Want to go?
WHAT: Boo at the Zoo
WHEN: 6-9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 18-21 & Oct. 25-28
WHERE: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland
COST: Adults: $12.25; Children (2-11): $8.25; Children under 2 get in free
INFO: www.clemetzoo.com/visit
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will be hosting their annual Boo at the Zoo from 6-9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 18-21 and Oct. 25-28.
“We have been doing this event for 23 years and usually draw over 40,000 visitors in the eight nights the event runs,” said Tom Robatin, marketing and public relations specialist for the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. “It is a really fun family friendly event.”
Targeting children between the ages of 3 and 11 years old, the event tries to celebrate Halloween without scaring the young children.
“We have animal exhibits open at night, a hay maze, ghostly golf, express train, a dance party and entertainers like stilt-walkers, clowns, magicians and jugglers throughout the zoo,” Robatin said. “Guests also have an opportunity to see smaller animals like owls, possums, armadillos and other animals up close with our Get Close Program.”
For these eight nights the zoo is transformed into a Halloween friendly area with special lights, decorations and music. While all the activities are Halloween themed the main goal is to celebrate the holiday and not scare the kids.
While the zoo is usually only open until 5 p.m., this event gives guests a rare opportunity to see the zoo at night.
“Some animals are very active at night, so this gives you an opportunity to see animals you may not see during the day,” Robatin said. “Some of the animals you may see include wolves, bears, tigers, lions, seals, sea lions and elephants.”
This time of the year is also a great time to visit the zoo because animals are more active in cooler weather than in hot weather, so you may get to see something you didn’t see this summer.
Parents and children are encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes for the event, but to try to not wear anything that could scare the young guests.
“We will also be giving children treat tickets that they can trade in for candy and chips,” Robatin said. “So, if you are looking for Halloween fun that is not over the top or scary this is the perfect event for you and your family. Boo at the Zoo encompasses the fun aspects of Halloween without the scariness.”
It is encouraged to purchase tickets to Boo at the Zoo ahead of time because the event does sell out.
To purchase tickets to Boo at the Zoo or for more information, visit www.clemetzoo.com/visit.
