Halloween at Como Zoo & Conservatory: Spooky Plants, Animals and Fall Fun in 2026

Halloween doesn’t always need haunted houses, jump scares and someone chasing you through a cornfield.

Sometimes all you need is a tarantula, a few creepy plants and a garden that looks like it belongs to a witch.

And Como Park Zoo & Conservatory can handle that.

If you’re looking for an affordable Halloween-season activity around the Twin Cities, Como is worth adding to your October plans. While the longtime ZooBoo trick-or-treating event isn’t currently listed on Como’s 2026 calendar, there’s still plenty of fall atmosphere to enjoy.

In fact, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory’s 2026 Fall Flower Show may be one of the most Halloween-ish versions yet.

We’re talking dark purple flowers.

Deep red chrysanthemums.

Medicinal herbs.

Ritual plants.

And botanicals inspired by traditional witches’ gardens.

Then there’s the Zoo itself, where you can go looking for snakes, reptiles and plenty of animals that fit naturally into a Halloween outing.

Best of all?

Regular admission to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is free, with donations encouraged.

Here’s how to plan a Halloween-season visit to Como Zoo & Conservatory in 2026.

Is Como Zoo Doing ZooBoo in 2026?

Longtime Minnesota families may immediately associate Halloween at Como Zoo with ZooBoo.

ZooBoo was Como’s popular non-scary Halloween celebration designed primarily for younger children. The Zoo transformed for Halloween with costumed characters, trick-or-treating and plenty of family-friendly fun.

However, as of September 2026, ZooBoo is not listed on Como’s current 2026 event calendar.

So I would not head to Como this October expecting the traditional ZooBoo experience unless Como announces something new.

That doesn’t mean you should cross Como off your Halloween bucket list, though.

There’s actually a pretty fun alternative.

Visit the Witches’ Garden-Inspired Fall Flower Show

This may be my favorite reason to visit Como during October 2026.

Every year, the Sunken Garden inside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory transforms for the Fall Flower Show.

But the first half of this year’s show has a distinctly spooky twist.

The display features chrysanthemums in colors including:

Deep purple
Dark red
Lavender
White

Those darker colors alone would make the garden perfect for October.

But the theme goes even further.

The first portion of the 2026 Fall Flower Show incorporates ritual plants, medicinal herbs and botanicals inspired by plants you might find in witches’ gardens.

Now we’re talking.

It’s basically Halloween décor for plant people.

What Is a Witches’ Garden?

Historically, the idea of a witches’ garden is tied to plants that have been associated with folklore, traditional medicine, rituals, superstition and other cultural practices.

Some plants earned mysterious reputations because of how people used them.

Others were associated with legends and folklore.

And plenty of ordinary herbs were once thought to possess extraordinary properties.

Seeing those types of plants incorporated into a beautiful conservatory display gives families a completely different way to explore the spooky season.

Plus, it gives you an opportunity to say:

“We’re going to see a witches’ garden.”

Which sounds considerably more exciting to a kid than:

“Would you like to go look at chrysanthemums?”

Marketing matters.

Don’t Miss the Sunken Garden

Even if you don’t consider yourself a plant person, walk through the Sunken Garden.

Seriously.

The Sunken Garden is one of the most beautiful parts of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, and the seasonal flower displays completely transform the room throughout the year.

During fall, the chrysanthemums and foliage create a gorgeous backdrop for pictures.

With the darker purple and red color palette during the first portion of the 2026 show, it should be especially pretty for Halloween.

This is also an easy Halloween activity for families with kids who don’t like scary things.

No monsters.

No screaming.

No haunted houses.

Just slightly mysterious plants in a gorgeous glass conservatory.

The Flower Show Changes in Late October

Here’s something important to know when planning your visit.

The Sunken Garden will close October 19 through October 22 while Como changes the display.

When it reopens, Part Two of the Fall Flower Show will look different.

The second half features chrysanthemums in bright yellow, dark red, green and white.

You’ll also see several different forms of chrysanthemums, including beautiful bonsai mums, surrounded by foliage such as Japanese maples, Japanese Hakone grass and pines.

So depending on when you visit, you could have two very different fall experiences.

If you’re specifically interested in the darker witches’-garden-inspired display, I’d plan your visit during the first half of October.

Go Looking for Como’s Creepy Creatures

Once you’ve finished exploring the Conservatory, head into the Zoo.

You don’t need fake Halloween monsters when the animal kingdom has already created some pretty incredible creatures.

October is the perfect time to make your own little Creepy Creature Scavenger Hunt.

See how many unusual animals you can find.

Look for:

Snakes
Reptiles
Amphibians
Insects
Spiders
Predators
Nocturnal-looking creatures

Kids can decide which animal is the creepiest.

Parents can pretend they’re completely comfortable when someone points out a giant spider.

Everybody wins.

Visit Tropical Encounters

One area I’d definitely include during an October Como visit is Tropical Encounters.

This immersive indoor exhibit brings together tropical plants and animals and gives you another chance to look for creatures that fit perfectly with your Halloween theme.

It’s also warm.

That becomes increasingly important as October progresses in Minnesota.

You can walk around outside looking at animals until everyone gets chilly and then retreat into a tropical environment.

It’s one of the advantages of visiting a zoo attached to an enormous conservatory.

Check the Daily Zookeeper Talks

Como continues to offer daily Zookeeper Talks during October.

They’re currently scheduled for 11 a.m.

The topic changes, so you won’t necessarily know exactly which animal you’ll learn about until your visit.

But that’s part of the fun.

Kids can learn about animal care, ask questions and hear directly from the people who work with Como’s animals.

If you’re trying to make your Halloween visit slightly educational without announcing that you’re making it educational, this is an easy way to do it.

Because nothing destroys the mood faster than Mom saying:

“We’re going to have an educational family outing today!”

Just let them think we’re here to find creepy animals.

Stop for the Gardener Chat

There’s also a daily Gardener Chat at 1 p.m.

This would be especially fun during the witches’-garden portion of the Fall Flower Show.

You can learn more about the plants, how the Conservatory cares for them and what’s happening inside the gardens.

If your kids are older—or you have a teenager who’s interested in plants, science, medicine or horticulture—this could actually be really interesting.

See the Gorillas

Not everything about your October visit has to fit the Halloween theme.

You’re still at the Zoo.

Make time for the animals you love.

Como’s current October calendar includes a Gorilla Program at 1:30 p.m., where guests can learn about Como’s gorillas and conservation efforts.

You can also visit favorites throughout the Zoo, including polar bears, big cats, primates, seals and sea lions.

Your Halloween theme can be as elaborate or as casual as you want.

Maybe you spend the entire day searching for creepy creatures.

Or maybe you simply enjoy a normal fall Zoo visit and finish with the witches’ garden.

Both work.

October Is a Great Time to Visit Como

There is another benefit to visiting Como in October:

Summer is over.

That often means a much different experience than visiting on a packed July weekend.

Cooler weather can make walking around the Zoo more comfortable, and the fall atmosphere around Como Park is beautiful.

You’ll still want to dress in layers because this is Minnesota.

October could mean:

68 degrees and sunny.

Or:

Where did I put the winter coats?

Possibly in the same week.

Como Switches to Fall and Winter Hours in October

Starting October 1, Como moves to its shorter fall and winter schedule.

The Zoo and Conservatory are generally open:

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

That means you’ll want to start your day earlier than you might during summer.

If you want to see the Zoo, explore the Conservatory, catch a Zookeeper Talk and have time for lunch, I wouldn’t arrive at 2:45 and expect to squeeze everything in.

Give yourself a few hours.

Como Is One of the Most Affordable Fall Activities Around the Twin Cities

Here’s where Como really shines for families.

Admission to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is free.

Donations are encouraged and help support Como, but there isn’t a traditional admission price just to enter the Zoo and Conservatory.

For families trying to fit several Minnesota fall activities into the budget, that’s huge.

Because fall gets expensive quickly.

Pumpkin patch.

Apple orchard.

Halloween event.

Haunted house.

Pumpkins.

Costumes.

Apple cider.

Donuts.

Suddenly October requires its own financial advisor.

Having a fun fall outing where admission doesn’t cost a family $100 before they even walk through the entrance is pretty refreshing.

Make a Creepy Creature Challenge for the Kids

If you’re visiting with younger kids, make the day feel more Halloween-y by creating your own challenge.

Before you arrive, make a list of things they need to find.

For example:

Como Halloween Creature Challenge

Find:

Something with scales
Something that slithers
Something with more than four legs
An animal with sharp teeth
An animal that could climb a tree
Something that lives underwater
A black animal
An orange animal
A creature that comes out at night
The creepiest animal at Como

Let the kids take pictures of their answers.

At the end of the day, everyone votes on the creepiest creature.

No elaborate planning required.

And suddenly a regular Zoo visit becomes a Halloween activity.

Take Halloween Photos in the Conservatory

If you like seasonal pictures, don’t skip this opportunity.

The Fall Flower Show gives you a completely different background from the traditional pumpkin-patch photos everyone takes in October.

Dark chrysanthemums.

Interesting foliage.

Historic glass architecture.

Beautiful gardens.

It’s fall without another hay bale in sight.

Just be respectful of the gardens and other visitors while taking pictures.

There’s an Adults-Only Halloween-ish Night Too

Parents, I saved this one for you.

On Thursday, October 22, 2026, Como is hosting:

Como After Hours: Gourds in the Garden.

And this one is 21+.

The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and lets adults explore portions of Como after normal operating hours.

You’ll be able to wander through the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden in the evening.

Gourds in the Garden Sounds Like a Fantastic Fall Date Night

This isn’t a haunted-house event.

It’s more like:

Fall atmosphere + beautiful gardens + drinks + food + slightly spooky plants.

Which, frankly, sounds delightful.

Guests can search the gardens for hidden gourds and botanical surprises while exploring the second half of the Fall Flower Show.

There will also be:

Animal Ambassadors
Interactive activities
Adult beverages
Local food trucks
Koi
Fall gardens
Spooky plants
Plenty of opportunities to explore without daytime crowds

This could be such a fun October date night.

Or grab a few friends and turn it into a girls’ night.

Sometimes adults want to celebrate Halloween without standing in line for an hour so somebody can jump out and scream at us.

What About ZooBoo?

If you grew up around the Twin Cities or took your kids to Como years ago, you may remember ZooBoo.

ZooBoo was a longstanding Como Halloween tradition designed as a non-scary alternative to traditional haunted attractions.

Children could trick-or-treat while interacting with costumed characters throughout the Zoo.

However, ZooBoo is not currently listed on Como’s 2026 calendar.

That distinction is important.

You can absolutely visit Como for a fun October outing.

Just don’t arrive expecting trick-or-treat stations and hundreds of costumed characters based on memories of the old ZooBoo event.

Is Como Good for Halloween With Toddlers?

I think Como is actually a great choice for younger kids precisely because it isn’t a Halloween event designed to scare them.

You can make Halloween as big or as small a part of the day as you want.

Look for creepy animals.

Explore the dark-colored flowers.

Talk about witches’ gardens.

Take fall pictures.

Then go look at a polar bear.

For toddlers and preschoolers who don’t understand why everyone suddenly thinks being scared is supposed to be fun, this can be a much easier October outing.

What About Teenagers?

Teens could enjoy this too, particularly if they’re interested in animals, plants or photography.

The witches’-garden-inspired Conservatory display gives the outing something different from a regular Zoo visit.

And if your teen is 18 or older, the October 22 Como After Hours event could be another option—although alcohol service remains limited to guests 21 and older.

For younger teens, I’d turn the visit into a photo challenge or creepy-creature scavenger hunt and let them explore.

What Should You Bring?

For an October visit, I’d bring:

Comfortable walking shoes
Layers
Sweatshirt or light jacket
Water bottle
Phone or camera
Small backpack
Stroller if you have younger children
A little cash or a card for food, souvenirs and a donation

Check the weather before you leave.

You’ll spend part of your visit outside at the Zoo and part of it inside the warm Conservatory, so layers are especially helpful.

Make It Part of Your Minnesota Halloween Bucket List

One thing I love about Halloween around the Twin Cities is how many completely different experiences we have.

You can see thousands of glowing pumpkins at the Minnesota Zoo.

You can ride roller coasters and brave haunted mazes at ValleyScare.

You can enjoy family-friendly Halloween fun at Mall of America.

You can visit pumpkin patches and corn mazes.

And then you have Como.

Como gives you something quieter.

Explore a witches’-garden-inspired flower show.

Look for creepy creatures.

Walk through the Conservatory.

Learn about animals.

And enjoy a fall day without spending a fortune.

Is Como Zoo Worth Visiting During Halloween Season?

Absolutely—just go into it knowing what kind of experience you’re getting.

This isn’t currently a big, separately ticketed Halloween festival.

It’s a regular visit to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory with some wonderfully spooky seasonal touches.

And that’s exactly why I like it.

Families with younger children can celebrate without scares.

Animal lovers can create their own creepy-creature adventure.

Plant lovers get an entire witches’-garden-inspired flower display.

Adults can attend Gourds in the Garden.

And everyone can enjoy one of the Twin Cities’ favorite attractions during one of the prettiest times of the year.

Celebrate Halloween at Como Zoo & Conservatory in 2026

You don’t need monsters and haunted houses to have a great Halloween outing.

Sometimes nature is weird enough all by itself.

Head to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory this October.

Find the snakes.

Admire the creepy plants.

Explore the Fall Flower Show.

Look for the strangest creature you can find.

And enjoy one of the most affordable fall outings in the Twin Cities.

Because when you’ve got tarantulas, ritual plants and a witches’ garden…

Halloween decorations are almost unnecessary.