Family-friendly Halloween fun awaits at the Zoo this October
The costumes are coming out, the candy bags are ready, and something spooky is brewing at John Ball Zoo.
Zoo Goes Boo returns this fall with three weekends of Halloween adventures for families, transforming the Zoo into a festive destination filled with trick-or-treating, larger-than-life characters, live entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to get into the Halloween spirit.
The celebration runs three weekends: Oct. 16-18, Oct. 23-25 and Oct. 30-Nov. 1, giving families plenty of chances to make Zoo Goes Boo part of their Halloween traditions.
“Zoo Goes Boo is one of those experiences where the fun starts the moment you walk through the gates,” said Darci Mitchell, promotions and events manager at John Ball Zoo. “Whether you’re coming for the candy, dressing up with your family, enjoying the entertainment or simply taking in all the Halloween decorations, there’s something for everyone. When you visit the Zoo, you’re also helping support wildlife conservation.”
Guests can follow the Halloween fun throughout the Zoo, with 13 twisted treat stations offering a variety of Halloween goodies. Between candy stops, visitors can encounter spooky decorations and enjoy entertainment including magicians, fire dancers, villains, and more.
Halloween isn’t just for kids, either. Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up and show off their favorite costumes. Those who arrive without one can still join the fun with festive face painting available at the Zoo.
For trick-or-treaters with food allergies, allergy-friendly treats will be available. Guests can look for teal pumpkins at designated treat stations and request a special token that can be exchanged for allergy-friendly options at a specialty booth.
For everyone’s safety, costumes with full-face masks or weapons are not permitted.
Zoo Goes Boo also offers a chance to connect Halloween traditions with wildlife conservation. The candy distributed during the event is made by companies committed to using sustainable palm oil, a choice that helps reduce the deforestation and habitat loss associated with palm oil production in Southeast Asia, where wild orangutans live. Guests can take the conservation message home with them by learning how everyday choices, including the Halloween treats they purchase, can make a difference for endangered wildlife.
“Zoo Goes Boo is a great example of how conservation can be part of an everyday family experience,” Mitchell said. “We hope guests have a fantastic time at the Zoo and leave with a little more knowledge about how their choices can help wildlife around the world.”
Zoo Goes Boo is open to John Ball Zoo members from 9-10 a.m. and to general admission guests from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Members receive free admission. General admission is $22.95 for adults and $16.95 for youth and seniors. Museum for All (EBT/WIC) and reciprocal discounts are not valid during Zoo Goes Boo.
