Member Preview Update
Due to severe weather from Hurricane Ian, Creatures of the Night Member Preview Night on Friday, 9/30 has been CANCELLED.
Saturday, 10/1 Event Update
Due to severe weather from Hurricane Ian, Creatures of the Night on Saturday, 10/1 will be a DRESS REHEARSAL.
Check out last year's Creatures of the Night video!
Tampa Bay's #1 Family Halloween Event
Creatures of the Night
Returns this October
Ghouls and goblins of all ages can enjoy eerie fun on select nights this October. Join our mischievous characters for a night of Halloween adventures complete with animals, spooky frights, and festive treats!
ZooTampa Members and Pay For A Day ticket holders get free admission to seasonal events like Creatures of the Night.
Ever wonder what – or who – lurks in the swamp? This year’s event welcomes the Swamp Witch, a mysterious new resident who is looking to make a deal. Known to all who fear her as Blackwater Mattie, this spooky character spends her nights mixing potions and conjuring spells in the darkest corners of Florida’s murky swamps where few dare to tread.
Are you ready to bargain with Blackwater Mattie?
Creatures of the Night Admission
ZooTampa Members & Pay for a Day Tickets
FREE*
General Admission
Event tickets
$34.95 after 4PM
*The reservation fee for ZooTampa members and Pay For A Day ticket holders is $5 per person which will be reimbursed upon entry in the form of a $5 per person voucher valid for dining and merchandise purchases valid for that day only.
Click here to request changes to an existing reservation
Event Dates
Entry is limited. Reservations are strongly encouraged and the only way to guarantee admission.
Fun Tricks and Spooky Treats
Eerie Realms
Meet your favorite storybook villains, dance with the Spider Queen, play a game with the Lost Boys, and more await throughout the Zoo.
Spooky Wildlife Connections
Get up-close to unforgettable animals and enjoy special chats with our animal care team.
Howling Shows
Join pirates for a jolly good time of magic and storytelling or meet Dr. HooDoo and his lovely assistant and experience his comical street show.
Wicked Treats & Drinks
Sample delicious treats and drinks throughout the zoo. From savory to sweet, there is something for everyone to sink their teeth into.
Know Before You Go
Download our App
Don’t miss out on the excitement; access all of our event details from the palm of your hands! Get walking directions to all of the event locations, view the nightly show schedule, and more.
View Our Foodie Guide
There is no trick, just treats with our Creatures of the Night Foodie Guide. Know what special Halloween-themed delicacies are available and where to find them with this guide.
Preview Event Map
Take a look at our print map and see the scare levels for each zone and show. Most content available on the print map is also available on the mobile app.
Important Info
- Event capacity is limited. Tickets and reservations are limited and strongly recommended for all guests 3 years and older. Guests 2 years old and under are free.
- There’s a $5 reservation fee for annual members and “Pay for a Day, Come Back All Year” ticket holders which will be reimbursed upon entry in the form of a $5 voucher valid on the event night for food and merchandise on the night of reservation.
- Costume Note: Children (12 years of age and under) are invited to wear their most spooky Halloween attire. For the comfort and security of all guests, adults (13 years of age and up) may not wear Halloween masks, wigs, face paint, or costumes of any kind. Toy weapons are prohibited regardless of age.
- Creatures of the Night is a rain or shine event. No refunds. No changes may be made to tickets or reservations within 72 hours of scheduled date/time. Rescheduling subject to availability and not guaranteed. Please visit ZooTampa.org/creatures for other important details.
Special thanks
Eerie Family Fun
Select Nights Sept. 30 - Oct. 30
4:00PM - 10:00PM
Member Preview Update
Due to severe weather from Hurricane Ian, Creatures of the Night Member Preview Night on Friday, 9/30 has been CANCELLED.
Saturday, 10/1 Event Update
Due to severe weather from Hurricane Ian, Creatures of the Night on Saturday, 10/1 will be a DRESS REHEARSAL.
Check out last year's Creatures of the Night video!
Tampa Bay's #1 Family Halloween Event
Creatures of the Night
Returns this October
Ghouls and goblins of all ages can enjoy eerie fun on select nights this October. Join our mischievous characters for a night of Halloween adventures complete with animals, spooky frights, and festive treats!
ZooTampa Members and Pay For A Day ticket holders get free admission to seasonal events like Creatures of the Night.
Ever wonder what – or who – lurks in the swamp? This year’s event welcomes the Swamp Witch, a mysterious new resident who is looking to make a deal. Known to all who fear her as Blackwater Mattie, this spooky character spends her nights mixing potions and conjuring spells in the darkest corners of Florida’s murky swamps where few dare to tread.
Are you ready to bargain with Blackwater Mattie?
Creatures of the Night Admission
ZooTampa Members & Pay for a Day Tickets
FREE*
General Admission
Event tickets
$34.95 after 4PM
*The reservation fee for ZooTampa members and Pay For A Day ticket holders is $5 per person which will be reimbursed upon entry in the form of a $5 per person voucher valid for dining and merchandise purchases valid for that day only.
Click here to request changes to an existing reservation
Event Dates
Entry is limited. Reservations are strongly encouraged and the only way to guarantee admission.
Fun Tricks and Spooky Treats
Festive Realms
Meet your favorite storybook villains, dance with the Spider Queen, play a game with the Lost Boys, and more await throughout the Zoo.
Junkyard of Broken Dreams
The bravest guests won’t want to miss this haunted house where scary dreams and urban legends have come to life.
Howling Shows
Join pirates for a jolly good time of magic and storytelling or meet Dr. HooDoo and his lovely assistant and experience his comical street show.
Wicked Treats & Drinks
Sample delicious treats and drinks throughout the zoo. From savory to sweet, there is something for everyone to sink their teeth into.
Know Before You Go
Download our App
Don’t miss out on the excitement; access all of our event details from the palm of your hands! Get walking directions to all of the event locations, view the nightly show schedule, and more.
View Our Foodie Guide
There is no trick, just treats with our Creatures of the Night Foodie Guide. Know what special Halloween-themed delicacies are available and where to find them with this guide.
Preview Event Map
Take a look at our print map and see the scare levels for each zone and show. Most content available on the print map is also available on the mobile app.
Important Info
- Event capacity is limited. Tickets and reservations are limited and strongly recommended for all guests 3 years and older. Guests 2 years old and under are free.
- There’s a $5 reservation fee for annual members and “Pay for a Day, Come Back All Year” ticket holders which will be reimbursed upon entry in the form of a $5 voucher valid on the event night for food and merchandise on the night of reservation.
- Costume Note: Children (12 years of age and under) are invited to wear their most spooky Halloween attire. For the comfort and security of all guests, adults (13 years of age and up) may not wear Halloween masks, wigs, face paint, or costumes of any kind. Toy weapons are prohibited regardless of age.
- Creatures of the Night is a rain or shine event. No refunds. No changes may be made to tickets or reservations within 72 hours of scheduled date/time. Rescheduling subject to availability and not guaranteed. Please visit ZooTampa.org/creatures for other important details.
Special thanks
