Three special events at the St. Louis Zoo include Zootoberfest, with beer trailers and German food, and then three weekends of festive Halloween decorations throughout the zoo. Find out about Boo at the Zoo, too.

Photo courtesy of St. Louis Zoo

Zootoberfest is Oct. 8–9. Children can participate in fun activities, including arts and crafts and an obstacle course at this free event. Special cheddar bacon and pepper bratwursts, caramel apple dumplings, Bavarian pretzels, German-style pizza, and apple-cider floats provide the flavors of an Octoberfest, and beer trailers throughout the zoo are available for the adults. A Zootoberfest beer stein allows discounts for refills (while supplies last). DJ tunes will play from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Schnuck Family Plaza. There are more details here.

Photo courtesy of St. Louis Zoo

Halloweekends will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the remaining Saturdays and Sundays in October (15–16, 22–23, & 29–30), and it is also free. Family-friend Halloween costumes are encouraged, but costume masks are not permitted. Halloween decorations “too cute to spook” will be throughout the zoo, and special “Pumpkin Stomp N’ Chomp” enrichment for the animals should please the kids. This is not a trick-or-treating event, however. Some special discounts are available for kids ages 2–12 in costume, such as for adventure passes, the Safari Gift Shop, and the Treetop shop. Animal adoption packages with a plush toy will be $10 off. More information here. 

Photo courtesy of St. Louis Zoo

Boo at the Zoo is a ticketed event, but also not a trick-or-treat event, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct 14–30. Strolling entertainers throughout the week and stage shows on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are extras, and admission includes entrance to Boo at the Zoo, Dinoroarus, Stingrays at Caribbean Cove, Conservation Carousel, and 4D Theater. Fees range from $9-$11 for members and $12–$13 for nonmembers. Find details here. 

Find more events here.