Staten Island Zoo’s Annual Spooktacular Returns 

Halloween season on Staten Island wouldn’t be complete without the Staten Island Zoo’s beloved Spooktacular, the borough’s premier Halloween event for families. Now in its 27th year, this annual tradition is set to take over the Zoo’s 8-acre campus on Saturday, October 18th, and Sunday, October 19th, from 2:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Presented by Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), Spooktacular promises two afternoons and evenings filled with music, costumes, activities, and plenty of Halloween spirit.

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Tickets & Admission

Tickets are now available for purchase exclusively on the Zoo’s website: statenislandzoo.org. The cost is $25 for Zoo members and $30 for general admission, while children aged 2 and under can attend for free (registration is required). Since this event tends to sell out each year, families are encouraged to buy their tickets as soon as possible. To maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all, ticket quantities are limited, and entry times are scheduled in half-hour intervals. Guests are kindly asked to arrive no more than 10 minutes before their designated entry time.

A Staten Island Halloween Tradition

For nearly three decades, Spooktacular has been the go-to Halloween celebration on Staten Island, drawing thousands of visitors each year. What started as a seasonal gathering has evolved into a large-scale event with something for everyone – from toddlers to teens, and parents to grandparents. The Zoo’s pathways, plazas, and open spaces are transformed into a Halloween festival brimming with activities and entertainment.

Guests are encouraged to come in costume and join the fun, with highlights including:

• Live musical revues and stage performances to keep the energy high
• Trick-or-treat zones offering candy and goodies for kids throughout the grounds
• A colorful carnival with games and prizes
• Arts-and-crafts stations where children can make their own Halloween keepsakes
• A lively disco dance party where families can dance the night away
• A family-friendly Scare Zone, spooky enough to thrill, but safe for kids!
• Pumpkin carving demonstrations by Staten Island’s own Julia Jankowski, who gained national attention as a contestant on Season 12 of Halloween Wars

With roaming costumed characters, themed decorations, and countless photo-worthy backdrops, Spooktacular creates the perfect setting for lasting family memories.

Planning Your Visit

To make the most of the experience, visitors should note the following:

• The event is rain or shine. Most activities take place outdoors, so please dress accordingly for the weather.
  
• Entrance and exit are only through Clove Road. The Broadway gate will remain closed.
  
• Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase at food stands throughout the Zoo.
  
• No same-day ticket sales. All tickets must be purchased online in advance.
  
• No refunds or exchanges. Families are encouraged to double-check their dates and times when booking to ensure accuracy.
  
• Zoo closures: In preparation for the big event, the Staten Island Zoo will be closed to the general public from Friday, October 17, through Monday, October 20.

Why It’s a Must-See Event

Spooktacular transcends Halloween; it’s a celebration of community. Every year, this event unites Staten Islanders, providing a safe and thrilling environment for families to embrace the holiday spirit. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the Zoo in a fresh way, with music, costumes, and decorations turning the familiar landscape into a Halloween wonderland. For countless families, attending Spooktacular has become a beloved seasonal tradition. 

And of course, supporting Spooktacular also supports the Staten Island Zoo, one of the borough’s most treasured cultural institutions. Proceeds from the event help the Zoo continue its mission of animal care, conservation, and education.

With activities ranging from pumpkin carving to grooving to disco tunes, candy collecting, and a chance to meet fantastical costumed characters, there’s plenty to enchant every Halloween enthusiast. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a familiar face, this year’s festivities are guaranteed to deliver excitement, laughter, and a wealth of spooky delights. 

So, dust off those costumes, rally your little monsters, and join the Staten Island Zoo for a magical Halloween weekend at Spooktacular 2025!