The Detroit Zoo comes alive at night during the annual Zoo Boo event. The family-friendly, not-scary Halloween celebration features a half-mile trick-or-treat trail through the zoo. There are treat stops and activities along the way. The Zoo Boo is held the evenings of Oct. 15-17, 22-24, and 29-31 from 6 to 8 p.m., rain or shine.
The zoo is decorated with themed pumpkin displays. In recent years, there have been pumpkins painted for local colleges, a “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” display and even a dragon coming out of the infamous Rackham Fountain in the center of the zoo.
Children should bring their treat bags to collect goodies along the path.
Visit the Haunted Reptile House to take in the sights for the snakes, frogs and turtles. Under the Ghouly Game Tent, sponsored by Blue Care Network, there are Halloween-themed games, prize and coloring activities for kids of all ages. The “Zoo Boo Review” will be performed in the Main Picnic area.
This year, a Zombie Zone will feature games, activities and pumpkin-carving demonstrations. Those who wear the costumes can enter the Tim Hortons costume content and have their photos taken for an online contest happening on the Detroit Zoo website. A zoo-themed prize will be awarded to the winner of the best costume.
The Wild Adventure 3D/4D Theater in the Ford Education Center will be showing “The Curse of Skull Rock,” a 3D pirate adventure with special effects. Tickets for the movie are $3 per person and free for children under 2.
Advanced tickets for the Zoo Boo are $7 and can be purchased at Booth One at the zoo or online from the Zoo Boo website. The time slots for the Zoo Boo are 6, 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m. each night. If a slot is not sold out, tickets are available at the gate after 5 p.m. for $10.
