3 Palms Zoo Announces ‘Boo! at the Zoo!’, a Non-Scary Halloween Event

TOWNSEND, DE – September 22, 2026 – 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center, Delaware’s only animal rescue zoo, announces its 15th annual “Boo! at the Zoo!” family Halloween event series. Taking place on Fridays & Saturdays from Oct 2 – Oct 31, 2026, the event offers an affordable, family-friendly experience for parents, children, and visitors of all ages.

“Boo! at the Zoo!” transforms the zoo into a festive autumn walk decorated with illuminated displays and kid-friendly animatronics. Young visitors can explore a life-sized Halloween gingerbread house and a playful graveyard, all designed to entertain without jump scares or frightening scenes. Outdoor fire pits are available for roasting complimentary marshmallows while festive Halloween music plays in the background. Guests can tour the entire zoo to visit all resident rescues, with nocturnal animals—including Eastern Screech Owl, Gray Fox, Leucistic Fox, Red Fox, and Silver Fox—especially active under the night sky.

Visitors can also enjoy the popular Autumn Hayride ($3.00 per rider) during the event.

“We started ‘Boo! at the Zoo!’ 15 years ago so local families with young children could have a genuine Halloween evening without the nightmares,” said Matthew Shaffner, Owner of 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center. “It’s a relaxed, welcoming environment where kids can dress up, see our animals active at night, and roast marshmallows by the fire. Coming out to our seasonal events is also the biggest way our community helps us stay open and care for our rescues year after year.”

General admission is $6.00 per person for cash tickets at the gate. Infants under one year old are admitted free. Online tickets and gate credit card payments are also available.

Event Details & Highlights:

• Dates & Hours: Fridays & Saturdays, Oct 2 – Oct 31, 2026, from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
• Admission: $6.00 per person (cash at gate). Online tickets and gate card payments available. Infants under one free.
• Autumn Hayride: $3.00 per rider.
• Full Zoo Walk: Explore the entire zoo at night to visit all resident rescues, with nocturnal animals especially active after dark.
• Fire Pits & Treats: Relax around outdoor fire pits with complimentary marshmallow roasting.
• Costumes & Music: Children and parents are welcome to wear family-friendly costumes with festive Halloween music playing in the background.
• Spooky, Not Scary: Created specifically for toddlers, young children, and families—no live actors, gore, or jump scares.
• Audience: Built for families with young children of all ages.

About 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center: 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center is Delaware’s only animal rescue zoo, providing a lifelong sanctuary for surrendered pets and non-releasable wild animals. Home to a diverse family of domestic, exotic, and native residents, the zoo offers self-guided visits and educational experiences that connect the community with animal care. Ticket purchases directly fund daily feeding, veterinary care, and housing for all resident animals.

Directions & Information: For driving directions, zoo hours, and advance tickets, visit 3palmszoo.org. Follow 3 Palms Zoo on Facebook at facebook.com/3palmszoo for weather updates and schedule announcements.

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