Eerie Family Fun

Creatures of the Night logo, stacked, all white

Select Nights Sept. 30 - Oct. 30
4:00PM - 10:00PM

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

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.

Download for Apple »Download for Android »

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.

See the Foodie 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.

View the Event Map »

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

Creatures of the Night - ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Morgan Chevrolet

Please review our booking tips before continuing

Outside Food & Drinks Policy

ZooTampa at Lowry Park offers a variety of delicious food for guests at several restaurants and concession stands throughout, but we understand that guests may need to bring outside food for special dietary needs. Acceptable and prohibited food items are listed below. For the convenience of our guests, there is a picnic area located outside the park near the main parking lot.

 Acceptable Items
  • Bottled water (max 20oz bottle, sealed) one per guest
  • Small snacks for young children
  • Baby food/baby formula
  • Soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5” wide x 6” high x 6” deep (limit one per child)
  • Pre-purchased empty ZooTampa souvenir cups
  • Any food required for medical purposes and medically-indicated nutritional supplements
 Prohibited Items
  • Prepared or packaged food or meals
  • Alcohol
  • Glass or any open containers or water bottles filled with beverages
  • Hard-sided coolers of any size
  • Soft-sided coolers larger than 8.5” wide x 6” high x 6” deep
  • Suitcases and soft-sided bags with wheels larger than 24” long x 15” wide x 18” high

Prohibited Items

For the safety of our animals, guests and employees, the following items are not permitted to be brought into ZooTampa:

  • Any type of explosive or weapon
  • Knives or other sharp objects
  • Pepper spray
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Marijuana
  • Illegal drugs
  • Straws
  • Clothing likely to create a danger or disturbance
  • Any hazardous items or materials

The following items are also prohibited to avoid blocking of walkways and/or trip hazards:

  • Segways
  • Hover boards
  • Two-wheeled scooters
  • Self-balancing electric vehicles
  • Shoes with wheels
  • Drones
  • Hard-sided coolers of any size
  • Soft-sided coolers larger than 8.5” wide x 6” high x 6” deep
  • Suitcases and soft-sided bags with wheels larger than 24” long x 15” wide x 18” high

Please leave any unnecessary articles secured within your vehicle to expedite your entry into the park.

We reserve the right to deny entry to anyone not observing Zoo Rules.

Pay For A Day Tickets

With a new Pay For A Day, Rest of Year Free ticket – for a limited time – you get unlimited admission through December 31, 2023 including access to our seasonal event series. Some blockout dates apply — see below for details. Not valid with any other discounts.

When does my Pay For A Day ticket expire?

For a limited time, new Pay for a Day, Rest of Year Free tickets are valid from the day of purchase until 12/31/2023 Pay for a Day, Rest of Year Free tickets which were purchased prior to October 1st, 2022 are valid until 12/31/2022.

What are the blockout dates?

3/11/23 – 3/19/23
11/24/23 – 11/26/23
12/26/23 – 12/31/23

Can I purchase a Pay For A Day ticket on a blockout date?

Yes! You can purchase a Pay for a Day, Rest of Year Free ticket for first-time use on a listed blockout date and have full access to the park on that day. Blockout dates apply to repeat visitation.

Can I use my Pay For A Day ticket on blockout dates?

If you already have your Pay for a Day, Rest of Year Free ticket and wish to visit during a listed blockout date, please stop by the Zoo’s ticketing windows for alternate options:

  1. During blockout periods, Pay For A Day ticket holders have access to significantly discounted single-day tickets.
  2. For a limited time from the date of purchase, Pay For A Day tickets can be upgraded to a Zoo Membership (with no blockout dates).
I purchased a Pay For A Day ticket online. How do I get my actual ticket?

Bring a copy of your confirmation (or show the confirmation email on your mobile device) to expedite entry into the Zoo. At your convenience during your visit you can stop by the Tours & Guest Services kiosk located just inside the Zoo to print your physical pass. No need to stand in line at the ticket windows. Walk right in!
Still have questions? Email us or call (813) 935-8552 ext. 0.