Halloween is weeks away and yet, already, there is lots of talk of costume swaps (cookie monster costume anyone?) and all the upcoming events for Halloween. And, there are a lot! “Boo at the Zoo” is one of my favorites and it runs every weekend in October at the Bronx Zoo. It’s a really fun, outdoor New York Halloween tradition that focuses on animals, being outside and the zoo’s landscape. I also love that you can attend it pre-Halloween so you can get in the spirit early.
The hayride is back again this year. It was a quick 8 minute (my count) hay ride around a usually off-limits area of the zoo. The emcee was a pirate “whose favorite letter is Rrrr”. He made sufficiently adult-laughable jokes and the kiddies were enthralled with his eyepatch. The attractions on the scenic ride were fun- a wriggling box on the side of the road, a haunted house with a ghost, plenty of gravestones and just simple thrills. Your toddler will most likely be able to stomach it all. We had kids as young as 14 months on our ride up to 9 years and they were all entertained.
The Bug Carousel is always a huge hit as are the professional pumpkin carving demonstrations. This year I want to make a point of seeing the parade of costumes and visit the traditional favorites: the hay maze and craft workshops. Additionally, there will be music and puppet shows.
This year’s “Spooktacular” activities include:
Haunted Mansion
The Habitat Mansion, once owned by wildlife conservationist Dr. Benton Broome, is said to be the most haunted landmark in the Bronx Zoo. Dr. Broome left his legacy of preserving animal wildlife, habitats and conserving the earth’s precious ecological resources to his son, Dusty. But Dusty is not up for the challenge and the ghost of his father wants to ensure the memory of all endangered species is not forgotten. In the Haunted Habitat mansion, ghosts of the past, visions of extinct animals, and the messages of Dr. Broome’s ghostly house servants encourage guests to remember the importance of protecting wildlife from the threat of extinction. Mansion admission is included with Total Experience Tickets.
Time: 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Location: By Somba Village
Creepy Hollows Hayride
Enjoy a thrilling hay ride beneath a canopy of beautiful fall foliage past the Birds of Prey exhibit and through the animated town of “Creepy Hollows.” The ride includes a look at an abandoned town where anything can happen, so watch out for crashing crates, shaky houses, and strange creatures. The adventure is accompanied by spooky Halloween music. Hayride admission is included with Total Experience Tickets.
Time: 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Location: Boarding at Fordham Parking
Hay Maze
Let yourself get lost at the zoo with a Halloween maze filled with sudden starts, stops and lots of adventure.
Time: 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Location: Butterfly Patio
Pumpkin Carving Demonstrations and Display
Professional pumpkin carvers from Sand Sculpture USA will be demonstrating their skill and displaying intricate pumpkin carvings that cannot be missed. From classic movie monsters in animal form to giant insects and majestic wildlife, our carvers will delight audiences with their remarkable carvings.
Time: 11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Location: Dancing Crane Plaza
Creepy Crafts workshops
Make a one-of-a-kind Halloween mask of your favorite wild animal.
Time: 11:00a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Dancing Crane Plaza
Costume Parade
Visitors can join the enchantment of a Halloween Parade. Hand-made puppets and props built by master costumers will be part of the fun as participants march through the zoo alongside a giant python and 8 foot witch on stilts as well as other creatures from the Alice Farley Dance Company.
Time: Noon & 2:00 p.m.
Location: Starts at Zoo Center
Photos available at the end of each performance.
Additional photo opportunity 3:30-4:00pm in Dancing Crane Plaza
MUSIC: Gigi and the Lend Me A Hand Band
Gigi and the Lend me a Hand Band will lead zoo audiences on a musical adventure with the BOO REVUE. Audiences will be invited to participate in animal-themed musical performances, songs and dances, and games.
Time: 11:30a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00p.m.
Location: Tent by Bears
MAGIC: Thrilling Magic Shows
Enjoy a Boo at the Zoo family tradition with remarkable slight of hand and optical illusions from magic man David Levitan.
Time: 12:00p.m., 2:00p.m., 4:00p.m.
Location: Tent by Bears
Children’s Theater Performances
Halloween puppetry musical of three classic tales of mischievious animal tricksters who outsmarted their rivals and won the day. Created by acclaimed puppeteer Noel MacNeal of Sesame Street and Nickelodeon.
Time: 12:30, 1:30 & 2:30 p.m.
Location: Asia Plaza Theater
Treat Stations
11:00am – 5:00pm
Kids can engage in safe trick-or-treating activities at locations around the park. Treat station locations will be Zoo Center, Hayride, Bug Carousel, Monorail, and Haunted Safari.
Details:
Boo at the Zoo festivities run every weekend in October. Adults (ages 13-64) are $29.95 Children ages 3-12 years are $19.95. Buy tickets here. To plan your trip, visit www.bronxzoo.com or call 718-367-1010.
P.S. – we like to park at the A lot (Asia) lot for this event. If you have other tips and hints for readers, please leave them below the post. Thanks!