If your kids love dressing up and trick-or-treating but they're still too young for zombies and gore, consider planning a trip to the zoo this fall. At scores of zoos across the country, the focus during the Halloween season is on fun instead of fright. Here's how they celebrating where the wild things are:
What: ZooBoo (www.lowryparkzoo.com/zooboo/index.html)
Lowry Park Zoo: Tampa, FL
When: Select dates through October 31
What to expect: This "family-friendly fright zone" offers up darkened haunted houses, spooky trails, and things that go bump in the night. The littlest trick-or-treaters can look forward to free, unlimited zoo rides all evening.
Best For: 6 to 12.
What: Boo at the Zoo (www.lowryparkzoo.com/zooboo/index.html)
Little Rock Zoo: Little Rock, AR
When: October 22-25 and 29-31
What to expect: Kids and parents can ride the haunted train and take part in a costume contest. Little girls can get their nails done at the Beauty Shop of Horrors. Trick-or-treating starts at 6pm, when volunteers hand out candy throughout the zoo.
Best For: 3 to 11
What: Spooky Sleepover (www.sandiegozoo.org/calendar/zoo_spooky_sleepover.html)
San Diego Zoo: San Diego, CA
When: October 10, 17, and 24
What to expect: This popular, one-of-a-kind overnight is offered three Saturdays in October. It starts with an arts-and-crafts workshop followed by a private bus tour to a campsite for dinner, while families learn how animals adapt to their environment through their "creepy body parts." Later, there's an up-close visit from some animal ambassadors, trick-or-treating in the Children's Zoo and a costume parade. Reservations are required and space is limited, so book well in advance.
Best For: 5 to 12
What: HallZOOween (www.cincinnatizoo.org/events/hallzooween.html)
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: Cincinnati, OH
When: Weekends only, October 10-25
What to expect: While kids are trick-or-treating their way around the zoo, they can discover how animals "celebrate" Halloween. Don't miss the very popular Snow Monkey Pumpkin Hide & Seek, Gorilla Pumpkin Hunt, Elephant Pumpkin Smash and the Polar Bear Pumpkin Bob. There's also a scare-ousel, magic show, spooktacular train ride, and pumpkin-carving demonstrations, and new this year is the Beauty Shop of Horrors.
Best For: 2 to 12
What: Boo at the Zoo ()
National Zoological Park: Washington, D.C.
When: October 23-25
What to expect: Arrive in costume with your goodie bag so you can visit the over 40 treat stations in the zoo. As a bonus, you can learn more about zoo animals during special zookeeper presentations.
Best For: 2 to 10
What: Great Zoo Halloween (www.kidszoo.org/events/halloween.htm)
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo: Fort Wayne, IN
When: October 16-31
What to expect: This highly-rated zoo sets up "merry-not-scary" displays and hundreds of jack-o'-lanterns along the paths leading to nine treat stations. Every child who plays the carnival games gets a prize and the very brave can ride an eerie express train through haunted woods.
Best For: 2 to 8
What: Little Boo & Pumpkin Path (www.toledozoo.org/events/lbpp.html)
Toledo Zoo: Toledo, OH
When: October 23-25
What to expect: This celebration is two parties rolled into one. Bring your small fries to Little Boo, a just-for-todders party with trick-or-treat stations, games, and a giant Fisher Price play area. Preschoolers and school-age kids will love the Pumpkin Path, with its "mystifying performances," carnival-style games, and 20 themed trick-or-treat stations.
Best For: 2 to 8
What: Boo! at the Zoo (www.brookfieldzoo.org/0.asp?nSection=2&pageid=167&nLinkID=4)
Brookfield Zoo: Chicago, IL
When: Weekends only, October 17-25
What to expect: Visit during the last two weekends in October, and your little goblins can march in a parade, show off their costumes, and get up close to wolves, owls, snakes, and other creepy critters. At the end of the evening, they'll even score a goodie bag to take home.
Best For: 2 to 8
What: The World's Largest Halloween Party (www.louisvillezoo.org/events/halloween.htm)
Louisville Zoo: Louisville, KY
When: Select dates, October 9-30
What to expect: Throughout October, "the sweetest party in town" enchants little ones with over a dozen themed attractions, including Mumpkin the Talking Pumpkin, Candyland Way, and an antique carousel that mysteriously runs backwards.
Best For: 2 to 10
What: Basha's Boo! at the Zoo (www.phoenixzoo.org/events/special_events/special_events_detail.aspx?ARTICLE_ID=100692)
Phoenix Zoo: Phoenix, AZ
When: Select dates, October 24 & 25
What to expect: It's easy to see why this popular two-day event is in its 20th year. This year's "creepy, crawly insect" theme translates into fun events like a bug scavenger hunt, Insect Olympics, Bug Bingo, and animals playing the "Pumpkin Stomp & Chomp." There's also a parade with more than two dozen cuddly storybook friends, plus a pony parade and live entertainment. Mark your calendar for the weekend before Halloween.
Best For: 2 to 12
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