HalGLOWeen 2024 at the San Diego Zoo

Continuing on from Front Street, the next stops on your spooky journey are Centennial Plaza and the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. Both locations offer engaging activities and performances that invite kids to join in on the fun.

Boolahoops During Halgloween at the San Diego Zo

Centennial Plaza Entertainment

Kids can take center stage at Centennial Plaza when they party it up with the Boolahoops. Alongside singing and dancing, there are also family games and prizes.

The Boolahoops are stationed by Wegeforth Bowl, and their 30-minute shows run on the hour.

The Spiders Web During Halgloween at the San Diego Zo

Wildlife Explorers Basecamp

No trip to the zoo is complete without seeing the wildlife!

It’s what makes the San Diego Zoo an icon in Southern California alongside its sister site, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, and one of the biggest considerations when deciding whether to visit the Safari Park or the Zoo.

Luckily, this Halloween event has no shortage of animal encounters! The star wildlife attraction is the Featured Creatures presentations, which highlight different animals that may appear scary at first but are really just part of the ecosystem! Presentations at Rady’s Presentation Area begin at 5:15, 6:15, and 7:15 pm each night and last about 30 minutes.

Also at the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp is the acrobatic arachnid-themed Spider’s W.E.B. show, which runs continuously from 5:00-9:00 pm at Desert Dunes.

Finally, the Busy Bee Patio has The Glow-Go’s, a trio of animated pumpkins that sing and tell jokes. Laugh and dance with The Glow-Go’s from 6:30–9:00 pm.

Lion Statue at the Entrance to the San Diego Zoo

After the Zoo Party

If you want to maximize the time you’re spending in the park to see and do it all, I think staying at a family-friendly hotel is a must.

There are many quality hotel options near the zoo, but my suggestion is Paradise Point Resort & Spa. Here, parents can treat themselves to massages and poolside dining once the kids are all tired out.

Plus, its location in Mission Bay is ideal if you’re also thinking about taking your teenage kids for a trip to Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego.

Returning favorites and a brand-new attraction round out the 2024 HalGLOWeen schedule of events over by the Outback, Africa Rocks, Elephant Odyssey, and Northern Frontier parts of the park.

Gorilla Statue at the San Diego Zoo

Outback and Africa Rocks

The Outback features performances by the organist Dusty Keys, who provides haunting tunes with just a touch of silliness. There, you’ll also encounter the acrobatic variety show Spooky Revue near Sydney’s Grill, with 20-minute shows at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 pm.

Kids can meet Dr. Harry & Friends dressed up in their Halloween costume best as the Boo Crew. They’ll be near the Boardwalk Beer Garden in 20-minute intervals at 5:45, 6:50, and 7:55 pm.

Over by Africa Rocks, Dr. Zoolittle steals the show with his 30-minute Tricks & Treats talk. Learn fun facts about animals, meet some creepy crawlies, and see why conservation is at the heart of the San Diego Zoo.

Dia de Los Muertos in Old Town

A Mexican Cultural Celebration Near the Elephant Odyssey

You’ll find my personal favorite Día de los Muertos celebration in San Diego’s Old Town neighborhood, but you can also celebrate the lead-up to the holiday at the San Diego Zoo by watching the Día de los Muertos Mariachi band!

They travel between tables at the Sabertooth Mexican Grill near Elephant Odyssey and perform 30-minute musical shows at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 pm.

A New to 2024 Experience at the Northern Frontier

At the Northern Frontier, the San Diego Zoo is unveiling a HalGLOWeen attraction that’s new to the 2024 celebrations!

This is the Enchanted HalGLOWeen Forest, a walk-through experience that transforms the pathways into a light-up adventure. The forest is available to view from 6:30 on to closing time at 9:30 pm.

A Quick Personal Note for My Readers

I love the San Diego Zoo! I recommend it to all my friends and family. I personally visit multiple times a year with my wife and kids. It’s no surprise to me that it’s the #1 attraction is all of San Diego.

And while this will be my first year attending the HalGLOWeen event, there are so many shows and activities that I’m confident it will be a top-notch holiday experience my whole family will enjoy!