Volunteering for Special Events

Lots of things, including help with supervising Trick-or-Treat tables, game and activity stations, bounce houses, handing out prizes, delivery candy, being a “spooky ghoul” in the Haunted Zoo Zone, serving as costume mascots, and more.

Just about anyone! Kids must be at least 8 years old to volunteer with an adult or other authorized chaperone. Kids can volunteer without a chaperone starting at the age of 15. Some volunteer positions have age restrictions so please read detailed descriptions for each position before registering. (Adults must sign a waiver authorizing all children to volunteer.)

Yes, all event volunteers – both minors and adults! – need to have a completed Event Volunteer Waiver signed by a guardian. These electronic forms must be completed once per year for every volunteer, done in advance or upon check-in. The zoo will have access to the online form on your arrival and it will be emailed to you in advance – please watch your spam folder for zoo communications after signing up for shift(s).

On Fridays and Saturdays throughout October, 2026.  Volunteers must commit to be here for a full Volunteer Shift, and different shifts are available depending on the opportunity.

Halloween costumes are OPTIONAL (but encouraged!) for all volunteers UNLESS you are working the Haunted Zoo Zone (where costumes are required). Whether you wear a costume or not, please note that you should dress for the weather – Zoo Boo takes place outdoors, even in the rain – so keep that in mind as you dress.  The event goes on RAIN OR SHINE! (The Zoo does provide tents for shelter as much as possible for all volunteer positions, but some positions involve roving around the Zoo – such as Candy Running or Costume Mascots – so we cannot provide tents for those activities.

Several things! For starters: you get to have a lot of fun! Many of our volunteers tell us their favorite part of the event is seeing all the children having fun – and we have to agree, it’s an awesome experience to see zoo visitors having a good time, and knowing that you are a part of it. Secondly, all volunteers who request it will be given a proof-of-service, to turn in for verification of your service hours, whether you need the proof for school, church, or other things like job applications. Whatever your reason, you’ll have a signed form upon request. Finally,  volunteer will also receive a free beverage and a snack item, like a bag or pretzels or popcorn, plus a FREE ticket to visit the NEW Zoo or enjoy the Canopy Tour anytime in the next year.  These “Volunteer Vouchers” will be valid for regular zoo admission to the zoo on any day, but not for other special events that require event tickets (like Zoo Boo and EggStravaganZoo).  Each volunteer (adults and children) will receive one Volunteer Voucher per day of assisting at the event.

When you register for a volunteer shift, you will get an automatic email that will have a link to a website that contains detailed instructions about where to go and what to expect when volunteering. About one or two days before your volunteer shift(s), you will receive another email reminder with a link to the same page, which will be updated with a PDF version of the Volunteer Schedule. Please note that volunteer assignments may be changed by the Volunteer Coordinator in the case of not enough volunteer coverage, or due to no-shows on the day of the event. The Volunteer Coordinator strives to keep volunteers at your original registered positions, but we appreciate your understanding and willingness to be flexible, in order to help us hold a successful event.