September 30 | Sensory-Friendly ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo
Experience the magic of ZooBoo with sensory-friendly adjustments designed to make this popular fall tradition more comfortable and accessible for guests with sensory needs. Enjoy seasonal activities, animals, and Halloween fun with reduced sound, no fog machines, a quiet room, and additional sensory supports throughout the Zoo.
Event Details
When: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Where: Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, IN
Event: ZooBoo
Format: In person
Cost: Zoo admission and event details apply
Event Details: Visit the Indianapolis Zoo's ZooBoo page
About This Event
ZooBoo brings Halloween fun to the Indianapolis Zoo with seasonal decorations, activities, animals, and plenty of opportunities for families to explore.
For the September 30 sensory-friendly experience, the Zoo will make a number of adjustments intended to reduce sensory intensity while keeping the spirit of ZooBoo intact. Music and amplified sound will be reduced, fog machines will be turned off, and character microphones and DJ volume will be lowered.
Families can also take advantage of the Zoo's existing sensory supports, including sensory bags, weighted lap pads, quiet zones, and signage identifying areas that may have increased sound or smells.
The Indianapolis Zoo is also a KultureCity-certified sensory-inclusive institution, with staff receiving annual training focused on welcoming guests with varying sensory needs.
Accessibility Highlights
Features Families May Appreciate:
ZooBoo-specific adjustments:
Fog machines turned off
Reduced DJ volume
Reduced microphone volume for characters
Reduced volumes in the Leeward Manor area
No fog effects
Sensory-friendly adjustments throughout the Zoo:
Music played at very low levels or turned off
Animal chats and activities adapted for sensory-friendly audiences
No microphones used for animal chats unless needed based on crowd size
Sensory-friendly Dolphin Presentation with house lights remaining on
Reduced music and sound during the Dolphin Presentation
Quiet room available
Advance warning before the train horn and lights/smoke effects
Signage throughout the Zoo identifying relevant areas
Everyday sensory supports:
Free sensory bags with noise-reduction headphones, sunglasses, communication tools, and tactile sensory items
Free weighted lap pads at the Dolphin Presentation and White River Junction Train
Headphone Zones identifying potentially loud areas
Quiet Zones
Smell Zones
Accessibility map
Social story to help families prepare for a Zoo visit
KultureCity sensory-inclusive certification
Helpful Planning Tips:
Consider reviewing the Zoo's accessibility map and social story before your visit.
Sensory bags can be borrowed at the Visitor Services Center or Carousel ticket booth.
Weighted lap pads are available at the Dolphin Presentation and White River Junction Train.
Bring familiar sensory supports if your child has preferred headphones, communication tools, or comfort items.
Review the Zoo's Headphone Zones, Quiet Zones, and Smell Zones when planning your route.
Even with sensory-friendly adjustments, ZooBoo remains a seasonal Halloween event, so families may want to consider whether costumes, decorations, crowds, or other environmental elements are a comfortable fit for their individual needs.
Who Might Enjoy This Event?
ZooBoo may be a good fit for:
Families looking for an inclusive Halloween activity
Children who enjoy animals and seasonal celebrations
Neurodivergent children and adults
Guests who benefit from reduced sound and sensory intensity
Families who appreciate having sensory supports available
Children who enjoy exploring at their own pace
What Families May Want to Know
Before you go:
ZooBoo is still a Halloween event, even with the sensory-friendly adjustments. Families may encounter seasonal decorations, crowds, costumes, characters, and other elements associated with the celebration.
The sensory-friendly adjustments are designed to reduce some of the environmental intensity, rather than eliminate every potentially stimulating element.
The Zoo's sensory supports are available beyond designated sensory-friendly events, so families can also use these resources during other visits.
Why Families May Appreciate It
A sensory-friendly Halloween experience does not have to mean taking the Halloween out of Halloween.
For families who love the idea of ZooBoo but find amplified music, fog effects, or unexpected sensory experiences challenging, these adjustments create another way to participate. Turning down the volume, removing fog effects, keeping lights on during the Dolphin Presentation, and providing places to take a break can give families more options for navigating the experience.
The Zoo's broader sensory supports also mean families can prepare ahead of time and make choices based on what works for their individual needs.
Plan Your Visit
☐ Review the Zoo's accessibility map
☐ Read the social story before visiting
☐ Check the day's ZooBoo schedule and admission information
☐ Identify Quiet Zones and Headphone Zones
☐ Consider bringing preferred sensory supports
☐ Pick up a sensory bag if helpful
☐ Ask about a weighted lap pad if attending the Dolphin Presentation or train
☐ Plan where your family can take a break if needed
☐ Give yourself permission to skip activities that don't feel like a good fit
What’s on Your Calendar?
Know about another sensory-friendly, inclusive, or family-friendly event happening in Central Indiana?
