Special Events
Boo at the Zoo
Boo at the Zoo! A Zoo-pernatural Midterm Adventure
Dracula and the Boo Crew have put a spell on Dublin Zoo!
Something SPOOK-tacular is happening at Dublin Zoo this October midterm break! Count Dracula and his mischievous Boo Crew have cast a mysterious spell over the Zoo, and they need the help of some brave young Wildlife Witches and Wizards to break it!
With over 400 amazing animals, brand-new playgrounds, the Zoo-pernatural Trail, fang-tastic entertainment, tasty treats and spooky surprises, there are so many reasons to visit Dublin Zoo this midterm!
AND Kids in Costume Go Free at Dublin Zoo on Saturday 31st of October.
Boo at the Zoo! Event Schedule
24th October to 1st November 2026 (inclusive)
| Event | Dates | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoo-pernatural Trail | Sat, 24th Oct – Sun, 1st Nov | All day | Site wide |
| Monster Mash & Party Games | Mon, 26th Oct – Fri, 30th Oct | 11am – 3pm | Nukuru café |
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Explore & Win!
Running from 24th October to 1st November inclusive, the brand-new Zoo-pernatural Trail invites families on a magical adventure to discover the extraordinary real-life superpowers of the animal kingdom. Everyone who successfully completes the trail and submits their entry will be in with a chance to WIN an unforgettable Junior Keeper Experience at Dublin Zoo! It’s a fantastic opportunity for one lucky young animal lover to get a special insight into the world of zookeeping.
Families can also look forward to fang-tastic entertainment from Monday, 26th October to Friday, 30th October, between 11am and 3pm daily, with special appearances from Dracula and the Boo Crew, music, games, spot prizes and plenty of surprises. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the Zoo. You never know who or what might be lurking around the next corner!
Kids in Costume Go Free at Dublin Zoo on Saturday 31st of October. Show your little monster’s ghoulish get-up at the gate and trick or treat for a free ticket.
Beyond the spooky fun, there’s even more to discover this midterm. Meet over 400 amazing animals, let little adventurers run wild in the brand-new playgrounds, enjoy tasty treats and spend quality time together exploring one of Ireland’s favourite family attractions.
Whether you’re solving magical clues, discovering nature’s extraordinary superpowers or enjoying a brilliant day out together, there’s something for everyone at Dublin Zoo.
400+ animals. Brand-new playgrounds. The Zoo-pernatural Trail. Fang-tastic entertainment. Tasty treats. And surprises around every corner!
Gather your little monsters, dust off those broomsticks and get ready for a truly Zoo-pernatural adventure!
Kids Go Free Offer Terms & Conditions
- Offer applies to the bookings purchased at the gate on Saturday 31st October.
- One free child admission applies to any child in costume.
- The offer is valid on single day-entry tickets only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, discount, bundle ticket, concession ticket, Family Ticket, or special offer.
Zoo-pernatural Trail Terms & Conditions
1. The Zoo-pernatural Trail competition will take place at Dublin Zoo from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026, inclusive.
2. The competition is open to children under 18 years of age who complete the Zoo-pernatural Trail at Dublin Zoo during the event period. Entry must be made with the permission of a parent or legal guardian.
3. To enter the competition, children must collect a Zoo-pernatural Trail activity sheet upon arrival at Dublin Zoo, complete the self-guided trail correctly and place their completed activity sheet into the designated submission box located near the Zoo exit before leaving.
4. All entries must include the child’s name and age, along with the name, email address and phone number of a parent or legal guardian. These contact details will be used to notify the winner.
5. Only correctly completed and legible entries submitted during the competition period will be eligible. All entries must be received by the Zoo’s closing time on Sunday 1st November 2026.
6. One winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries received during the competition period. Dublin Zoo’s decision regarding the selection of the winner will be final, subject to applicable law.
7. The winner will receive a Junior Red Panda Keeper Experience at Dublin Zoo, which includes:
o An opportunity to meet a zookeeper from Dublin Zoo’s animal care team who looks after the red pandas.
o A special personal visit to view Dublin Zoo’s red pandas and the opportunity to observe training and enrichment activities, where possible.
o Exclusive behind-the-scenes talks and insights into how Dublin Zoo’s red pandas are cared for.
o Complimentary admission to Dublin Zoo for the winning child and one accompanying parent or legal guardian on the day of the experience.
o A separate complimentary family day pass to Dublin Zoo for 2 adults and 3 children.
o A special red panda-themed goodie bag.
8. The Junior Red Panda Keeper Experience does not include entry into the red panda habitat or direct contact with the animals, for the safety and wellbeing of
visitors and animals. Training and enrichment activities are subject to animal welfare considerations and cannot be guaranteed.
9. The Junior Red Panda Keeper Experience must be arranged in advance with Dublin Zoo and is subject to availability, operational requirements and animal welfare considerations. Admission for the winning child and one accompanying parent or legal guardian is included as part of the experience. The winning child must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian throughout the experience.
10. The complimentary Dublin Zoo family day pass is separate from the Junior Red Panda Keeper Experience and entitles 2 adults and 3 children to an additional visit to Dublin Zoo. The voucher must be used within one year of the date of receipt and is non-transferable, non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash. Redemption is subject to Dublin Zoo’s standard admission conditions.
11. The overall prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash or any other alternative. Dublin Zoo reserves the right to substitute any element of the prize with one of equal or greater value where necessary.
12. The winner’s parent or legal guardian will be contacted using the email address or phone number provided on the competition entry. If the parent or guardian does not respond within 3 days of notification, Dublin Zoo reserves the right to select an alternative winner.
13. The prize is subject to any additional reasonable instructions or conditions communicated by Dublin Zoo when arranging the experience, including any necessary health and safety requirements.
14. By entering the competition, participants and their parent or legal guardian agree to these terms and conditions.
15. Dublin Zoo will process personal information collected through the competition solely for the purposes of administering the competition, verifying entries and contacting the winner, in accordance with Dublin Zoo’s Privacy Policy and applicable data protection legislation. Personal information will not be used for marketing purposes without separate, appropriate consent.
16. Any photography, filming or publicity involving the winning child will require separate consent from their parent or legal guardian. Participation in publicity is not a condition of receiving the prize.
17. Dublin Zoo reserves the right to amend, suspend or cancel the competition where necessary due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, subject to applicable law.
18. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Dublin Zoo accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from participation in the competition or acceptance of the prize, except where liability cannot be excluded by law.
19. Promoter: Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, D08 AC98.
