ZooBoo arrives at the Indianapolis Zoo

Once my daughter was born I started realizing how awesome Fall is for families. Our October always seems to have the longest bucket list and this year we’ve got it maxed out with fun activities.

ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo was high in priority because it combines two of our favorite things: Animals and candy.

ZooBoo Indianapolis Zoo _ Indy's ChildIf I had to choose between ZooBoo and Christmas at the Zoo, I honestly couldn’t. They are both so fun for families. But ZooBoo is definitely a Fall staple. 
ZooBoo Indianapolis Zoo _ Indy's ChildWhen you enter through the main gates at the Zoo they’ll give you a special ZooBoo map that shows all the different activities – I suggest taking a look and choosing your top must-do events because as you might remember from our ZooBoo preview details, there is a lot to see! HINT: If you have little ones, make a game out of finding all the spooky Halloween decorations. Their excitement is contagious.


MORE FALL FUN: 50 Fall bucket list ideas


We were most excited to see the Elephant Pumpkin Smash. We headed toward the Plains but couldn’t help playing a couple rounds of Broomstick Alley first.

ZooBoo Indianapolis Zoo _ Indy's ChildOnce we got to the Plains, we picked out our prime Elephant Pumpkin Smashing spot and listened to the zookeeper as he shared fun facts about this lovable creature. Did you know, elephants eat all types of vegetation? Pumpkins not only make a great snack but they help the elephants work on their minds and gross motor skills by having to find the pumpkins throughout their habitat, pick them up and smash them!
ZooBoo Indianapolis Zoo _ Indy's ChildThe elephants weren’t the only animals enjoying pumpkin treats… We spotted the ring-tailed lemurs in their decorated habitat enjoying pumpkins! There were also Fall treats for us to enjoy. We noticed that more concessions opened up by the Spooktacular Square where we tried our hand at Pumpkin Bowling and had a mini dance party at the Monster Music. The Candy Corn Trail Mix was a fan favorite.

ZooBoo Indianapolis Zoo _ Indy's Child

Children are encouraged to dress up in their favorite wild costumes and bring a reusable bag to gather a few goodies along the Trick-or-Treat Trail presented by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent, located in Plains. Treat bags are provided by Farmers Insurance. {Shhh, don’t tell, but I got some Endangered Species chocolate without dressing up.}

ZooBoo Indianapolis Zoo _ Indy's Child

ZooBoo Indianapolis Zoo _ Indy's ChildFall is already one of the best times to visit the Zoo with the animals out and active in mild temperatures. I’m thankful that we have an Indianapolis Zoo membership because we’ll definitely be back for the rides. With so many extra activities we missed out on riding the Round-Go-Merry and Spooktacular Train Ride. Thankfully the hours are extended to 7pm. I saw some lights on the trees so we’ve got to go later and see the zoo lit up! What’s your favorite part of ZooBoo?

MORE INFO: The Indianapolis Zoo’s beloved Halloween event is back for a 35th year, offering spooktacular fun every Friday through Sunday from Oct. 7-30. The Zoo opens at 9am daily, and guests are encouraged to come early then stay late for ZooBoo activities from 2-7pm. The Indianapolis Zoo is located at 1200 W Washington St in downtown Indianapolis. ZooBoo is included with regular Zoo admission and free for Zoo members. Discount tickets are also available at Indianapolis-area Donatos and Indiana Members Credit Union locations. Guests can plan their visit in advance at IndianapolisZoo.com. For more information, visit IndianapolisZoo.com or call {317} 630-2001. Special thanks to the Indianapolis Zoo for providing select photography for this article.


[shelly]

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