Southern Maryland residents looking for a Halloween outing beyond the usual local trunk-or-treats have a well-known option within driving distance this October: the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C. is bringing back its two ticketed Halloween traditions, Boo at the Zoo and Night of the Living Zoo.
Boo at the Zoo, sponsored by Mars, Incorporated, runs Friday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 18, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., with last entry at 8 p.m. Zoo members get early entry from 5 to 6 p.m. each night. The family event includes trick-or-treating at more than 25 stations throughout the zoo, a pumpkin patch photo spot, a kids’ dance party, and after-hours indoor access to the Small Mammal House, Elephant Community Center and Reptile Discovery Center. Guests receive a commemorative tote bag while supplies last, with food, carousel rides and the National Zoo Choo Choo available for additional purchase. A ticket is required for every attendee over age 2. Member tickets went on sale Aug. 20 for $29.75; general admission tickets go on sale Aug. 27 for $35.
Night of the Living Zoo, for guests 21 and older, runs Friday, Oct. 23, from 7 to 11 p.m., with last entry at 10:30 p.m. The adult event features eight open bars, circus acts including aerialists and fire breathers, after-hours access to the Great Cats and Reptile Discovery Center exhibits until 9 p.m., live music and DJ sets, tarot and “Zoostrology” readings, and face painting. Flash tattoos and piercings are available for additional purchase. ID is required for entry. Member tickets went on sale Aug. 20 for $63.75; general admission tickets go on sale Aug. 27 for $75.
Both events will be held rain or shine, and organizers note Boo at the Zoo is one of the region’s most popular Halloween draws, with tickets and parking passes tending to sell out.
Planning the drive from Southern Maryland: For families weighing whether the trip is worth it on a school night or weekend, travel time varies meaningfully by county. From Prince Frederick, it’s roughly 44 miles and about an hour to the D.C. area. From La Plata, it’s the shortest trip among the three county seats, at roughly 34 miles and about 55 minutes. From Leonardtown, it’s the longest haul, at roughly 54 miles and 1 hour 12 to 20 minutes. None of those estimates account for event-night traffic, so families should build in extra time, particularly for weekend Boo at the Zoo dates.
A parking pass is required to park on-site — $30 in advance or $40 same-day — and daytime zoo parking passes won’t be honored for these evening events. Visitors can also arrive via Metro Rail (Woodley Park-Zoo or Cleveland Park stations) or Metro Bus D70, both within walking distance of the zoo’s Connecticut Avenue entrance. Costumes are encouraged at both events, but full-face masks and weapon-like props or accessories are not permitted.
More information and tickets are available on the National Zoo’s website.
