Top 10 Things to Do at Creatures of the Night at ZooAmerica 2026
Two Weekends Left to Explore the Zoo in Hershey, Pennsylvania, After Dark
Only two weekends remain to experience ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park after hours during Creatures Of The Night. Held in Hershey, Pa., this popular Halloween-themed event takes place Fridays through Sundays from 6 to 9 p.m. through Nov. 1, 2026. Alongside festive seasonal decorations throughout the 11-acre zoo, visitors can enjoy special themed activities included with general admission.
Explore the photo guide below of the top things to do at Creatures Of The Night, weather permitting.
1. Spot the creatures of the night by flashlight
Creatures Of The Night offers the exclusive opportunity to explore ZooAmerica after dark and view North American wildlife at night. Guests of all ages are invited to bring flashlights to illuminate outdoor habitats, providing a unique perspective on evening animal behavior. Flashlights are also available at Admissions for $4.
You might see a black bear resting in its den, a porcupine perched in a tree, a gray wolf howling under the moonlit sky, or a mountain lion scaling rock formations.
2. Get up close to creepy crawlers
One of the most exciting stops during Creatures Of The Night is the creepy crawler exhibit. Located in the Woodlands Classroom, attendees can view fascinating invertebrates such as a tarantula, walking sticks, cockroaches, superworms and mealworms.
3. Visit "Furry Tails" on the patio
The spooky Woodlands Patio features a display case of animal bones and skeletons alongside themed animal potions. Attendees can also see a ferret or skunk up close during the interactive “Furry Tails” experience.
4. Decorate a luminary
When visitors wander into the Big Sky Country region, they can stop by a craft station to color their own luminary. Once darkness sets in, team members at the Zoo will display these decorated luminaries in the field near the iconic Hershey smokestacks to illuminate the evening.
Be sure to capture a picture of your creation and share it with us on Facebook and Instagram using @ZooAmerica!
5. Observe an animal enrichment
At 6:30 p.m. on every operating night of Creatures Of The Night, visitors can see select residents participate in pumpkin-themed activities and receive seasonal treats.
- Fridays: Bobcats
- Saturdays: Gray wolves
- Sundays: Great Southwest species
6. Learn about the animal skeletal system
Returning this season, visitors can examine real wildlife radiograph scans inside the Great Southwest Building. Knowledgeable staff will be present to explain the different X-rays and address any questions.
7. Explore the wolf artifact station
Situated right by the gray wolf habitat, visitors can touch and inspect authentic pelts at an interactive educational table. Staff will also be on hand to engage with guests and share insights about the wolf pack.
8. Go on a scavenger hunt
Visitors of all ages can join a fun, family-friendly scavenger hunt to complete the jigsaw puzzle by locating hidden wolf silhouettes.
9. Take in the festive decor
Right across from the prairie dog display, guests will find upcycled artwork designed by ZooAmerica team members, offering a picturesque setting for photos. Additionally, festive Halloween lighting and spooky accents—such as an animal graveyard—are located on the paths throughout the 11-acre grounds for visitors to discover as they explore after dark.
10. Bonus: See some nocturnal animals in daylight
As a special bonus feature of Creatures Of The Night, visitors can experience the Great Southwest building with its lighting turned on. During standard day operating hours, the exhibit uses low-light conditions to simulate nighttime for its nocturnal inhabitants. However, during the event, the building is illuminated in "daylight," offering guests a rare opportunity to view a ringtail, an ocelot and other nocturnal animals in light.
Creatures Of The Night is included in the one-price admission to Hersheypark Halloween only when accessing the Zoo from the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours. Separate admission, starting at $14.50 plus taxes and fees, is also available online for guests planning to attend only Creatures Of The Night.
Are you interested in discovering more family-friendly activities this fall? Check out our Guide to Hersheypark Halloween 2026 for Families.