One clock for the whole zoo day
Boo at the Zoo ran Oct. 23, 24 and 25, 2026 at the Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Parkway. All three days ran one clock: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The treat stations opened with the gates and closed at 5 p.m. Daily zoo hours run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The hand stamp protects the cooler
Outside food and drink are permitted. Small coolers pass. Glass containers, alcohol and single-use straws stay outside. The zoo discourages large coolers and ice chests.
The plan-a-visit page carries the re-entry rule. A guest may take a cooler back to the car and re-enter the zoo after a hand stamp at the exit gate. Ask for the stamp on the way out. It turns one 10 a.m. entry into a full day.
Rentals, with prices and limits
A double stroller rents at $15 plus tax per day. A motorized scooter rents at $40 for the day. Complimentary wheelchairs are limited in number. Safari Supplies sits just inside the front gate and handles every rental. Quantity is limited, reservations are not accepted, and a valid ID is required. Credit cards are accepted.
Sensory bags check out from the Guest Relations office at the front of the zoo at no charge. Each bag holds a weighted animal, noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and a communication board. The zoo asks that every item return in the bag at the end of the visit. Bags run first come, first served. The zoo holds Certified Autism Center designation from IBCCES.
Set the walking order from the show times
Four acts repeat through the day. The Guy in the Yellow Suit plays 11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. at the Outdoor Learning Theater. The Bewitched Barnyard follows at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the same theater. Dr. Suds Bubble Lab runs 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. at The Reserve. Renfield the Bat appears 11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 4 p.m., also at The Reserve.
The Pumpkin Patch shows 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Picnic Outpost. Strolling characters walk the main path for the full window. The Bone Rattler Express sells one-way tickets at $5, or $4 for members, from Safari Depot and Texas Depot. The Kooky Carousel takes $5 per ride, or $4 for members, in Texas Town.
The Reserve holds two of the four acts. A guest who wants both takes the 11:15 a.m. Renfield slot and the noon Dr. Suds slot. The 4 p.m. Renfield show is the last on the board.
Treat coupons do the work
Every treat station needs a coupon, and one coupon buys four pieces of pre-mixed candy. Admission ticket holders, members, consignment holders and GETOUT pass holders receive six coupons per ticket or membership. Extra coupons cost $5 for six. A guest with dietary restrictions can use the non-candy station marked on the event map.
Parking and the gate
Parking in the main lot costs $5 per vehicle. Members park free with a valid member ID card. Fort Worth police direct traffic into the lots on event days. Trinity Metro serves the zoo, and the zoo points riders to ridetrinitymetro.org.
Boo at the Zoo runs rain or shine. Lightning, hail or flooding can cancel the event, and the zoo posts that decision on its website and social channels. The plan-a-visit page reports technical trouble with online ticket purchasing and directs buyers to the gate. A ticket stays valid for one visit within 30 days of purchase.
Day-use windows that cover the zoo day
Dayuse listed 14 Fort Worth properties on Oct. 26, 2026. Ten of them publish a window that opens at 10 a.m. or earlier and closes at 5 p.m. or later.
Best Western Plus Fort Worth North runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., plus a separate 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. slot. Comfort Suites Fort Worth North Fossil Creek runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sonesta Simply Suites runs 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Worth South and SureStay Plus Fort Worth Benbrook each run 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Quality Inn West Fort Worth runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Four windows miss part of the day. Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Worth Downtown runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and ends two hours before the gates close. Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth Historic Stockyards starts at 11 a.m. TownePlace Suites Fort Worth Northwest Lake Worth runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Holiday Inn Express Lake Worth runs 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A guest from out of town books the block that runs past 5 p.m. That block holds the shower and the change of clothes after the zoo closes.
