The Bronx Zoo at its Wildlife Conservation Society headquarters really is the place to be this Halloween with three special Boo at the Zoo weekends presented by Pepsi and supported by FedEx. Families can enjoy safe and fun activities from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on each of these special weekends: October 11, 12 and 13; October 18 and 19; and October 25 and 26. The bats and black cats in JungleWorld; the snakes and lizards at the World of Reptiles; the nocturnal wildlife inside the World of Darkness; vultures at the Bird of Prey, and the 100,000 hissing cockroaches in the new Madagascar! exhibit are sure to delight and maybe even provide a screech or two to set the Halloween mood.
On Sunday October 19, FedEx and Safe Kids USA will remind children and parents how to keep kids safe on Halloween. FedEx will provide reflective giveaways to increase children’s visibility during evening hours and safety tips for parents and drivers.
And as a special treat during the final weekend (October 25 and 26,) Au’Some, Inc. will be providing novelty candy treats (while supplies last.) Au’some, Inc. has partnered with WCS and is donating a portion of their proceeds from related products devoted to WCS’s efforts to save endangered species.
BOO at the ZOO festivities include:
Magic Shows
Everyone enjoys a magic show – see it before your very eyes! Events Lawn at 12:15, 2:15, and 4 p.m.
Storytelling
LuAnn Adams, spinning her great spooky tales. Wild Asia Theater at 11:30 a.m., 1:30, and 3:30 p.m.
Musical entertainment
Annie & The Natural Wonder Band are back with engaging performances. Dancing Crane Pavilion at 11:30 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.
John Farrell sings and plays the guitar with sing-along music the entire family can enjoy. Events Lawn at 11 a.m., 1:30, and 3:30 p.m.
Face Painting
(Ages 3+ Only)
Agostino Arts will transform little ones into their favorite animal or character. Events Tent (adjacent to Butterfly Garden) at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Note: Line closes at 3:30 p.m.)
Costume Parade
What would Halloween be without a costume parade? Kids can join our costume animal character parade led by a larger- than-life grasshopper! Starts at Zoo Center/Rhino Garden; ends at Events Lawn across from giraffes. Parades times: 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. (approximately 15 minutes; a brief meet and greet for photos with characters follows each parade.)
Crafts
Make your own trick or treat bag to take home (while supplies last.) Events Tent (adjacent to the Butterfly Garden) at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Note: last entry at 3:50 p.m.)
Treat Centers
Visit the following areas to pick up treats (while supplies last ages 2 to 12 only please). World of Darkness, Mouse House, Children’s Zoo and World of Reptiles at noon to 3 p.m.
Pumpkin Carving Demonstrations
Watch as artist Hugh McMahon carvings transform pumpkins into spectacular works of art! Dancing Crane Plaza – staggered demonstrations from noon to 3 p.m.
Bat Facts
Learn the truth about bats first-hand with our Friends of the Zoo. World of Darkness at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sing-Along Hayrides
$3 per person per ride – kids under 3 ride free. Enjoy a hayride and sing-along with some American favorites. Ride boards by the World of Darkness at 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Last ticket sold at 4 p.m.)
Pumpkin Treats For Animals
Watch as our birds of prey enjoy pumpkin “treats” as part of our Animal Enrichment Program. Birds of Prey exhibit at 1:30 p.m.
Keeper Critter Chats
Learn some cool facts about reptiles from Bronx zookeepers who care for them.
World of Reptiles at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Dolly the Clown
Meet Dolly and have some fun clowning around with her! Dancing Crane Pavilion and the Children’s Zoo – staggered appearances from 2 to 4 p.m.
NOTE: All activities are free (except where noted with an asterisk) with paid admission. In case of inclement weather, activities will be limited or cancelled.
