Pumpkin Smash (2026)

Watch the Louisville Zoo animals celebrate the season as they experience a special Halloween treat. The zoo's residents will receive pumpkins and gourds left over from the Boo at the Zoo decorations, turning them into an enrichment activity that encourages natural behaviors. This is a wonderful opportunity to see how the animals interact with these seasonal treats in new and entertaining ways. The event runs throughout the morning and early afternoon, with scheduled pumpkin feedings for different animals at staggered times—from meerkats and giraffes early on to bears and gorillas later in the day. Other creatures may enjoy pumpkin enrichment as well throughout the event. Best of all, admission to Pumpkin Smash is included with your regular zoo ticket, making it a great addition to a fall visit. Just note that the specific schedule is subject to change, so it's worth checking ahead before you go.