HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo 2025 Guide

Pin Icon
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
|
Date:
Oct 03, 2025 to Nov 02, 2025
Hours:
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 5 pm to 9 pm
Cost:
Included in the cost of admission
HalGLOWeen 2025 at the San Diego Zoo is a family-friendly Halloween event complete with a glow in the dark theme, live music, games, animal encounters & more!

Key Takeaways

Kristina Cappetta
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo Guide
HalGLOWeen at the Zoo
Ticket Info & Hotels
Activities & Shows
Go City Pass & Save
Performers, Music & More

Highlights

HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo Guide
Things to Do
Getting There
Tips
HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo Guide
Things to Do
Getting There
Tips

Glimmer & Glow at the San Diego Zoo: HalGLOWeen Returns in 2025!

Bubble Show During Halgloween at the San Diego ZooBoo Crew During Halgloween at the San Diego Zoo

One thing I’ve learned in the more than 20 years now that I’ve lived in San Diego is that there’s no shortage of holiday celebrations in the area, especially in the fall and winter.

Alongside pumpkin patch visits and Día de los Muertos celebrations, many of San Diego’s most popular attractions hold seasonal events. These always start in the fall with harvest festivals and scary (and not-so-scary) special engagements, and then head right through to festive Christmas events and energetic New Year’s Eve parties!

Today as a father of two kids in San Diego, I think that one of the most enjoyable events for families in the fall is the annual HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo, right in Balboa Park!

Lots of Glowing Decorations all over the San Diego Zoo
Lots of Glowing Decorations all over the San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo’s Annual Light-up-the-night After Dark Spectacular

My entire family really loves the San Diego Zoo! I personally visit multiple times a year with my wife and kids. I also recommend it to all my friends and extended family. It’s no surprise to me that it’s the #1 attraction in all of San Diego.

And the cool thing about HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo is that even though it's designed to be fun for younger kids, the neon glow of the lights, musical entertainment, decorations and performers truly make it a unique event that everyone, from little kids to teenagers and adults alike, can truly enjoy!

I attended the event in 2024 for the first time, and I can’t wait to return this year. Let me tell you all about the event and share with you why I think you should consider checking it out in 2025!

Boo Crew During Halgloween at the San Diego Zoo
Boo Crew During Halgloween at the San Diego Zoo

What is HalGLOween at the San Diego Zoo?

HalGLOWeen 2025 is a family-friendly Halloween event held at the San Diego Zoo, which includes lighting and special effects, live music and entertainment, games, character meet and greets, live animal encounters, and much more.

The Halloween fun has a glow-in-the-dark theme that’s cleverly created with neon colors and strategically placed black lights. I would say that it is perfect for kids of all ages!

When is HalGLOWeen in 2025?

HalGLOWeen runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings during October 2025. The fun kicks off at 5:00pm and lasts until the zoo closes at 9:00pm.

Like previous years, HalGLOWeen promises to bring a packed schedule of family-friendly activities and celebrations to the San Diego Zoo. We’ll cover each of the activities and events planned for this year a bit further down in this article.

Local Tips
Free Zoo Parking & Shuttle Tip
The main Zoo lot fills up fast. Head to the overflow lot at Inspiration Point on Park Blvd. and catch the free shuttle. It runs on weekends from 11:00am until the zoo closes and saves you the stress of searching for a spot near the entrance.

Ticket Options & Nearby Family-friendly Stays

Nighttime at the San Diego Zoo
Nighttime at the San Diego Zoo

Now that you know a little about HalGLOWeen, let’s look at the best way to get tickets for you and your family.

How Much Does a Ticket to HalGLOWeen Cost in 2025?

All of the HalGLOWeen events and activities are included, free of charge, with regular admission. There are currently multiple limited time promotions aimed at kids so pricing depends on if you’re talking about a kids ticket or ticket for an adult or kid over 12 years old.

Adults & Kids Over 12: Discounted San Diego Zoo Tickets

I always suggest picking up a Go City San Diego pass with our discount code GVSD5OFF so you can save on not just San Diego Zoo tickets for the adults in October, but also at other family attractions like SeaWorld San Diego and The Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

It’s your one-ticket pass to San Diego’s Halloween events & activities for families like the Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld San Diego and the Brick-or-Treat Monster Party at LEGOLAND California.

While there are three incredible Go City San Diego pass options, your cheapest option for October is the Go City San Diego Essentials pass. The pass is currently $154 for adults which can include the San Diego Zoo and two more San Diego attractions.

The Kids Go City San Diego Essentials pass is currently FREE. Read on to see how to qualify.

Tickets for Kids Under 12

There are currently two programs running in October 2025 that will score you FREE kid’s tickets to the San Diego Zoo, and the HalGLOWeen event!

Kids Go Free in October With the Go City San Diego Pass

The Go City San Diego pass is running possibly their best sale ever from October 1st until October 14th, 2025. With the purchase of one Adult Go City San Diego Essentials Pass, you can get up to four additional Kids Go City San Diego Essentials Passes for FREE.

The only catch is that the Kid’s Essentials Passes have to be used by October 31st, allowing for plenty of time to attend HalGLOWeen in 2025!

Annual Kids Free San Diego in October Program

Your second option to get free admission for your kids under 12 to HalGLOWeen in 2025 is to take part in the Annual Kids Free San Diego in October Program. Led by the San Diego Museum Council, kids can get free admission to more than 60 museums and attractions throughout San Diego County, including the San Diego Zoo for HalGLOWeen from October 1st until October 31st, 2025.

Kids just need a ‘Free Coupon’ and with the purchase of an adult ticket, will receive free admission. It’s as simple as that!

Stay Over the Weekend

If you want to do more family exploring, I recommend spending a night or two near the San Diego Zoo at a family-friendly hotel. The zoo is conveniently located in the Downtown San Diego area which features cafes & restaurants, shopping, and museums, many of them offering free admission as part of the Kids Free San Diego program in October.

There are some really nice family-friendly hotels near the zoo, and while you could stay at the Gaslamp Plaza Suites, which has an awesome rooftop terrace and is centrally located less than three miles from the zoo or The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego, which will provide a true 5-star experience in the heart of the city, to pair with HalGLOWeen I’m going off the list of regulars and suggesting the Paradise Point Resort & Spa!

While Paradise Point Resort & Spa is a little less than 10 miles away and usually about a 15 to 20 minute San Diego rideshare from the zoo, this 4-star gem in Mission Bay Park features multiple pools and restaurants as well as a beautiful spa, perfect for parents that want to treat themselves once the kids are all tired out.

The location will also put you right next to SeaWorld San Diego where you can check out the Halloween Spooktacular during the day and take your teenage kids to Howl-O-Scream at night.

Featured Hotel
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Bayfront
Bayfront
Beaches
Beaches
Families
Families
4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars
The Paradise Point Resort & Spa offers its guests a 44-acre secluded island setting with five pools, yoga & meditation, a marina, local wildlife & more!
Prices Starting at $259
Check Availability

Interactive All-age Activities & Experiences

Live Show at Halgloween at the San Diego Zoo
Live Show at Halgloween at the San Diego Zoo

As the sun goes down and the neon lights appear, the park will come alive with special activities and experiences for HalGLOWeen.

It All Starts with the Front Street Festivities!

The party will begin as soon as you enter the park along Front Street, with DJ Front Street playing Halloween hits continuously from 5:00pm until 9:00pm nightly.

His groovy and ghouly tunes will set the mood for what is to come!

Interactive Fun with Boo Crew and Python Path

Near the Mercado, you’ll spy the Boo Crew from far away - these glow-in-the-dark scarecrows on stilts are hard to miss! Families can take photos and say hi with meet and greets every hour at 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 7:00pm, and 8:00pm for 30 minutes each.

Don’t you ever wonder how they do this so easily?

Also along Front Street if your little ones like reptiles, then you have to go down the Python Path to see them like you never have before and learn about the cold-blooded creatures within.

Centennial Plaza Entertainment

Continuing on from Front Street, the next stop on your spooky journey will be Centennial Plaza which is filled with engaging activities and performances designed to invite kids to join in on the fun.

Your kids will take center stage at Centennial Plaza when they dance with the Boolahoops. Alongside singing and jumping, there will also be family games and prizes.

The Boolahoops are stationed by Wegeforth Bowl, and their 30-minute shows run on the hour.

You’ll also find Dr. Zoolittle in Centennial Plaza. He steals the show with his 30-minute Tricks & Treats talk. These shows run at 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm. He’ll share fun facts about animals, introduce some creepy crawlies, and explain why conservation is at the heart of the San Diego Zoo.

Wildlife Explorers Basecamp

No trip to the zoo is complete without seeing the wildlife, and your next stop at the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp won’t disappoint.

It’s what makes the San Diego Zoo an icon in Southern California alongside its sister site, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, and one of the biggest considerations when deciding whether to visit the Safari Park or the San Diego Zoo.

The star wildlife attraction is the Featured Creatures presentations, which highlight different animals that may appear scary at first but are really just part of the ecosystem! Presentations at Rady’s Presentation Area begin at 5:15pm, 6:15pm, and 7:15pm each night and last about 30 minutes.

Also at the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp is the acrobatic arachnid-themed Spider’s W.E.B. show, which runs continuously from 5:00pm until 9:00pm at Desert Dunes.

Finally, the Busy Bee Patio has The Glow-Go’s, a trio of animated pumpkins that sing and tell jokes. Your kids can laugh and dance with The Glow-Go’s from 6:30pm until 9:00pm.

Save BIG with Go City!
Orangutan at San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Explore the top zoo in America! The San Diego Zoo is located in iconic Balboa Park, and features over 3,500 animal in their habitats. Bundle with other attractions in Balboa Park for top savings - like the Air and Space Museum!
Buy Now
Local Tips
What Attractions are Included with a Go City San Diego Pass?

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

The San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, SeaWorld San Diego, Safari Park, LEGOLAND CA, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, Petco Park Tour and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF!

Unique HalGLOWeen Attractions

The Spiders Web During Halgloween at the San Diego Zo
The Spiders Web During Halgloween at the San Diego Zo

Returning favorites round out the 2025 HalGLOWeen schedule of events over by the Outback, Africa Rocks, and Elephant Odyssey parts of the park.

Outback and Africa Rocks

The Outback will once again feature performances by the organist Dusty Keys during the 2025 HalGLOWeen event. He’ll provide haunting tunes with just a touch of silliness. You can enjoy these 45-minute performances at 5:00pm, 6:05pm, 7:10pm, and 8:15pm.

Near Sydney’s Grill, I’d also recommend that you catch the acrobatic variety show Spooky Revue, with 20-minute shows starting at 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm.

The other thing to keep an eye out for this year is the Dr. Harry & Friends meet and greet, perfect for younger kids. They’ll be dressed up in their Halloween costumes as the Boo Crew. You’ll find them near the Boardwalk Beer Garden in 20-minute intervals at 5:45pm, 6:50pm, and 7:55pm.

A Mexican Cultural Celebration Near the Elephant Odyssey

You’ll find my personal favorite Día de los Muertos celebration in San Diego’s Old Town neighborhood, but you can also celebrate the lead-up to the holiday at the San Diego Zoo by watching the Día de los Muertos Mariachi band!

They’ll travel between tables at the Sabertooth Mexican Grill near Elephant Odyssey and perform 30-minute musical shows at 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 7:00pm, and 8:00pm.

More Things to Explore

The World Famous San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Discounts Available
Learn More
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Discounts Available
Learn More
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Discounts Available
Learn More
Visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Discounts Available
Learn More

Getting to the Zoo

Lion Statue at the Entrance to the San Diego Zoo
Lion Statue at the Entrance to the San Diego Zoo

Whether you’re driving or taking public transportation, getting to the San Diego Zoo is easy!

What is the Best Driving Route to Get to the Zoo?

I always tell people to take Interstate 5 because it’s the most direct route and there are plenty of signs to guide you along the way.

Where Are the Best Places to Park?

There is a parking lot in front of the zoo where visitors can park.

But I’ll tell you, it can get crowded. If there’s no room, you can park in the overflow lot at Inspiration Park. That’s on the east side of Park Boulevard, between President’s Way and the Balboa Park Activity Center.

Shuttle Service

If you’re in the Inspiration Point parking lot at Presidents Way, take advantage of the zoo’s FREE SHUTTLE. It runs from 11:00am until the zoo closes on weekends.

Can I Take Public Transportation?

When you don’t want to drive and park, public transportation is a fantastic choice.

Rapid 215 and Route 7 stop at the San Diego Zoo. They are both an easy connection in the downtown area from Amtrak and COASTER trains at the Santa Fe Depot and downtown hotels.

Planning Tips for HalGloWeen at the San Diego Zoo 2025

Enchanted HalGLOween Forest at the San Diego Zoo
Enchanted HalGLOween Forest at the San Diego Zoo

Being as prepared as possible will allow you and your family to have the best time ever!

Are Costumes Allowed?

It wouldn’t be Halloween without costumes, right? Kids ages 11 and under can wear a costume. Just make sure they follow the costume guidelines that can be found on the zoo website.

Wheelchair Availability & Handicapped Accessibility

Manual wheelchairs and electric scooters are available to rent for a small fee. Check the Zoo’s website for complete details. Service animals are also allowed.

Can I Bring a Backpack into the Zoo?

Yes, you can bring small backpacks and bags inside the zoo. There are also lockers you can rent to store your belongings if you don’t want to lug them around.

What Other Halloween or Fall Family-friendly Events are Taking Place in October?

When it comes to family-friendly Halloween events, San Diego doesn’t disappoint! Our Go Visit San Diego team would recommend the Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld San Diego 2025, a daytime not-so-scary family event for kids of all ages.

And be sure to check out our article on Family-Friendly & Thrilling Halloween Events in San Diego for even more fun ideas this Halloween season!

More Planning Odds & Ends for HalGLOWeen

  • It’s always a good idea to bring some extra clothes if the kids are wearing costumes, or have them at least have something underneath they can wear if they take the costume off.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, you’ll be doing a lot of walking!
  • Any child 15 years old and younger must be with an adult who has a valid form of entry.

Keep all of these things in mind for a fun-filled, glowing Halloween experience with the family!

Looking to Save on Tickets?
Save on Tickets
Explore all that San Diego has to offer & save up to 55% on attractions
This Month's Forecast
61°F / 81°F
Sunny in October
Nov
53°F / 75°F
Sunny in November
Dec
48°F / 69°F
Sunny in December
Jan
48°F / 68°F
Sunny in January
Tours & Adventures
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Discounts Available
Learn More
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Discounts Available
Learn More

Stay Nearby

Bahia Resort Hotel
Family Friendly
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Bahia Resort Hotel
from $199 / night
View Hotel
The Dana on Mission Bay
Bayfront
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
The Dana on Mission Bay
from $179 / night
View Hotel
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Bayfront
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
from $259 / night
View Hotel
Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
Near Old Town
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
from $164 / night
View Hotel
Show more San Diego Hotels >>
Looking for Something Different?
More San Diego Popular Events