Oregon Zoo's Howloween: A Festive, Educational Halloween Event

Photo courtesy of Oregon Zoo

Looking for a fun and educational way to celebrate Halloween with your family this October? Attend Howloween at the Oregon Zoo.

This beloved tradition provides the perfect setting for families to enjoy trick-or-treating and spooky activities while learning about wildlife and conservation efforts.

Here’s what you can expect at this year’s event:

2024 Oregon Zoo’s Howloween: A Festive, Educational Halloween Event

The annual Howloween is taking place on two weekends: October 19-20 and October 26-27, 2o24. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

During the event, the zoo transforms into a Halloween wonderland where kids can dress up in costumes, collect treats and engage in educational activities about healthy habitats for wildlife.

This event is crafted for children ages 2-10, but it’s open to everyone. Plus, all goodies are provided by companies committed to using deforestation-free palm oil, supporting the zoo’s mission of conservation.

Kids can bring their treat bags and join the trail of activities that include live entertainment such as magic shows, puppet shows and more. Keep an eye out for Spencer Sprocket performing magic tricks throughout the zoo.

On top of that, you’ll have access to view all of the zoo’s animals.

Here are the special activities planned for the two-weekend event.

Event Schedule

Each weekend, October 19-20 and October 26-27, is filled with exciting events, including animal encounters and keeper talks that give you a chance to get up close with some of the zoo’s most amazing creatures.

Here’s a glimpse at what’s in store:

9:30 a.m. Animal encounter at main entrance.
9:45 a.m. Snowy owl keeper talk.
10:30 a.m. Crocodile feeding (Sundays only).
11 a.m. River otter feeding.
11 a.m. Giraffe keeper talk.
11:15 a.m. Family Farm keeper talk.
11:30 a.m. Condor keeper talk.
12 p.m. Puppet show near the insect zoo.
12:30 p.m. Animal encounter at theater near predators.
12:45 p.m. Sea otter activity.
1 p.m. Polar bear activity.
1 p.m. Chimpanzee keeper talk.
1:15 p.m. Insect Zoo keeper talk.
1:30 p.m. Elephant keeper talk.
1:30 p.m. Rhino keeper talk.
2 p.m. Animal encounter at theater near predators.
2 p.m. Penguin feeding.
2 p.m. Painted dog activity.
2 p.m. Puppet show near the insect zoo.
2:15 p.m. Lemur keeper talk.
2:30 p.m. Harbor seal activity.
3:00 p.m. Bat keeper talk.

Costume Fun and Guidelines

Costumes are encouraged for all—both kids and adults! However, to ensure that the event is safe and enjoyable for everyone, the zoo has a few costume guidelines: