Halloween outing costs: what Fort Worth families should budget before heading out

Fort Worth families comparing Halloween outings have three different budgets to consider: free admission at Truck Yard, regular zoo admission for Boo at the Zoo, and date-dependent tickets for Pumpkin Nights in Arlington. Parking and optional activities can change the final cost.

For two adults and two children ages 4–12 traveling in one car, the posted admission and parking charges work out to $85 at the zoo. Pumpkin Nights lists an October weekday range of $90–$102 for the same group, compared with $126–$142 on Fridays through Sundays. These are calculations from advertised rates, not checkout quotes; food, extras and any additional checkout charges are excluded.

Boo at the Zoo: Oct. 23–25

Boo at the Zoo runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 23, 24 and 25 at Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Parkway. The Halloween activities are included with zoo admission or membership.

Admission is $22 for ages 13–64, $18 for children ages 3–12 and adults 65 and older, and free for children 2 and younger. Main-lot parking is $5 per vehicle, or free with a valid member card. General admission tickets are valid for one visit within 30 days of purchase.

The event uses coupons at its treat stations. Each admission ticket or membership receives six complimentary coupons; six additional coupons cost $5. Visitors 13 and older must keep their faces identifiable, so leave full-face costume masks and heavy disguising makeup at home. Allow extra time for traffic and parking.

Truck Yard: Oct. 24

Truck Yard Fort Worth lists its Halloween party from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at 3101 Prairie Vista Drive. Admission is free. The venue links to an Eventbrite RSVP page.

The children’s costume contest starts at 7 p.m., followed by dogs at 7:30 p.m. and adults 21 and older at 8:45 p.m. Contest registration is first-come, first-served. Plan an earlier arrival if competing is important.

The organizer’s age policy has a useful exception for families: entry becomes 21-and-older at 9 p.m., but people already at the event may stay. Food and drinks should be budgeted separately from free admission.

Pumpkin Nights: choose an October date before driving

Pumpkin Nights is at Howell Farms, 4016 W. Division St., Arlington. For the remaining October season, posted entry slots run from 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 6 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. Those are arrival windows, not a promise that every slot remains available.

October general admission is advertised at $24–$28 for ages 13 and older and $16–$18 for ages 4–12 on weekdays. Weekend ranges rise to $34–$38 and $24–$28, respectively. Children 3 and younger enter free. Parking adds $10 per car.

Buy tickets online before arriving and choose a 30-minute entry window. Prices increase as dates fill. Tickets are nonrefundable; changing nights requires at least 48 hours’ notice and costs $5 per ticket, subject to availability. Check the final price and selected date before paying.

All times are Central Daylight Time (CDT). Details were checked Oct. 18, 2026. Recheck the organizer’s page before leaving, especially for weather notices or ticket availability.