Carson Springs' Halloween Safari Drive-Thru runs Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31, east of Gainesville. Book ahead; $10 for ages 3 and up.

The Carson Springs Halloween Safari Drive-Thru is a tour you take from your own car past big cats, other animals and costumed Halloween monsters, with candy stations for kids. It runs Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation east of Gainesville, and tickets are $10 for ages 3 and up, booked in advance.

Last checked 2026-10-19.

Upcoming dates

  • Fri. Oct. 30, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
  • Sat. Oct. 31, 1 to 3 p.m.

These are the two drive-thru windows on the foundation’s booking calendar. You can arrive any time during a window, up to 15 minutes before it closes, and the tour takes about 35 minutes. Saturday is Halloween, so the afternoon slot leaves the evening free for trick-or-treating.

Where it is and parking

Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation is at 8528 E. County Road 225, Gainesville, northeast of the city. This is a drive-thru, so you stay in your own vehicle and follow the route, which the foundation says is one way and one round only.

Tickets and cost

The foundation lists the drive-thru at $10 for ages 3 and up. Book online through its Halloween Drive-Thru page before you go. There is no general walk-through or admission on the day, so a ticket booked in advance is the only way in.

Questions go to the foundation at 352-468-2827 or contact@cswildlife.org.

What to know

  • Stay in the car. Everyone remains in their vehicle for the whole drive-thru. The foundation warns that you will be very close to dangerous animals and that children must be watched carefully.
  • What you will see: big cat feedings, candy stations for kids and Halloween monsters alongside the animals.
  • Dogs: allowed only if they stay in your vehicle with the windows closed.
  • What to bring: your vehicle, and light layers for the weather on the day.
  • Respect the residents. The foundation asks visitors to remember they are guests in the animals’ home.

Carson Springs also runs holiday walk-or-ride tours for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, and a spring open house, listed on the same site. For more Halloween ideas around town, see our Halloween events guide and things to do this month.

Dates and venues as listed on the Visit Gainesville calendar and confirmed on the organizer’s site.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Carson Springs Halloween Drive-Thru?

The 2026 drive-thru runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, and from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. You can arrive any time up to 15 minutes before the window closes.

How much is the Carson Springs Halloween Drive-Thru?

Carson Springs lists the drive-thru at $10 for ages 3 and up. Tickets must be booked in advance on its website.

Can I bring my dog to the Carson Springs Halloween Drive-Thru?

Yes, if the dog stays in your vehicle with the windows closed, the foundation says.

Can you get out of the car at the Carson Springs Halloween Safari?

No. Everyone stays in their vehicle for the whole tour, and there is no walk-through or general admission during the event.