Top 10 Things to Do at Creatures of the Night at ZooAmerica

Date: October 24, 2025

There are only two more weekends left to visit ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park after dark for Creatures Of The Night. The popular Halloween-themed event in Hershey, Pa., runs on Fridays and Saturdays from 6-9 p.m. through Nov. 1, 2025. Not only is the Zoo decorated for the season, but guests can also participate in special 45th anniversary event activities, which are included in the admission price.

Check out this photo guide of the top 10 things to do at Creatures Of The Night, weather permitting.

1. See the creatures of the night by flashlight

Creatures Of The Night is the only time of year that ZooAmerica is open to the public after dark to see the nocturnal North American animals. Guests of all ages are encouraged to bring their own flashlights for optimal viewing of the outdoor habitats. Visitors might spot a porcupine in a tree, a black bear in its den, a mountain lion climbing its rock structure or a gray wolf howling under the moon. It's a fun and unique way to observe animal habits after the sun sets.

2. Watch a zookeeper at work (NEW)

A Zoo naturalist will work in the Falconry Building for all guests to see what it's like in a typical zookeeper's office. The naturalist will be just like one of the animals to observe. This is a nod to the human exhibit that was conducted many years ago, where someone would “watch TV” and act like a human at home, seemingly unaware of the observing visitors. 

3. Go on a history-themed scavenger hunt (NEW)

In celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Halloween event, guests can participate in a scavenger hunt around the Zoo to learn about its history with items hidden in animal habitats and buildings.

There is also a new history display case that houses photos and artifacts related to the history of ZooAmerica and Creatures Of The Night.

4. Find Bigfoot (NEW)

Bigfoot will move to a new location every weekend (five spots in total). Guests are encouraged to find him and take a photo/selfie to share on social media using the hashtag #SasquatchSelfieZA.

5. Stop by “Furry Tails" on the patio

Visitors can stop by “Furry Tails” in a spooky-decorated tent on the Woodlands Patio. Zoo staff will be on-site with ferrets for guests to see up close and learn about their diet. 

Guests can even see and feel some of the food combinations given to the animals at the new "Creature Kitchen” display. Additionally, those who enjoy arts and crafts can color their own potion, with supplies provided.

6. Decorate a luminary

Guests are encouraged to bring their curiosity and creativity to the Zoo after dark! An arts and crafts station is set up in the Big Sky Country region for guests to decorate a luminary. Supplies will be provided. Throughout the evening, Zoo staff will place the decorated luminaries in an animal habitat to light up the night. 

Don't forget to snap a photo of your artwork and tag us on Facebook and Instagram at @ZooAmerica!

7. Observe an animal enrichment

Guests can watch an animal enrichment activity at 6:30 p.m. on each operating evening of Creatures Of The Night. 

• Friday night: Great Southwest animals
• Saturday night: Gray wolves

As a bonus, a touch-and-feel table staffed by a ZooAmerica team member is set up in front of the gray wolf habitat during Creatures Of The Night. Visitors can stop by the table to see and feel various animal fur and paw prints, and ask questions about the gray wolves.

8. Get up close to creepy crawlers

Inside the Woodlands Classroom, creepy crawler invertebrates are on display. Guests can see tarantulas, cockroaches, walking sticks, scorpions, mealworms and superworms. Those brave enough can even stick their hand in a mystery box!

9. Learn about the animal skeletal system

Back by popular demand, guests can get an up-close look at animal X-ray images inside the Great Southwest Building. They can learn about the diverse skeletal systems of animals through a display of skulls. Team members will be on-site to discuss the various X-rays and answer questions. 

10. Enjoy decorations

Across from the prairie dog habitat is a display of recycled treasures, decorated by the ZooAmerica team. It's a great photo opportunity! The 11-acre Zoo is also decorated with Halloween lights and other spooky touches for guests to enjoy during their self-guided flashlight tour.

New this year, guests can read nocturnal animal facts while playing flashlight hide and seek with animal cutouts on the ramp between the Southern Swamps and Great Southwest buildings.

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 or at the ZooAmerica Admissions Building for guests who plan to attend just Creatures Of The Night. 

Are you interested in discovering more family-friendly activities this fall? Check out our Family-Friendly Guide to Hersheypark Halloween 2025.