Provo, UT

Lions and tigers and scares, oh my! Each year, on the Saturday before Halloween, my daughter gets dressed up to go trick-or-treating at Hogle Zoo’s annual Halloween event, Boo at the Zoo. The first year we attended she was only 10 months old and too little for traditional trick-or-treating, so we thought Boo at the Zoo would be a fun way to introduce her to the holiday and to animals. In the few years since, it’s become a family tradition. In fact, last year we went straight from the airport upon returning from our vacation–I’d actually packed her costume so we’d have it ready when we got off the plane!

Boo at the Zoo is for kids 12 and younger, and is included in the price of regular zoo admission. Kids can dress up in their favorite costumes and trick-or-treat at booths set up throughout the zoo. They even provide treat bags if you forget your own. The earlier you go, the better the loot. As the candy and treats are gobbled up by little goblins, there’s usually an emergency supply of lollipops or Twizzlers (since we’re generally late people we’ve ended up with a pumpkinful). We actually prefer to go later in the day and then enjoy the zoo as the candy and the crowds thin out. Last year it was jam-packed–a little hard to maneuver around and a lot of waiting in lines–but in previous years it was a totally enjoyable experience. My daughter was as fascinated by all the kids in costume as she was by the animals. And you may see some really unique costumes.

As I mentioned in a previous post about the zoo there’s a lot of walking so wear comfy shoes. Definitely bring a stroller for this event, since it will be easier to keep tabs on your littlest ones. I’ve also mentioned that parking can be difficult at Hogle Zoo, and this event is probably the worst I’ve ever seen it. We paid to park across the street at This is The Place’s overflow lot and used the crosswalk, rather than risk our safety by parking on busy Sunnyside Avenue.

Regardless of the crowds, I think Boo at the Zoo is wildly fun, and one spooktacular Halloween event your kids will love!

Boo at the Zoo will be held Saturday, October 25, 2008 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Hogle Zoo
2600 East Sunnyside Ave.
Salt Lake City, UT
(801) 582-1631
https://www.hoglezoo.org/