Looking for something fun to do in Calgary this October? The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has been celebrating fall with special events, seasonal food, wildlife experiences, and plenty of Halloween fun for the whole family!
Fall is one of the most beautiful times to explore Calgary, and the Calgary Zoo is giving residents even more reasons to get outside and enjoy the season.
From delicious brunches to spooky Halloween adventures, October has been packed with activities for animal lovers of all ages.
And with Halloween just around the corner, one of the zoo’s most popular family events is still to come!
ZooBOO Returns for Halloween Weekend!
October 31 – November 1, 2026 | Family-Friendly
ZooBOO is returning to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, bringing two days of trick-or-treating, family activities, and wildlife adventures.
This annual Halloween celebration gives kids the chance to dress up in their favourite costumes while exploring the zoo.
Families can look forward to:
- Trick-or-treating at special treat stations
- Fun Halloween-themed activities
- A creative monster mural
- Opportunities to see amazing animals
- A festive atmosphere throughout the zoo
It’s a great way to celebrate Halloween while spending time outdoors with family and friends.
And the best part?
ZooBOO is included with regular daytime zoo admission or a valid membership!
That means families can enjoy the Halloween festivities while also exploring the zoo’s animal habitats.
Whether your little ones are dressing up as superheroes, princesses, or their favourite animals, ZooBOO is a fun way to make some Halloween memories.
Sunday Safari Brunch Offers a Delicious Zoo Experience
Sundays Until November 1, 2026 | Family-Friendly
Who says a trip to the zoo can’t start with an amazing brunch?
The Calgary Zoo’s Sunday Safari Brunch is another experience worth checking out this fall.
Visitors can enjoy a delicious buffet before heading out to explore the zoo.
The brunch menu features favourites such as:
- Belgian waffles
- Made-to-order omelettes
- A chocolate fountain
- A variety of breakfast and brunch options
It’s a great option for families, couples, or anyone looking to make their Sunday a little more special.
And with the event running until November 1, there’s still time to enjoy this popular Calgary experience.
Sunday Safari Brunch requires a separate ticket and is not included with regular zoo admission.
Families can look forward to:
- Trick-or-treating at special treat stations
- Fun Halloween-themed activities
- A creative monster mural
- Opportunities to see amazing animals
- A festive atmosphere throughout the zoo
It’s a great way to celebrate Halloween while spending time outdoors with family and friends.
And the best part?
ZooBOO is included with regular daytime zoo admission or a valid membership!
That means families can enjoy the Halloween festivities while also exploring the zoo’s animal habitats.
Whether your little ones are dressing up as superheroes, princesses, or their favourite animals, ZooBOO is a fun way to make some Halloween memories.
October Has Been Full of Special Zoo Experiences
The Calgary Zoo has already hosted several unique events throughout October, giving visitors different ways to connect with wildlife and enjoy the fall season.
ZooDunnit: Extinction Event | October 2, 2026 | Adults Only (18+)
The zoo kicked off October with a prehistoric-themed murder mystery.
Guests became detectives for the evening, searching for clues to solve a mystery involving stolen dinosaur fossils and a murdered security guard.
The adults-only event combined an interactive mystery with food and an after-hours zoo experience.
Wild Walk for Wildlife Conservation | October 3, 2026 | Family-Friendly
The second annual Wild Walk brought participants together for a three-kilometre walk around the zoo.
The event supported the Wilder Institute’s wildlife conservation efforts.
Along the route, guests enjoyed animal enrichment experiences, photo opportunities, and live entertainment.
It was a chance for Calgarians to get active while supporting an important cause.
Polar Bear Breakfast | October 10, 2026 | Family-Friendly
Animal lovers had the opportunity to start their morning with a special polar bear experience.
The event included early access to the zoo’s Wild Canada area, where guests could see polar bears Yellé and Siku before regular opening hours.
Visitors also learned about polar bear conservation, research, and the challenges these incredible animals face in the wild.
A buffet breakfast completed the experience.
Fall Harvest Dinner | October 11, 2026 | Family-Friendly
Thanksgiving celebrations were also part of the zoo’s October lineup.
The Fall Harvest Dinner gave families a chance to enjoy a seasonal four-course turkey dinner after spending time exploring the zoo.
For those who preferred celebrating at home, the zoo also offered Thanksgiving takeaway dinners prepared by its culinary team.
Why Visit the Calgary Zoo This Fall?
While the special events are a big attraction, there’s plenty to enjoy during a regular visit to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.
Fall brings cooler temperatures, colourful leaves, and a different atmosphere compared to the busy summer months.
Visitors can explore animal habitats, learn about wildlife conservation, and spend a few hours enjoying one of Calgary’s most popular attractions.
The zoo is also a great option for families looking to get outside before winter arrives.
Whether you’re visiting with young children, planning a date, or spending time with friends, there’s something for everyone.
Planning Your Visit to the Calgary Zoo?
Here’s what you need to know before heading out.
Location: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Regular Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Admission: Ticket prices vary depending on the date.
ZooBOO Dates: October 31 and November 1, 2026
Sunday Safari Brunch: Sundays until November 1, 2026
Parking: Paid parking is available.
Tickets: Available through the official Calgary Zoo website.
Visitors are encouraged to purchase regular admission tickets online in advance, as the zoo offers variable pricing and earlier bookings may provide better rates.
Keep in mind that certain special events require separate tickets.
Important Visitor Information
The zoo’s West Gate is currently closed due to ongoing construction.
Visitors should plan to use the North Gate when arriving.
Some animal habitats may also be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance, so it’s a good idea to check the zoo’s website before visiting.
Where Can You Get Tickets?
Tickets for ZooBOO, Sunday Safari Brunch, and regular zoo admission can be found on the official Calgary Zoo website.
