eerie family fun

SELECT NIGHTS IN OCTOBER

member preview night september 25

eerie family fun

Creatures of the Night - ZooTampa at Lowry Park

SELECT NIGHTS IN OCTOBER

member preview night september 25

Check out our video from last year’s Creatures of the Night event!

Tampa Bay's #1 Family Halloween Event

Creatures of the Night

Join us at Tampa Bay’s #1 Family Halloween event, Creatures of the Night! Ghouls and goblins of all ages can enjoy howling entertainment, eerie characters, creepy culinary treats, and so much more!

Creatures of the Night is included with a ZooTampa Membership or Zoo Fun ticket. No reservations needed. 

Become a Member »
Get a Zoo Fun Ticket »

Check out our video from last years Creatures of the Night event!

NEW SPOOKY ADVENTURES THIS YEAR!

From an all-new Halloween realm for the bravest ghouls to a family-friendly walk-through haunted neighborhood, this year’s event features many new surprises! Plus, enjoy expanded experiences at returning favorites including more disco boogie fun with the zombies at the Dancing Dead and breathtaking artistic performances from the living fountain at the Enchanted Circle.

Member Preview Night *September 25*

An opening night you won’t want to miss! ZooTampa Members get exclusive access to experience the eerie family fun before everyone else at Member Preview Night.

No reservations needed!

Upgrade your night

Upgrade your night of spooky thrills with one of our Signature Animal Encounters. Encounter capacities are limited, so be sure to book your spots!

Tickets On Sale Soon!

Creatures of the Night Admission

Members and zoo fun ticket holders get free admission.

For the best event experience, visit on a friday or sunday.

Zoo Fun blockout dates: October 10, 17, 24. Blockout upgrade tickets available here.

Those with tickets for an event night impacted by closures due to Hurricane Milton can present their ticket at the entrance on any other event night and gain admission to Creatures of the Night without making a reservation change.

After 4PM event admission

Friday

$34.95

Saturday

$39.95

Sunday

$34.95

Tickets On Sale Soon!

Need to change an existing reservation? Please fill out the form on this page.

Event Dates

September

Friday, Sept. 25 (Member Preview night)

Saturday, sept. 26

October

Friday, oct. 2

saturday, oct. 3

Friday, oct. 9

Saturday, oct. 10 (zoo fun Blockout)

Sunday, oct. 11

friday, oct. 16

Saturday, oct. 17 (zoo fun BLOCKOUT)

Sunday, oct. 18

Friday, oct. 23

Saturday, oct. 24 (Zoo fun Blockout)

Sunday, oct. 25

Friday, Oct. 30

Saturday, Oct. 31
Creatures of the Night - ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Zoo Fun blockout dates: October 10, 17, 24. Blockout upgrade tickets available here.

Eerie Realms

Meet your favorite storybook villains, get transported into unique realms with immersive Halloween decor, and more as you make your way through the Zoo.

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.

Howling Entertainment

Boogie at an epic dance party, smash a pumpkin with Lucilla Lumpkin, enjoy a Halloween light show, laugh with the Pirate Magician and more!

Spooky Wildlife Connections

Get up-close to unforgettable animals and enjoy special chats with our animal care team. Make your night more WILD with one of our Signature Animal Encounters.

*A Creatures of the Night ticket is needed to participate in the Signature Animal Encounters.

Up-Close Encounters

Upgrade your night

Make your Creatures of the Night visit even more WILD with a Signature Encounter. Go behind-the-scenes with one of our southern white rhinos or get face-to-face with one of our Masai giraffes and experience an up-close encounter you will never forget.

Tickets On Sale Soon!

Have no fear, Merch is here!

Grab your ghoulish garb for creatures of the night

Available in all the retail locations at ZooTampa during October, get your glow on and show your spooky spirit with our seasonal items. Proceeds from every purchase go towards ZooTampa and our mission to protect and preserve wildlife and wild places.

Visit us again and again

Enjoy FREE admission to other seasonal events, unforgettable up-close animal encounters, and so much more all year long with a ZooTampa Membership or Zoo Fun ticket! 

Creatures of the Night - ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Zoo FUn Ticket

Pay for a day and receive free admission through 2026! Ticket includes admittance to seasonal events like Creatures of the Night and Christmas in the Wild.

Creatures of the Night - ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Memberships

Want an even better deal? Become a Member and get unlimited Zoo admission with “Member Perks” for 12 full months! As a Member you get free admission to seasonal events, FREE* guests, free parking, exclusive discounts, and more!

*Please note, Members can only bring in the number of individuals listed on their Membership pass.

Zoo Fun blockout dates: October 10, 17, 24. Blockout upgrade tickets available here.

 Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Know Before You Go

Download our Mobile App

Don’t miss out on the excitement; access all of our event details from the palms of your hands! Get walking directions to all 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 Our 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 »

Accessibility Guide

Our accessibility guide provides details on expectations regarding the event and activities, photos of characters and realms, sequencing support, and more.

View the Accessibility Guide »

Important Info

  • 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  within 72 hours of scheduled date/time. Rescheduling subject to availability and not guaranteed. 

Special Thanks

Morgan Chevrolet Logo

Job Fair

Please review our booking tips before continuing

To qualify for a group rate, you need a minimum of 15 people.

1. Please make one field trip per reservation order. Complete one and start a new one if you have multiple days you are booking.

2. Headcount can be approximate. Please include children and adults in your headcount. Please do not include pass holders in your headcount for a ticket.

3. On the ticket page, choose the correct grade level (to the left of your screen) to receive the correct chaperone ratio.

4. On the ticket page, when on the calendar section, the number of tickets available will appear in the top right corner for each particular day. Tickets available include children and adults. If you have more people than tickets available, please choose another day.

5. Anyone that is ordering lunch, even pass holders and adults that receive free chaperone tickets, do need to pay for a lunch IF they are ordering one. Free chaperone tickets and pass holders are for admission only.

Boxed lunch orders must be received 5 business days prior to your field trip arrival. Groups will be responsible for all boxed lunches that were confirmed at that time.

6. Payment does not need to be paid at the time of registration. Choose the pay upon arrival option if you would like one person to pay for your entire trip on the day of your visit.

7. The prices of adult and children’s tickets are different.

8. You will receive a confirmation number and confirmation letter via email when your trip is confirmed. If you do not, please contact FieldTrips@ZooTampa.org right away.

Members receive 10% discount on dining.

Sales tax not included in prices. 

Pizzas

Slice or Large Pie

Cheese or Pepperoni

Meat Lovers

Pepperoni, Sausage, Bacon Bits

Veggie Lovers

Tomato, Red Onions, Peppers, Black Olives, Mushroom

Supreme Pizza

Pepperoni, Bacon, Red Onions, Peppers, Black Olives, Mushroom

Gluten Free Crust

6x10in Pizza, Feeds 2, Any Flavor Above

Sub Sandwiches

All sub sandwiches are served with fries

Turkey and Swiss*

Meatball Sub*

Pizza Dog

Beef Hotdog Topped With Marina, Mozzarella Cheese, With A Choice of Pepperoni or Sausage

Sides

Fries (V&V)

Mozzarella Sticks* (V)

Chicken Favorites

Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders Served With Fries

6 Wings

12 Wings

Wing Flavors: BBQ, Thai Chili, Buffalo

Lighter Meals

Roasted Veggie Flatbread* (V&V)

Naan Flatbread, Garlic Butter, Zucchini, Squash, Onion, Tomato, Carrot. Gluten Free Options Available on Sweet Potato Flatbread Upon Request

Caprese Flatbread* (V)

Pesto, Mozzarella, Tomato, Spring Mix, and Balsamic Glaze on Flatbread. Gluten Free Option Available Upon Request

Italian Zoodles (G)(V&V)

Zucchini, Tomato, Squash, Pesto 

Black Bean Burger* (V&V)

Black Bean Burger, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, and Fries. Available With Gluten Free Bun

Greek Salad (G)(V)

Romaine, Cucumber, Kalamata Olives, Tomatoes, Red Onions, Feta Cheese

Caesar Salad* (V)

Romaine, Parm Cheese, Croutons on the Side, Your Choice of Dressing

Caprese Salad (G)(V)

Tomatoes, Mozzarella Cheese, Spring Mix, Pesto

Roasted Veggie Wrap (V&V)

Zucchini, Squash, Onion, Tomato, Carrot, Spring Mix on A Wrap

Kids Meals

Kids meals are served with fries and a juice box

Hot Dog*

Mac and Cheese* (V)

Ask about our dietary friendly options when ordering

*  Gluten Free upon request 

(G) Gluten Free

(V) Vegetarian friendly

(V&V) Vegan and Vegetarian friendly

Members receive 10% discount on dining.

Sales tax not included in prices. 

Gourmet Grilled Cheese

Classic Grilled Cheese (V)

Colby, American and Swiss Cheese on Asiago Sourdough

Caprese Grilled Cheese (V)

Tomato, Pesto, and  Mozzarella on Italian Sourdough

Short Rib Fontina Grilled Cheese

Short Rib, Fontina and BBQ Sauce on Cuban Inspired Sourdough

Loaded Mac

Buffalo Chicken Mac

Mac and Cheese Topped With Shredded Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese

BBQ Pulled Pork Mac

Mac and Cheese Topped With BBQ Pulled Pork and Crispy Onions

Taco Mac

Mac and Cheese Topped With Taco Meat and Pico De Gallo

Loaded Tots

Classic Tots

Bacon, Cheese, Jalapeno Tater Tots

BBQ Pulled Pork Tots

BBQ Pulled Pork Tater Tots

Cheesy Tots (V)

Cheesy Tater Tots

Personal Pizza

Personal Pan Cheese Pizza (V)

Personal Pan Pepperoni Pizza

Other

Chicken Tenders

3 Chicken Tenders With Tots

Lil’ Joey Meal

Meals Include Tots, Juice Box, and Special Toy

Hot Dog*

Chicken Tenders (2)

Sliders (2)

Sides

Mac and Cheese

Tater Tots

For special dietary and allergy requests, please see one of our team members for assistance.

*  Gluten Free upon request 

(V) Vegetarian friendly

Members receive 10% discount on dining.

Sales tax not included in prices. 

Handcrafted sandwiches

All meals come with sandwich and choice of side.

Gluten free buns available upon request.

Fresh Hand Pressed Cheeseburger*

Hand Pressed Bacon Cheeseburger*

Classic BLT*

Applewood Smoked Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, on Texas Toast

Classic Grilled Cheese* (V)

LIMITED TIME Roast Beef Club Sandwich

Roast Beef, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Grilled Onions, Swiss Cheese, and a side of Horseradish

Cheese: American, Swiss, Pepper jack, or Cheddar

Toppings: Lettuce, Tomato, Onions, Pickles, Grilled Onions, Grilled Mushrooms, Fried Egg, Jalapeños, Banana Peppers

Sides: Fries, Onion Rings, Side Salad, or Fresh Fruit

Add side of Nacho Cheese

Lighter Meals

Caesar Salad* (V)(G)

Romaine Lettuce, Seasoned Croutons, Shaved Parm, Caesar Dressing

Chopped Cobb Salad* (V)(G)

Romaine Lettuce, Cucumber, Tomato, Egg, Bacon, Avocado, Blue Cheese

Fresh Veggie Wrap (V)

Flour Tortilla, Lettuce, Roasted Veggies, Balsamic Glaze

Roasted Veggie Flatbread* (V&V)

Naan Flatbread, Garlic Butter, Zucchini, Squash, Onion, Tomato, Carrot. Gluten Free Option Available Upon Request With Sweet Potato Crust.

IMPOSSIBLE Burger* (V&V)

Your Choice of Cheese, Toppings, and One Side. Gluten Free Bun Available.

Black Bean Burger* (V&V)

Your Choice of Cheese, Toppings, and One Side. Gluten Free Bun Available.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich*

Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Choice of Cheese, and One Side. Gluten Free Bun Available.

Kids Meals

Served with fries or fresh fruit, kids’ toy, and kids’ juice box.

2 Slider Burgers*

Chicken Nuggets

Mac and Cheese (V)

Frozen Custard & Milkshakes

Frozen Custard in a Cup

Frozen Custard in a Waffle Cone

Macaw Blast

Frozen Custard with your choice of frozen treats blended in: Chopped Nuts, Crushed Oreo, Reese’s Pieces, M&Ms

Hand Spun Milkshake

Chocolate or Vanilla

Add Premium Toppings

Snacks

Iced Coffee

Bag of Popcorn

Popcorn Refill

Pretzel

Cotton Candy

Ask about our dietary friendly options when ordering

*  Gluten Free upon request 

(G) Gluten Free

(V) Vegetarian friendly

(V&V) Vegan and Vegetarian friendly

Join our Summer Camp Waitlist

Parent/Guardian Name(Required)
Child's Name(Required)

Important Information

To complete your camp registration, you must:

  • Add camps to your shopping cart.
  • Enter roster information for each camp.
    • List all people that are authorized to pick-up your child from camp.
    • No camper will be released unless the adult picking up the child is on the authorized pick-up list and shows a photo ID.
  • Read and agree to the following documents:
  • Make payment.
  • Upon payment, you will receive a Confirmation Email with the above documents attached. Please print, sign, and return the Camp Waiver and Liability Release to EducationPrograms@ZooTampa.org or ZooTampa Summer Camp, c/o Jamie Elkington, 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604. All waivers MUST be received no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of your camp program or your registration is subject to cancellation.

By clicking the registration button below, I confirm that I have read and agree to the Camp Waiver and Liability Release and Camp Handbook and will print, sign, and return the Camp Waiver and Liability Release to complete my registration.

‘Tis the Season For Giving!

Donate to the ZooTampa Giving Tree

Trustees of the Lowry Park Zoological Society, Directors of the Lowry Park Zoo Endowment Foundation, and the Employees and Volunteers of ZooTampa understand and appreciate the vital role of philanthropy to accomplish our work. That’s why we subscribe to the Donor Bill of Rights developed by the American Association of Fund Raising Counsel, Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, National Society of Fund Raising Executives:

“Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the not-for-profit organizations and causes that they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:

  1. To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.
  2. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.
  3. To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.
  4. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
  5. To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.
  6. To be assured that information about their donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
  7. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.
  8. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.
  9. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.
  10. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.”

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is committed to protecting your privacy. We value the trust of our donors, volunteers, employees, and other supporters and recognize that maintaining this trust requires us to ensure the confidentiality of personal information that you share with us.

As a non-profit organization, ZooTampa relies on your support, depends on the support of generous contributors, and achieves ambitious fundraising objectives by communicating with and understanding donors. We know that it is essential to protect the privacy of that information. ZooTampa, the Lowry Park Zoological Society, and the Lowry Park Zoo Endowment Foundation will neither sell nor trade a donor’s personal information to any other entity without the written permission of the donor.

FLORIDA STATE REGISTRATION

Lowry Park Zoological Society of Tampa, INC.: Registration No. CH140
Lowry Park Endowment Foundation, INC.: Registration No. CH20389

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES

Phone: (800) 435-7352
FloridaConsumerHelp.com

Christmas in the Wild Reservation Changes

  • This can be found in your original purchase or reservation confirmation email.
  • We will do our best to accommodate your request, however changes are based on availability. A member of our team will reach out to you via the contact information provided above within 48 hours. Note: an additional fee may apply to event tickets being changed to a higher priced event night. Thank you!

Commemorations

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.

Zoo Fun Tickets

With a new Zoo Fun ticket, you get free admission through December 31, 2026 including access to our seasonal event series. Some blockout dates apply — see below for details. Not valid with any other discounts.

When does my Zoo Fun ticket expire?

All Zoo Fun tickets purchased now through 9/31/26 will expire on 12/31/2026.

What are the blockout dates?

2026:

10/10,  10/17, & 10/24 (only after 4:00 PM during Creatures of the Night)

11/27/26 – 11/28/26, including Christmas in the Wild

Can I purchase a Zoo Fun ticket on a blockout date?

Yes! You can purchase a Zoo Fun 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 Zoo Fun ticket on blockout dates?

If you already have your Zoo Fun 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, Zoo Fun ticket holders have access to significantly discounted single-day tickets.
  2. For a limited time from the date of purchase, Zoo Fun tickets can be upgraded to a Zoo Membership (with no blockout dates).

I purchased a Zoo Fun 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!

How do blockout dates affect seasonal events?

Blockout dates may apply on some seasonal event nights for Zoo Fun ticket holders. A blockout ticket upgrade is available to gain entry on those select nights. Blockout dates do not apply to Members.

Still have questions? Email us or call (813) 935-8552 ext. 0.