Jack O'Lantern Extravaganza - Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

All-New Seasonal Spectacular!

Thousands of artistically carved pumpkins will glow in the night during the walk-through Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza, presented by Beverlynn and Steven Elliott. These gourd-geous works of art will feature beloved Zoo animals and familiar characters from the worlds of entertainment, science, fantasy, pop culture, sports, and more, presented with sound, light, and other special effects.

This family friendly event is the perfect combination of nighttime fun, the spirit of autumn, and artistry. Thousands of pumpkins will illuminate The Islands and Jungle Odyssey in a spectacle unlike anything you’ve ever seen, including differently themed areas with a Pittsburgh connection and our showstopping pumpkin trail finale, the Wonderwall.

In addition to pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and designs, the Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza will feature activities for children, gently spooky seasonal displays, and specialty seasonal food items. The evening Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza adds a fall family tradition that will delight guests of all ages. Check out 13 reasons why you should visit!

Ticket Options

Best Deals: Plan-Ahead Tickets, Member and Group Discountsexpand_more

Plan-Ahead Tickets

Adult tickets range $21-$28, with child tickets for ages 2-13 priced $3 less than adult tickets. The best prices are available when you buy advance Plan-Ahead tickets for the specific day and time you would like to visit. Entry times are available every 30 minutes. The earlier in the week you purchase tickets, the better the price! Learn about Plan-Ahead Pricing.

Member Discount

Members save $2 on all Plan-Ahead ticket types. Discount will automatically be applied to all Plan-Ahead Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza tickets in the cart once Members log in. Number of tickets discounted is limited to the level of Membership held by the guest.

Group Discount

Groups of 15+ can automatically receive a $21 flat rate on all Plan-Ahead ticket types. Discount will automatically be applied to all Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza tickets in the cart. If child rates are lower than $21 on your date of interest, you’ll receive the lower rates on those child tickets specifically. Groups must select a date and time that works for all members of the party. Note that Member discount does not apply to group sales.

Admission Process

The time on tickets indicates the half-hour range you will enter the Zoo but does not require a specific exit time. Once admitted to the Zoo at the listed time for the event, you may stay in the park as long as preferred, or until park close. Plan-Ahead tickets must be used on the selected evening, and are not transferrable to other nights.

Most Choice: Flex Ticketsexpand_more

Guests looking for the flexibility of visiting Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza during any night or time of the festival may purchase a Flex ticket. Flex tickets are single-use, flat-rate tickets that are good for any operating night at any time 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. These premium-priced $29 tickets offer options for guests with evolving plans.

No discounts are available for Flex tickets. Ticket price applies as a flat rate to guests of all ages over 24 months.

Activities & Add-Ons

It’s not just Jack O’Lanterns! In addition to the showcase Jack O’Lantern trail, enjoy these fun activities during your visit on select nights!

Scavenger Huntexpand_more

For guests of all ages, activity throughout the Zoo

Included free with all admission tickets, find specialty displays and great photo opportunities on your way to the Jack O’Lantern trail! Use your personal mobile device to spy our skeletons getting into all sorts of fun. Participation details available on grounds, or get started here:

Download Goosechase for iOS or Android
Participate as a guest or register for an account
Enter code “DEZ58R“, or search for “Jack O’Lantern Scavenger Hunt”
Enter password “jole” when you create your team profile
Have fun exploring Zoo grounds!

Spooky Express Pack: Night Train & Spooky Specsexpand_more

For guests of all ages, attractions in the Village

This pack includes one ride on the Spooky Express Train (the popular ride you love, decked out in special seasonal displays), and one set of Spooky Specs diffraction glasses that diffract light into spooky shapes and patterns. Family fun for all ages.

$7 pack available online with ticket purchase or on grounds at the carousel. Individual items also available on grounds at carousel a la carte.

Did you miss adding this pack to your cart when you purchased tickets?

Buy the add-on pack online now

Frightful Fun Pack: Seasonal VR & Spooky Specsexpand_more

For guests ages 8+, attractions in the Village

Older guests looking for a slightly scarier Halloween experience can receive one pair of Spooky Specs diffraction glasses per person and can enjoy our seasonal VR Theater show, “Jinxed,” a five minute clown-guided carnival ride through a creepy fun fair. Please note this VR experience may be startling. Guests under 39 inches tall or 6+ months pregnant should not ride.

Spooky specs glasses diffract light into spooky shapes and patterns.

$9 pack available online with ticket purchase or on grounds at the carousel. Individual items also available on grounds at carousel a la carte.

Did you miss adding this pack to your cart when you purchased tickets?

Buy the add-on online now (requires admission ticket)

Pumpkin Smashexpand_more

For guests ages 12+, located in the Village Pavilion

Who doesn’t love smashing pumpkins? Step right up, grab our provided tool of destruction, and go to town on a seasonal gourd.

Note, pumpkins selected for this activity are not otherwise suitable for display use and are being used sustainably. Goo is fully composted!

$10 per pumpkin, complete rules and purchase available on grounds, select nights only.

Theme Nightsexpand_more

For guests of all ages, throughout the Zoo

Get into the spirit! On listed weather-permitting weeknights, take photos and hang out with your favorite characters, and even dress the part.

Mondays: Princesses & Pirates
Tuesdays: Superheroes
Wednesdays: Witches & Wizards
Thursdays: Galaxy Adventures

Guests are welcome to come in costume for these themed nights! Note that guests must be able to safely move in their costumes, and teens and adults may not wear costumes that fully cover their faces; full costume guidelines below under “Experience & Getting Around.”

Buy Your Jack O'Lantern Extravaganza Tickets Now

Arriving at the Zoo & Sunset Showtime

Children under 24 months old do not require tickets.

Guests arriving at the Zoo without Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza tickets may buy tickets on grounds if tickets remain available. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets before arriving at the Zoo to guarantee availability.

The event will take place rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged. Only Member and Group discounts listed on this page apply; no additional discounts are available.

Main admission gates will open nightly 30-45 minutes before the Jack O’Lantern trail opens at the top of the park. For best experience, showtime for the Jack O’Lantern trail begins nightly at sundown. Early arriving guests may experience wait times. Guests will experience attractions, displays, and activities along the Savanna path to and from the trail.

Experience & Getting Around

Animals will not be visible in their public habitat during evening hours. To see all Zoo animals, you may also plan a daytime visit. Please note that the Zoo will fully close for one hour between daytime operation and nighttime Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza.

While our basic dress code applies, guests are welcome to wear costumes to the Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza if they prefer. Zoo staff may ask guests to modify costumes for safety. Costumes are encouraged to be family-friendly and should enable safe movement through the Zoo. Teens and adults may not wear a costume that fully covers their face. For additional costume fun at the Zoo with trick-or-treating, check out our daytime ZooBoo.

The Jack O’Lantern trail itself is at the top of the park in The Islands and Jungle Odyssey and is approximately 1/3 mile. Guests will both enter and exit the trail from the Savanna path. The entire event loop is approximately two miles and includes uphill portions. Tram will not operate during this evening event. Guests looking to rent a wheelchair or electric scooter are highly recommended to place an advanced reservation. Quantities are limited. Without a reservation, rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis and there is no guarantee of availability. To make a mobility assistance reservation, please call 412-365-6020.

The Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza is a highly sensory experience that includes colored lights and ambient sounds throughout the park. The Wonderwall, the finale of the Jack O’Lantern Trail, features quickly flashing lights and loud music. A sign is posted before entry to this section. Guests with sensitivities may like to check out a sensory bag at our admission gates.