Trick-or-Treating at the Zoo? Yes, Boo at the Zoo is Back With Plenty of Family Friendly Activities
Get the kiddies dressed and ready for trick-or-treating with animals because the Philadelphia Zoo announced the return of Boo at the Zoo. Taking place the last three weeks of October, families are invited to bring along a trick-or-treat bag and come dressed in costumes to celebrate spooky season among their favorite animals. Guests will enjoy a trick-or-treat safari with candy stations, seasonal decor, boo-tiful fall leaves, Howl-oween children’s activities, themed animal enrichments, pumpkin feedings and more. New for this year: Spiders Alive will debut with an array of arachnids from tarantulas to orb weavers to scorpions.
Come ready to learn how scientists aim to protect these animals in the wild. Plus, the Zoo’s colony of vampire bats are getting a brand-new exhibit in Water is Life. Visitors will also be able to meet the new puma cubs – and find a surprise new addition. Stop by the Rare Animal Conservation Center to meet the bright ‘pumpkin spice’ colored baby Francois langur. Boo at the Zoo is free with admission and tickets are on sale now. Zoo members enjoy early admission on select dates and an exclusive members-only candy station. Dates for Boo at the Zoo 2023 are Saturdays, October 14, 21 and 28, and Sundays, October 15, 22 and 29, 2023, from 9:30am to 5:00pm. For tickets and more information, visit www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org.
“Boo at the Zoo is a memory-maker time at the Zoo – we hear it every year from our members and guests,” said Philadelphia Zoo Chief Marketing and Experience Officer Amy Shearer. “The animals are on the go in the crisp air, the campus is stunning, and kids of all ages look forward to showing off their costumes as they explore every nook around the Zoo. It is seriously one of the best times to visit, and a fantastic way to welcome autumn.”
Enjoy three wild weekends of Halloween fun with the family as Boo at the Zoo takes over Philadelphia Zoo. Kids of all ages are encouraged to dress in their favorite costume and parade to the Great Pumpkins where they wills find photo opportunities and a spooktacular good time. Trick-or-treat stations will be placed around the Zoo, with a new members-only surprise station waiting to be discovered. (Halloween costumes with toy guns and weapons are prohibited.)
Be on the lookout for pumpkin snacks and Halloween-themed enrichment in select animal exhibits throughout your visit. This includes pumpkin feedings with the hippos – as seen in the viral video on Instagram and TikTok. Watch for a schedule for feedings and special enrichment activities, coming in the days leading up to Boo.
New for 2023, children can participate in a wand making activity to learn the importance of reusing materials as away to protect the planet, and throw “bugs” at a giant web to see how a spider’s web traps insects for them to eat. Also, West Philly Reading Captains will be handing out age-appropriate books to families as they visit their favorite animals.
Also new, visitors can visit the Rare Animal Conservation Center to meet the Zoo’s newest addition – a bright orange “pumpkin spice” baby Francois langur. On August 30, Mei Mei gave birth to a healthy baby boy. His birth is a huge conservation win for these primates, as they are classified as Endangered by the IUCN. The Zoo supports New Nature Foundation’s habitat protection work in Northern Vietnam, so by visiting the Zoo, guests are helping conserve the forests that are their habitat in their native country. The Zoo’s partners in Vietnam have helped name him Ông Cụ, which is a term that means “very old man” and is used when a boy is speaking wisely beyond his years.
When you visit Big Cat Falls, visitors will find two more new arrivals. In September, rescued puma cubs Elbroch and Olympia made their public debut. The pair were orphaned in Washington State this summer, and have now made Philadelphia Zoo their new, permanent home. Watch for information about the puma cubs and Halloween fun.
As Boo at the Zoo approaches, the leaves of the trees around Philadelphia Zoo will begin to change and add to the fall enchantment. Philadelphia Zoo is considered one of the top spots in the city proper to watch the leaves and fall foliage change over to the beautiful oranges, yellows and reds of the fall season.
With so much happening at the Zoo, fall is a great time to become a member. Zoo members receive complimentary admission and parking; 10% off of Zoo shops & dining; discounted tickets to LumiNature; access to pre-sale reservations, exclusive events, insider information, special hours, dedicated newsletters and discounted admission to more than 100 zoos and aquariums across the country. To become a member, or to make a reservation visit www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org.
