The Potawatomi Zoo will host Zoo Boo, its annual trick-or-treating event October 18, from 6-9 pm, October 19, from 3-9 pm, and October 20, from 12-4 pm. Last admission for Zoo Boo each day is half an hour prior to closing. The Zoo is not open for regular hours on those days.

Zoo Boo is free for Potawatomi Zoo members, but they must present their valid membership card and photo identification for all named members. For non-members, Zoo Boo admission is $10 for adults over 15, $8 for seniors and children 3-14, and free for babies 2 and under.

“We’re proud to keep building on a long tradition of having a safe trick-or-treating event at the Zoo every year,” says Josh Sisk, executive director of the Potawatomi Zoo. “We hope our visitors have a blast collecting candy from local businesses, riding the Haunted Train and carousel, and of course, seeing the animals.”

The Zoo will be decorated with pumpkins, lights, inflatables, and other autumn décor. Local businesses will be passing out candy at stations around the Zoo.

On Friday and Saturday, the Haunted Train will be spooky for older riders, and $3 per rider over age two. On Sunday, the train will be less scary for younger riders and $2 per rider over age two. The carousel will run Friday through Sunday. Tickets are $2 per seated rider for all days. “Behind the Mask” will have face painting set up near the leopards. Tickets for face painting are $7.

There will be some unique activities over the weekend. On Friday and Sunday, award-winning local author Cheri L. Hallwood, reading from her book, One Wish for Winnifred, and teaching children how to make Winnifred’s magic bubble potion. On Sunday, there will be pumpkin bowling and cornhole. The 501st Legion Star Wars actors will also make an appearance on Sunday.

Regular amenities like the Learning Center, gift shop, Congo Café, Otter Outpost and Round Barn Bar will be open. Concessions will have State Farm Mini Donuts in pumpkin spice, cinnamon sugar, and apple cider flavors.

Costumes are encouraged for both children and adults, but not required. Since the event is geared towards young children, adults may not wear masks that cover their faces.

For the health and safety of our animals, some exhibits are closed after dark. The best time to view the animals is during our daytime hours on Saturday and Sunday.