Prospect Park Zoo leans into October with tombstones for extinct animals ringing Sea Lion Court, each one a small lesson in why conservation matters. A Spooky Trail spotlights the park's nocturnal wildlife, and spooky science demos and live performances fill the rest of the visit. For toddlers and preschoolers, this compact Brooklyn zoo is an easy costume outing.
What to expect
Expect a walkable loop: sea lions and the extinct-animal tombstones up front, the Spooky Trail through the exhibits, and science stations and performers along the way. Harvest decorations set up photo spots, so kids in costume will want a picture or two.
Good to know
- Take the B, Q or S train to Prospect Park; the zoo is a short walk up Flatbush Ave.
- Costumes are encouraged and the harvest photo spots are built for them.
- The zoo is compact, which suits toddlers and preschoolers.
- Pair it with the nearby Prospect Park Carousel or Lefferts Historic House.
- Check the zoo's ticket page before you go for current admission options.
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Common questions
Which weekends does Spooktober run?
Prospect Park's calendar lists it every Saturday and Sunday in October 2026, from Oct 3 through Oct 31.
Is it included with zoo admission?
The listing gives a $3–$12 admission range; check the zoo's ticket page for your age bracket.
What are the tombstones about?
They mark extinct animals and explain how conservation can help prevent future extinctions.
