Omaha’s Zoo and Aquarium proudly announces the return of Ghouls and Glow presented by Veridian Credit Union. Experience a light-time adventure for the whole family this Halloween at Omaha’s Zoo and Aquarium. This fun and not-so-frightening event is an illuminated spectacle for all ages being held October 8 – 10 and 15 – 30, 2021.
Over 400 larger-than life lanterns, custom-made for the Zoo, will illuminate the Bay Family’s Children’s Adventure Trails. Visitors will encounter dancing skeletons, candy monsters, jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, witches, wizards, spider web arches, sugar skulls with elements of nature, an eerie house, a mummy band and other friendly ghouls. A number of bats, vultures, spiders and black cats will also light up the trails.
By popular demand, trick-or-treating is returning to the Zoo this Halloween! Every night of Ghouls & Glow, treat stations will be available from 6 to 8 p.m. as the Zoo hands out more than one million pieces of candy. To help the Zoo stay green, guests should bring their own bag to collect treats.
Outside of the main lantern display, hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins will glisten along the Zoo’s pathways, as well as a 14-foot-tall pumpkin tree and themed lighting and décor provided by the Zoo’s holiday lighting partner, Holidynamics. Throughout the evening, Omaha Circus Arts will showcase their amazing acts of fire dancing, aerials, juggling and flow arts, while Omaha Street Percussion returns with their popular percussion performances. Joe Cole’s Magic Show will bring awe and delight to little ones and a DJ on the Desert Dome Plaza will keep everyone dancing all night long.
Visitors can also catch an animal ambassador program, grab a bite to eat at Sea Turtle Café or explore some of the Zoo’s indoor exhibits. See the nocturnal animals of Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night or visit the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium after-hours.
Tickets are available for purchase online at OmahaZoo.com. Hours of operation on Sunday through Thursday nights are from 6 to 9 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday nights from 6 to 10 p.m. Ticket prices vary based on date of attendance and for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members. If purchased onsite at the Zoo, prices increase $4 per ticket. Online ticket purchases are encouraged. Tickets are available for purchase online starting Wednesday, Sept. 8.
October 8, 9, 15 and 16:
- Member Adult = $13
- Member Child = $15
- Non-Member Adult = $17
- Non-Member Child = $19
October 10, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21:
- Member Adult = $11
- Member Child = $13
- Non-Member Adult = $15
- Non-Member Child = $17
October 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30:
- Member Adult = $15
- Member Child = $17
- Non-Member Adult = $19
- Non-Member Child = $21
Please note that Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is committed to taking the necessary precautions to protect the health and wellness of all staff, guests and animals. We have adopted the principals of a “healthy you, healthy Zoo.” Wash your hands regularly, cover your cough, stay with your group, and practice social distancing.
During Ghouls & Glow presented by Veridian Credit Union, social distancing and face masks are encouraged. Traffic inside the lantern display will follow a one-way path. For the safety of our animals, during Animal Ambassador programming, guests may not touch the animals and will be required to keep a 6-ft distance. Staff handing out candy will wear gloves. Guests are not permitted to reach for their own treats.
In preparation for the event, Bay Family’s Children’s Adventure Trails will close for the season on Monday, September 20, 2021. For more details and information regarding Ghouls & Glow, including answers to frequently asked questions, please visit OmahaZoo.com
Ghouls and Glow is one Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium’s annual fundraisers. Event proceeds are allocated toward animal health, wellness and enrichment programs as well as furthering conservation efforts worldwide. Thank you for helping us to Zoo More Good!
