Brookfield Zoo, a renowned zoological park located in the heart of Illinois, hosts an annual Halloween-themed event called “Boo at the Zoo.” This family-friendly celebration offers a variety of activities and attractions that cater to visitors of all ages, making it a must-visit destination for zoo enthusiasts and Halloween lovers alike.
Dates and Times
The Boo at the Zoo event takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from October 7th to October 22nd, 2023, with the festivities running from 10:30 AM to 4 PM. This extended schedule allows families to plan their visit and enjoy the spooky festivities at their own pace.
Activities and Attractions
Boo at the Zoo is packed with a wide range of activities and attractions that are sure to delight visitors. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect:
Candy Stations
Scattered throughout the zoo, these candy stations offer a sweet treat for visitors, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Giant Pumpkin Carving
One of the event’s highlights is the impressive display of giant pumpkin carvings, showcasing the incredible artistry and skill of the carvers.
Haunted Hayrides
Brave visitors can embark on a spooky hayride, where they’ll encounter eerie sights and sounds along the way.
Corn Maze
Navigating the corn maze is a fun and challenging activity that tests visitors’ problem-solving skills.
Pumpkin Decorating
At the Pumpkin Patch located in the Beer Garden, guests can unleash their creativity by decorating their own pumpkins.
Boo Draw Wall
Near the Nature Stage, the Boo Draw Wall provides a unique opportunity for visitors to showcase their artistic talents.
Creepy Carousel
For an extra dose of Halloween thrills, the Creepy Carousel offers a spooky twist on the classic carousel ride (separate fee applies).
Virtual Reality 4D Theater Show
Visitors can experience the “Jinxed: a Spooky Carnival Coaster Simulator” virtual reality show, which promises a thrilling and immersive experience (separate fee applies).
Magician Performances
Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy captivating magic performances at the Nature Plaza.
Animal Feedings
As part of the zoo’s enrichment program, various animals are given pumpkins, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Photo Opportunities
Boo at the Zoo offers numerous photo opportunities for visitors to capture their spooktacular memories. These include the Howl-O-Scenes Photo Spot at the Beer Garden and various Boo at the Zoo photo spots featuring giant inflatables, photo frames, and peekboards.
Safety Guidelines
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, the zoo has implemented a few guidelines regarding costumes. Guests over the age of 13 are not allowed to wear full-body costumes with their heads covered, as this can cause confusion and safety concerns.
Admission and Parking
Admission to Boo at the Zoo is as follows:
– Adults: $29.95
– Children (3-11): $20.95
– Seniors (65+): $24.95
Parking at the zoo ranges from $17 to $20, depending on the location and availability.
Special Events and Chats
Throughout the event, the zoo offers scheduled “Zoo Chats” that provide visitors with the opportunity to learn more about various animals, such as screech owls, snakes, wolves, and Rodrigues fruit bats. Additionally, the Pumpkins to Animals schedule allows visitors to witness the zoo’s animals receiving their pumpkin treats.
For more information and updates on Brookfield Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo event, be sure to visit the official website at czs.org/booatthezoo.
References
- https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/Brookfield-Zoo/Archive-Events/Upcoming-Events/Boo-at-the-Zoo
- https://explore.visitoakpark.com/info/brookfield-zoo-boo-at-the-zoo
- https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/Halloween-Fun-Brewin%E2%80%99-at-Brookfield-Zoo%E2%80%99s-Annual-Boo-at-the-Zoo