INSIDE LOOK: Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa returns with NEW thrills in 2026!

Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa returns in 2026 for 15 select nights from September 25 to October 31, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.!

Get ready for a ghoulishly great night as ZooTampa transforms into a whimsical place where scarecrows delight, and creepy creatures roam.

This is one of our favorite Halloween events in Tampa Bay because it’s truly one that people of all ages can enjoy, whether you’re attending with a small child or checking it out for date night.

Related: Explore our favorite pumpkin patches in Tampa Bay, where you can explore a corn maze in Tampa Bay with the kids, and even adorable fall festivals to celebrate the season!

So let’s get to it, friends! Here’s what's in store for you and your ghouls and goblins at Creatures of the Night 2026!

What's NEW at ZooTampa's Creatures of the Night in 2026: 

(Words in this section contributed by ZooTampa.)

• Scared of the Dark: Enter a thrilling Halloween realm where the bravest ghouls and goblins face their fears! Experience a frightful adventure as the most iconic Halloween figures come to life and dare to confront the terrifying monsters that haunt your dreams.
• Ghostly Groves: Experience an unforgettable family-friendly adventure as you wander through an abandoned haunted neighborhood. Discover the hidden ghosts and ghouls lurking around every corner, while mysterious eerie sounds echo through the night, making for a spooky outing for all ages!
• Jack-O-Lantern Lane: Enjoy a 360-degree immersive walkthrough that transforms the Zoo’s Florida realm into a mesmerizing wonderland of illuminated jack-o’-lanterns, eerie ambiance, spooky sounds, and special effects, ensuring Halloween fun for everyone.
• Enchanted Circle: Embark on a Halloween tradition and enter ZooTampa’s Creatures of the Night and enjoy a mesmerizing fountain show of living statues, where water and dance unite in harmony and artistry for a breathtaking spectacle.

Returning Creepy Favorites in 2026:

(Words in this section contributed by ZooTampa.)

• The Dancing Dead: Get ready for an unforgettable night at our epic expanded dance party, where the undead groove under the disco balls and lights! Step into our vibrant 70s studio inhabited by zombies adorned in flashy outfits, busting out dance moves to classic disco hits while a DJ keeps the dance floor pulsing with energy.
• Carousel de los Muertos: Enjoy a vibrant, immersive celebration featuring towering sugar skull stilt walkers and festive décor. This enchanting area pays tribute to the Día de los Muertos, a cherished tradition honoring loved ones who have passed away and is celebrated in Mexico, Central America, and Latino communities across the U.S.
• Happy Harvest Hollow: The Australia realm is the center of family fun with a Harvest Festival that everyone can enjoy, led by colorful dancing scarecrows.
• Land of Oz: The endearing characters from L. Frank Baum’s children's fantasy classic “Wizard of Oz” come to life and interact with the youngest Creatures of the Night guests and their families.
• Troll Cave: Step into a whimsical walkthrough experience that invites you to explore a mesmerizing landscape bursting with a vibrant sea of neon colors. As you stroll through this enchanting area, cheerful, colorful trolls greet you with their playful antics and vibrant personalities, creating a joyful and captivating adventure for guests of all ages.
• Pirates Paradise: Prepare to set sail on an extraordinary adventure into a vibrant pirate paradise, where the atmosphere is alive with enchanting mermaids and captivating décor. The experience culminates with an exhilarating performance by a skilled pirate magician, who will astound and delight with tricks and illusions that bring the magic of the high seas to life.
• Haunted Light Show: Enjoy a thrilling haunted Halloween light and music show every 15 minutes in front of ZooTampa’s own haunted house.

The Eerie Scale

ZooTampa is bringing back the Eerie Scale that will let you know how spooky an attraction may be. You'll find the signs featuring pumpkins at the entrance of each attraction.

For your reference: the Scared of the Dark haunted trail is rated three pumpkins, and Ghostly Groves is one pumpkin. Everything else is at one pumpkin.

Even More SPOOKtacular Entertainment and Animals:

Be sure you stop by one of the different chats and animal connections throughout the zoo. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the animals and even get up close and personal with them! During the 2026 Creatures of the Night, you can book two Signature Encounters: Giraffe Encounter and Behind the Scenes with the Indian White Rhino.

The Entertainment!

There are some cute live performances to experience during Creatures of the Night this year, including the return of the popular living water fountain in an all-new location at Manatee Circle!

2026 entertainment schedule:

• Pirate Magician at Saunders Theater in Florida: 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:45 pm, and 8:45 pm
• Fountain of Life at Enchanted Circle/Manatee Circle: Every half hour beginning at 4:05 pm through 9:05 pm
• Goodnight Creatures in Enchanted Circle/Manatee Circle: 9:30 pm

2026 Animal Experiences:

• 4:00 pm: Reptile & Amphibian Chat in Florida Waters and Komodo Dragon Feeding & Chat in Asia (-komodo event only on Oct. 2 & 30)
• 4:15 pm: Wildlife Connection at ZooVentures Theater
• 4:45 pm: Orangutan Chat in Primates
• 5:15 pm: Owl Chat in Florida Wilds
• 5:45 pm: Tiger Chat in Asia
• 6:15 pm: Shoebill Chat in Africa
• 6:30 pm: Wildlife Connections at ZooVentures Theater
• 7:00 pm: Binturong Chat in Asia
• 7:45 pm: Pygmy Hippo Chat in Africa and Wildlife Connections outside of Savanna Oasis in Africa
• 8:15 pm: Goodnight Penguin Chat in Africa
• 8:45 pm: River Otter Chat in Florida Waters

Don't miss ZooTampa mascots Manny T and Flora in their adorable Halloween costumes!

We loved it when Manny T came out dressed in his Halloween best! You'll see them throughout the night in the park. We spotted them in Australia in the Land of Oz for this cute photo op!

Quick Facts about ZooTampa's Creatures of the Night:

When is Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa? 

Creatures of the Night takes place on 15 select nights from September 25 through October 31, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Event capacity is limited.

How much are tickets for Creatures of the Night?

General admission tickets after 4 PM are $34.95 (Friday & Sunday), $39.95 (Saturday), and can be purchased online at zootampa.org. The event is FREE with a Zoo membership or a Pay for a Day ticket; however, blockout dates apply for Pay for a Day ticket holders on Saturdays in October.

Are costumes allowed at Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa?

Children 13 years of age and under are invited to wear their most spooky Halloween attire. For the comfort and security of all guests, anyone older than 13 years of age may not wear Halloween masks, wigs, face paint, or costumes of any kind. Toy weapons are prohibited regardless of age.

What kind of food and drinks is available at Creatures of the Night?

The ZooTampa chefs have been hard at work curating a spooktacular menu for you and the kids! You can explore the 2026 Creatures of the Night Foodie Guide here.

For more information on the event and to purchase tickets visit: ZOOTAMPA.ORG.

*Photos by Laura Byrne.