Two Days of Tricks, Treats, and Animal Adventures! Zoo Boo Returns to Mill Mountain Zoo, Presented by ValleyStar Credit Union

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Roanoke, Virginia – One of the Roanoke Valley’s favorite fall traditions is back! Mill Mountain Zoo invites families to celebrate the Halloween season during Zoo Boo, presented by ValleyStar Credit Union, on Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This two-day celebration will transform the Zoo into a festive Halloween destination filled with trick-or-treating, costumes, animal enrichment, family activities, and plenty of opportunities to make fall memories.

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Located atop Mill Mountain, the Zoo offers a unique setting for families to celebrate Halloween exploring wildlife and enjoying the beautiful mountain surroundings and fall weather while supporting wildlife conservation and education at the historic Roanoke destination. Whether visitors arrive dressed as superheroes, princesses, witches, or their favorite creatures, Zoo Boo promises something for guests of all ages.

Halloween Fun Around Every Corner

Guests can enjoy a full weekend of Halloween-themed activities throughout the Zoo, including:

Trick-or-Treating: Visit treat stations throughout the Zoo hosted by local businesses and community organizations.

Costume Contests: Show off your most creative, spooky, or imaginative costume for a chance to win fun prizes. Contests are open to all ages and will take place at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM each day.

Animal Enrichment Pumpkin Feedings: Watch as the Zoo’s animal residents investigate and enjoy festive pumpkin enrichment, offering a fun opportunity to see natural animal behaviors.

Face Painting, Games, and Family Activities: Enjoy additional Halloween entertainment and activities throughout the event.

Festive Photo Opportunities: Capture memorable Halloween photos among the Zoo’s seasonal decorations!

Zoo Boo brings together the excitement of Halloween and the wonder of wildlife, giving families an opportunity to enjoy a seasonal tradition while connecting with the animals that make Mill Mountain Zoo special.

Meet Local Organizations and Enjoy a Bite to Eat

Zoo Boo also provides an opportunity to connect with local businesses and community organizations participating in the festivities. This year’s participating vendors include ValleyStar Credit Union, Wisler Plumbing, Boxley Ready Mix, MKB Realtors, the Roanoke City Police Department, Avian and Exotic Pet Clinic of Roanoke, FosterVA, Clean Valley Council, Crooked Rook Cookery, DaMama’s Stitches, and Face Painting by Toni.

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Hungry during your Halloween adventure? The Chaotic Kitchen food truck will be stationed outside the Zoo’s front gates both days, offering guests a convenient option to grab something to eat during their visit. Bali’s Bistro inside the Zoo will also be open serving spooky slushies and small, kid-friendly bites.

Tickets and Admission Information

Zoo Boo is a special ticketed event. Admission is separate from regular Zoo admission and is not included with Zoo membership. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to take advantage of pre-sale pricing.

Pre-sale tickets — available through October 22:

Adults (ages 12–54): $13

Seniors (ages 55 and older): $12

Children (ages 3–11): $11

Gate pricing — October 23–25:

Adults (ages 12–54): $15

Seniors (ages 55 and older): $14

Children (ages 3–11): $13

Discounted member tickets:

Adults (ages 18-54): $6

Seniors (ages 55 and older): $5.50

Children (ages 3–17): $5

As always, children aged 2 and under are free. Zoo Boo runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, with last admission at 4 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.mmzoo.org/zooboo.

About Mill Mountain Zoo

Mill Mountain Zoo is governed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and accredited by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), demonstrating excellence in animal welfare, safety, and ethics on a national level.

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All animal residents at the Zoo are critically endangered, vulnerable, threatened, or non-releasable due to injury, captive birth, or owner relinquishment. The Zoo participates in national and international Species Survival Plans, as well as humane research and global conservation programs.

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Located at the top of Mill Mountain, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mill Mountain Zoo overlooks the City of Roanoke. Founded in 1952, the Zoo is a 501(c)(3) non-profit operated by the Blue Ridge Zoological Society of Virginia, Inc.

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Mill Mountain Zoo is dedicated to promoting an appreciation and understanding of wildlife and habitat preservation through quality exhibits, educational programs, and collaboration with other animal conservation organizations. The Zoo upholds three core beliefs: excellence in animal care, conservation management of endangered species, and fostering science education through its animal collection.