Ellen Trout Zoo Boo Returns October 16 And 17 For Halloween Fun

When it comes to 'trick-or-treating', there are a lot of great places and neighborhoods where you can rack up on candy. I remember taking my kids through the Idlewood Subdivision in Central. Traffic was crazy, but we still had fun.

READ MORE: Best Neighborhoods For Trick or Treating

But when it comes to one of the most unique and entertaining places to gather Halloween candy, nothing beats the annual Ellen Trout Zoo Boo. I mean, dressing up in costume and walking among the lions, monkeys, giraffes, and hippos...how AWESOME is that?!

Background and Details of The Ellen Trout Zoo Boo

This Lufkin Halloween tradition began in 1989, and over the past 35+ years, this event has given families two evenings to enjoy the zoo after hours while children trick-or-treat throughout the grounds. Guests (yes, even the adults) are encouraged to come dressed in costume and make their way through the zoo, stopping at candy and activity stations along the way.

This year's Zoo Boo will take place on October 16 and 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. General admission is $10/adults, $5/children 4-11, with kids 3 and under admitted free. Friends of Ellen Trout Zoo members receive 50% off admission for everyone covered by their membership. Member tickets must be purchased at the gate on the night of the event, and members should bring a valid photo ID along with their digital or physical membership card. Non-members may purchase their tickets online in advance.

Ellen Trout Zoo Location and Event Parking

402 Zoo Circle in Lufkin is the zoo's official address, just off Ellen Trout Drive. Free parking will be available at the George H. Henderson Jr. Exposition Center, adjacent to the zoo. Guests will be required to walk to the zoo's main entrance, near the train depot, then exit through the area between the administration and education buildings. For more information, visit the Friends of the Ellen Trout Zoo website or follow Ellen Trout Zoo on Facebook.