The Halloween season is right around the corner and that means the return of ZooBoo, the Indianapolis Zoo’s beloved fall favorite! ZooBoo combines amazing animals, fun costumes, trick-or-treating, delicious food and spooktacular fun at every turn.
ZooBoo returns on Wednesday, Sept. 25 and runs every Wednesday-Sunday through Oct. 31. The Zoo opens daily at 9am while ZooBoo activities run from 2-7pm on Wednesday, Thursdays and Sundays, and 2-9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Hours are extended on Halloween from 9am-7pm. The Zoo will close early on Saturday, October 5 at 7pm for Brewfari presented by Scarlet Lane.
Under the Bicentennial Pavilion, guests will find the whimsical Pumpkin Town, with a ghoulish cast of characters hosting lots of family-friendly activities. New this year, guests care invited to explore the mysterious Leeward Manor, the home of Leeward Sisters – Terra, Wisp and Bubbes, and a family-friendly experience with tricks and magic around every corner. Guests will also meet a new character this year, the Leeward Sisters’ fortune-telling cousin Clara Voyant, who will ask guests a series of questions before gazing into her crystal ball to show their animal familiar.
When guests walk through the front gates and enter the White River Gardens, they will enjoy a beautiful display of animal shaped topiaries with plenty of lights and frights. Then they will take a stroll through Bat Alley, where they can hang with Myotis, the “batty” cousin of the Leeward Sisters. Fan-favorite Halloween activities return this year, including the Mirror Maze, Elephant Pumpkin Smash, creating tasty and bizarre potions with Aunty Guzzle, the Scarecrow Photo Safari, a spooky guided adventure through the Forests and Gator Pirate Bayou, where a crew of shipwrecked pirates challenge guests to games of skill.
Did we mention there is trick-or-treating? Kids are encouraged to wear their best costumes and bring a reusable bag as they explore our Trick-or-Treat Trail in the Plains habitat. Goodies will be available at eight different treat stations. Parents can get in on the fun to. The Adult Trick-or-Treat Trail, presented by Zink Distributing, offers free beer sampling for guests ages 21 and older from 5-8pm on Fridays and Saturdays outside the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center.
Sink your teeth into a unique and festive seasonal menu of ghoulish goodies ranging from eerie entrees like the Bruja Burger and the Tombstone Tacos to spooky sweets like the Cauldron Cupcakes and the Crypt Keeper Nacho Sundae.
Plus, creepy and unique themed cocktails like the Pumpkin Spice-A-Rita or the Spooky Smash made by ZooBoo’s official cocktail provider, Hotel Tango Distillery. For a full rundown of the menu, check out the ZooBoo Foodie Guide.
Mild fall temperatures mean the Zoo animals will be more active! Watch as many animals enjoy Halloween-themed enrichment and extra animal chats throughout the event. Arrive early to visit your favorite furry friends before ZooBoo activities begin at 2pm. ZooBoo is free for Zoo members and is included with regular admission.
Guests can also enjoy 50% off admission on Thursday, October 31 for the Zoo’s annual Halloween Celebration Day presented by MDwise. Visit IndianapolisZoo.com for more information.
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