HalGLOWeen 2024 at the San Diego Zoo

HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo returns weekend evenings all October 2024. Free for kids, you can expect glow in the dark themed music, activities & much more!
Todd Sarouhan
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
Spooky Spectacle Returns
HalGLOWeen Festivities
Go City Pass & Save
Activities & Shows
Unique Attractions
Stay Nearby

Glimmer & Glow at the San Diego Zoo: A Spooky Spectacle Returns in 2024

Flamingos at the San Diego ZooTropical Rain Forest at the San Diego Zoo

There’s no shortage of holiday celebrations in San Diego County, especially in the fall and winter. Alongside pumpkin patch visits and Día de los Muertos parties, many of San Diego’s most popular attractions hold seasonal events too.

One of the most fun for families is the annual HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo, right in Balboa Park!

San Diego Zoo Sign
San Diego Zoo Sign

What is HalGLOween at the San Diego Zoo?

HalGLOWeen in 2024 is a family-friendly Halloween event at the San Diego Zoo which includes live music and entertainment, games, character meet and greets, live animal encounters and much more.

Local Tips
Arrive Early!
Arrive early to HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo to catch the glowing decor in daylight, then watch it transform as night falls! Don't miss the blacklight face painting and glowing animal sculptures for an extra eerie experience!

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!

Closeup of a Baby Orangatang at the San Diego Zoo
Closeup of a Baby Orangatang at the San Diego Zoo

When is HalGLOWeen in 2024?

HalGLOWeen runs all through October of 2024.

For the whole month, the party will kick off every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening, with activities and special events starting at 5:00 pm.

Kids Playing on a Gorilla Statue at the San Diego Zoo
Kids Playing on a Gorilla Statue at the San Diego Zoo

How Much Does a Ticket to HalGLOWeen Cost in 2024?

Admission to HalGLOWeen is included free of charge with a ticket to the San Diego Zoo on any weekend in October as part of the Kids Free October program.

So with a trip to the San Diego Zoo, essentially, tickets to the HalGLOWeen seasonal celebration are free!

Birch Aquarium Museum Entrance
Birch Aquarium Museum Entrance

Discount 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 Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place and the Brick-or-Treat Monster Party at LEGOLAND California.

A Not-So-Spooky Selection of Halloween Hits

Shake your bones to a skeleton band, see the wildlife by glow-in-the-dark neon lights, watch aerial acrobatics, and meet cheerful costumed characters. That’s just a small sample of everything that awaits at this Halloween spooktacular.

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 upcoming events planned for this year in this article.

Front Street Festivities

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

The variety of exciting and family-centric activities during HalGLOWeen places it among the best Halloween attractions for kids in San Diego.

Better yet, as part of the previously mentioned Kid’s Free month in October, kids 11 and under can enter the zoo for free with a paid adult ticket! So you’re getting an even better value than usual when you stick around until the zoo sets Halloween aglow.

The party starts as soon as you enter the park along Front Street, with many more things to do and see as you continue through the zoo.

Skeleton Band and Rock Radio

Musical acts set the tone for a night of lighthearted frights and fun. The live Skeleton Band kicks things off with half-hour shows at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 pm.

In between performances, you can tune into the San Diego Zoo Rock Radio 201.8, which plays Halloween favorites at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 pm.

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.

Then head over to the Reptile House to see its transformation into Python Path and to learn about the cold-blooded creatures within.

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, SeaWorld, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, PETCO Park Tour, iFLY San Diego and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Interactive Activities & Experiences for the Whole Family

Research Outpost at the San Diego Zoo
Research Outpost at the San Diego Zoo

Continuing on from Front Street, the next stops on your spooky journey are Centennial Plaza and the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. Both locations offer engaging activities and performances that invite kids to join in on the fun.

Centennial Plaza Entertainment

Kids can take center stage at Centennial Plaza when they party it up with the Boolahoops. Alongside singing and dancing, there are also family games and prizes.

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

Entrance Sign to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Entrance Sign to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Wildlife Explorers Basecamp

No trip to the zoo is complete without seeing the wildlife!

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 Zoo.

Luckily, this Halloween event has no shortage of animal encounters! 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 5:15, 6:15, and 7:15 pm 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 5:00-9:00 pm at Desert Dunes.

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

Water Feature in the Small Lake next to the Lobby at Paradise Point Resort and Spa
Water Feature in the Small Lake next to the Lobby at Paradise Point Resort and Spa

After the Zoo Party

If you want to maximize the time you’re spending in the park to see and do it all, I think staying at a family-friendly hotel is a must.

There are many quality hotel options near the zoo, but my suggestion is Paradise Point Resort & Spa. Here, parents can treat themselves to massages and poolside dining once the kids are all tired out.

Plus, its location in Mission Bay is ideal if you’re also thinking about taking your teenage kids for a trip to Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego.

Popular Hotels
Popular Hotels
Price
Pendry San Diego
$850
Learn More
Horton Grand Hotel
$142
Learn More
Comfort Inn & Suites San Diego Zoo / SeaWorld
$93
Learn More
DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Downtown
$176
Learn More

Unique HalGLOWeen Attractions

Returning favorites and a brand-new attraction round out the 2024 HalGLOWeen schedule of events over by the Outback, Africa Rocks, Elephant Odyssey, and Northern Frontier parts of the park.

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

Outback and Africa Rocks

The Outback features performances by the organist Dusty Keys, who provides haunting tunes with just a touch of silliness. There, you’ll also encounter the acrobatic variety show Spooky Revue near Sydney’s Grill, with 20-minute shows at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 pm.

Kids can meet Dr. Harry & Friends dressed up in their Halloween costume best as the Boo Crew. They’ll be near the Boardwalk Beer Garden in 20-minute intervals at 5:45, 6:50, and 7:55 pm.

Over by Africa Rocks, Dr. Zoolittle steals the show with his 30-minute Tricks & Treats talk. Learn fun facts about animals, meet some creepy crawlies, and see why conservation is at the heart of the San Diego Zoo.

Dia de Los Muertos in Old Town
Dia de Los Muertos in Old Town

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

A New to 2024 Experience at the Northern Frontier

At the Northern Frontier, the San Diego Zoo is unveiling a HalGLOWeen attraction that’s new to the 2024 celebrations!

This is the Enchanted HalGLOWeen Forest, a walk-through experience that transforms the pathways into a light-up adventure. The forest is available to view from 6:30 on to closing time at 9:30 pm.

Gorilla Statue at the San Diego Zoo
Gorilla Statue at the San Diego Zoo

A Quick Personal Note for My Readers

I love the San Diego Zoo! I recommend it to all my friends and family. I personally visit multiple times a year with my wife and kids. It’s no surprise to me that it’s the #1 attraction is all of San Diego.

And while this will be my first year attending the HalGLOWeen event, there are so many shows and activities that I’m confident it will be a top-notch holiday experience my whole family will enjoy!

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

Popular Activities

Hop On & Off Narrated Trolley Tour
Hop On & Off Narrated Trolley Tour
$42 per person
Buy Now
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
New Children's Museum
New Children's Museum
Discounts Available
Learn More
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

Stay Nearby

Pendry San Diego
Luxury Hotel
5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating
Pendry San Diego
from $850 / night
View Hotel
Horton Grand Hotel
Boutique Hotel
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Horton Grand Hotel
from $142 / night
View Hotel
Comfort Inn & Suites San Diego Zoo / SeaWorld
Near SeaWorld
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Comfort Inn & Suites San Diego Zoo / SeaWorld
from $93 / night
View Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Downtown
Near Cruise Port
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Downtown
from $176 / night
View Hotel
Show more San Diego Hotels >>
Tours & Adventures
Hop On & Off Narrated Trolley Tour
Hop On & Off Narrated Trolley Tour
$42 per person
Buy Now
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Discounts Available
Learn More
Looking for Something Different?
More What's New >> Attractions