Two days of daytime Halloween activities return Oct. 17–18, with regular zoo admission, optional $5 treat cards and free shuttle service.

Utica Zoo Spooktacular will return Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving families a daytime Halloween outing with 13 treat stations, animal encounters and entertainment. The zoo is marking its 40th annual Harvest Festival, according to its Oct. 13 announcement. Admission is $11 for ages 13 and older and $8 for children ages 2–12. Children under 2 and zoo members enter free.

For parents and grandparents making weekend plans, the important distinction is between admission and the treat activities. Regular admission gets visitors into the zoo. A separate $5 treat card allows a participant to take part at the 13 stations. Families should also bring their own bags or baskets, because the zoo says bags will not be provided.

The event is scheduled rain or shine. Its daylight hours offer a way to enjoy Halloween without committing to a late-night attraction. Families can build their visit around the activities their children enjoy, while leaving time to see the animals.

Utica Zoo Spooktacular: the details at a glance

• Dates: Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026.
• Festival hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.
• Location: Utica Zoo, 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica.
• Admission: $11 for ages 13 and older; $8 for ages 2–12; free for children under 2 and zoo members.
• Treat cards: $5 per participant, purchased separately from admission.
• Weather: Rain or shine.
• Costumes: Encouraged, but inflatable costumes are prohibited.

The festival ends at 3 p.m., while the zoo remains open until 4:30 p.m. Families should plan to complete festival activities during the event window. The later closing time does not mean the treat stations or entertainment continue until 4:30.

What families can expect

The zoo’s announcement lists music and entertainment, food trucks, concessions and market vendors alongside its Halloween activities. The treat stations create a route through the grounds, giving children places to stop as their families explore.

Visitors can also see the zoo’s animals. The release says about 200 animals are on exhibit and that the newer Bull Reef will be available for viewing throughout the weekend. Families interested in that exhibit can include it in their plans rather than treating the outing only as a candy stop.

A Creepy Crawly Corner will feature amphibian, reptilian and invertebrate ambassador animals during both days. It adds an educational element to the holiday theme, offering an opportunity for children to learn about animals often associated with spooky stories.

The zoo described the occasion as “4 decades of spooky family fun.” That anniversary is a central part of this year’s announcement, but families should use the current 2026 information when planning. Admission prices and activity details from older festival coverage may differ.

How much should a family budget?

The separate treat-card fee makes it useful to calculate costs before arriving. For example, two adults and two children ages 2–12 would pay $38 in admission. If both children participate at the treat stations, two cards add $10, bringing that example to $48 before food, shopping or other purchases.

Zoo members have free admission, but participating members still need the separate treat cards. Families with children under 2 should also distinguish free entry from participation in the treat activities.

The cards can be purchased at the event or in advance through the zoo’s ticket system. The official Spooktacular page provides the purchase link. Use that page to check current details and follow its directions rather than relying on an older ticket link shared elsewhere.

Free shuttles and accessible transportation

Overflow parking will be available at the Parkway Rec Center and Mohawk Valley Community College’s A1 parking lot. According to the release, free shuttle service will run from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and offer wheelchair accessibility.

That information can help families who would prefer to park away from the zoo entrance and ride in. Anyone with a specific mobility or boarding question should contact the zoo before visiting. A wheelchair-accessible shuttle does not by itself answer every question about navigating activities or the grounds.

Keep the difference between festival hours and shuttle hours in mind when arranging your return trip. The festival activities end at 3 p.m.; the announced transportation window continues later.

What to bring and what to leave home

Costumes are encouraged, but inflatable costumes of any kind are prohibited. Check that rule before choosing an outfit, especially if a child has been looking forward to wearing one.

Bring a bag or basket for treats. Reusable bags will also be available for purchase in the gift shop, according to the announcement. Packing one from home avoids an extra purchase and gives children somewhere to put items as they move between stations.

Because the event is rain or shine, check the forecast and plan clothing for an outdoor fall visit. Comfortable footwear and layers are practical choices. These are planning suggestions, not additional zoo requirements.

Utica Zoo Spooktacular questions families ask

Does admission include a treat card?

No. Admission and the $5 treat card are separate. Budget for a card for each person participating at the stations.

Is Utica Zoo Spooktacular canceled if it rains?

The announcement says the event is rain or shine. Check the zoo’s current notices before leaving home in case organizers issue any new instructions.

A local outing worth planning ahead

For Utica and Mohawk Valley families, the festival brings seasonal activities and wildlife education together at a local destination. Its published prices and daytime schedule make it possible to compare the outing with other weekend plans before spending money.

Visit Utica Zoo’s events page for current entertainment, vendor and food information. For questions, the release lists Communications Manager Marley Hawthorne at 315-738-0472, extension 38.

Choose a day, decide who needs a treat card, arrange parking and bring a bag. Share the verified event details with another family making Halloween plans so they have the right dates, prices and costume rules.

Sources: Utica Zoo’s Oct. 13, 2026, press release supplied to the Utica Phoenix and the zoo’s official event information.