Looking for a not-so-spooky but totally fun way to celebrate Halloween with the family? ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo is the place to be! Perfect for kids of all ages, from little ones in costumes to bigger trick-or-treaters, ZooBoo is packed with Halloween activities, adorable animals, and pumpkins galore. It’s a family tradition that’s just the right mix of seasonal fun, active animals, and colorful fall foliage.
When is ZooBoo 2024?
ZooBoo kicks off on Wednesday, September 25, and runs through October 31. The zoo opens daily at 9 a.m., with ZooBoo activities happening from 2-7 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and extended hours from 2-9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
What to Expect at ZooBoo
At ZooBoo, you can expect hands-free activities, trick-or-treating, and plenty of opportunities for costume fun. The October weather is perfect for enjoying both the zoo’s animals and all the spooky, yet kid-friendly, excitement around every corner.
Best of all? ZooBoo is free for Zoo members and included with regular zoo admission.
New in 2024: Explore Leeward Manor!
Step into the whimsical world of Pumpkin Town, located under the Bicentennial Pavilion, where the Patch DJ keeps everyone moving with dance parties. This year, ZooBoo welcomes the spooky Leeward Manor, home to the mysterious Leeward Sisters—Terra, Wisp, and Bubbles—and their fortune-telling cousin Clara Voyent. The sisters will enchant you with their Halloween magic, and you can wander through the eerie Mirror Maze, filled with surprises at every twist and turn.
More ZooBoo Fun
ZooBoo is packed with festive experiences for all ages. Some highlights include:
- Bat Alley – Say hello to Myotis and her batty friends in the White River Gardens.
- Scarecrow Photo Safari – Bring your camera for a guided photo adventure through the Forests.
- Trick-or-Treat Trail – Kids can collect candy from 8 different treat stations in the Plains.
- Roller Ghoster – The zoo’s roller coaster with a Halloween twist!
- Round-Go-Merry – A carousel that spins in reverse for extra spooky fun.
- Spook-Track-Ular Train Ride – Get a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo on a haunted train ride.
- Gator Pirate Bayou – Join the Boney Scute Pirate crew in fun, pirate-themed games.
- Aunty Guzzle’s Potions – Help Aunty Guzzle whip up Halloween-themed concoctions at the Café on the Commons.
Collect Goodies Along the Trick-or-Treat Trail
The Trick-or-Treat Trail features eight treat stations located in the Plains exhibit. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes and bring a reusable bag to gather all sorts of goodies. Each station provides treats that are palm oil-free, made with sustainably sourced palm oil, or produced by a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, ensuring an orangutan-friendly Halloween.
Sink Your Teeth Into Ghoulish Goodies
What’s Halloween without some spooky snacks? While you’re at ZooBoo, dive into a menu filled with eerie treats like the Hocus Pocus Burger or Chilling Chili Cheese Taters. Top it off with a sweet bite of Chupacabra Churros or a creamy Poltergeist Parfait. And don’t forget to wash it all down with some of Aunty Guzzle’s Potions, special Halloween-themed drinks that add a bit of magic to your meal.
For the grown-ups, there are even Halloween cocktails! Enjoy a Scary Cherry Mule or a Myotis Martini, specially crafted by Hotel Tango for ZooBoo.
Related Article: Halloween Brewfari: Adult-Only Night at the Indianapolis Zoo
ZooBoo is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween in a safe, family-friendly environment. With a mix of costumes, candy, and animals, it’s a spooktacular event you won’t want to miss! For more information or to plan your visit, head to the Indianapolis Zoo website.
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