour a seasonal pumpkin spice latte as the family soaks up the atmosphere. Visitors arriving in costume can also enter the daily costume competitions for the chance to win a prize, making dressing up part of the occasion.
Beyond the Halloween activities, Whipsnade’s remarkable animal residents provide a compelling reason to explore further. From majestic rhinos and elephants to playful penguins, the zoo offers opportunities to discover wildlife from around the world while inspiring children to develop a deeper appreciation of the natural environment.
For an adventure that extends beyond traditional animal encounters, head to Base Camp for the immersive virtual reality experiences created in partnership with Immotion. Using 360-degree headsets, motion-pod seating and surround sound, these seven-minute journeys transport visitors to extraordinary destinations. Choose from eight experiences, including *Dinosaur Evolution*, which brings the Cretaceous world to life; *The Great Migration*, following wildlife across the African savannah; *Gorilla Trek*, exploring the world of endangered mountain gorillas; and *Swimming with the Humpbacks*, an extraordinary underwater encounter with these ocean giants.
Energetic youngsters can burn off additional energy at Hullabazoo Adventure Play, a vast outdoor playground spanning more than 7,800 square metres. With climbing frames, slides, swings, bridges, a zip wire, sensory activities, sand play and a ZSL jeep, it offers abundant opportunities for imaginative adventures. Designed for children aged 0–13, the area also features chill-out spaces and accessible picnic benches.
If the October weather turns, Hullabazoo Indoor Play provides a welcome alternative. This free soft-play experience features animal-habitat-themed areas for children aged 3–10, plus a dedicated space for under-threes. Sessions must be pre-booked, with tickets released at 10.30am the day before visiting, and last just under an hour.
Whipsnade Zoo is part of ZSL, the science-driven conservation charity working to protect and restore wildlife in the UK and around the world. Every visit supports its vital science and conservation work, giving families an opportunity to combine memorable half-term entertainment with a meaningful contribution to wildlife protection.
Boo at the Zoo runs from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026. Discover the activities and book tickets at www.whipsnadezoo.org
Whipsnade Zoo
Whipsnade, Dunstable, LU6 2LF
www.whipsnadezoo.org
