Philadelphia Zoo's Annual Halloween Extravaganza Boo at the Zoo returns for 2023
Philadelphia Zoo is thrilled to announce the return of the region’s most festive Halloween tradition, Boo at the Zoo, for the last three weekends of October!
Bring along a trick-or-treat bag, come dressed in your favorite costume, go on a trick-or-treat safari, enjoy seasonal dĂ©cor, boo-tiful fall weather, Howl-oween children’s activities and celebrate the spooky season among your favorite animals. NEW FOR THIS YEAR: Experience Spiders Alive! and encounter an array of arachnids from tarantulas to orb weavers to scorpions and learn how scientists aim to protect these animals in the wild. Plus, the Zoo’s colony of vampire bats are getting a brand new exhibit—be sure to stop and see them at their new home in Water is Life. Boo at the Zoo is free with admission and tickets are on sale now. Zoo members enjoy early admission on select dates and an exclusive members-only candy station.
Dates:
- Saturday, October 14
- Sunday, October 15
- Saturday, October 21
- Sunday, October 22
- Saturday, October 28
- Sunday, October 29
- Time: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
“Boo at the Zoo is a memory-maker time at the Zoo – we hear it every year from our members and guests,” says Chief Marketing and Experience Officer Amy Shearer. “The animals are on the go in the crisp air, the campus is stunning, and kids of all ages look forward to showing off their costumes as they explore every nook around the Zoo. It is seriously one of the best times to visit, and a fantastic way to welcome in autumn.”
Along with trick-or-treating, children can participate in a wand-making activity to learn the importance of reusing materials as away to protect the planet, and throw “bugs” at a giant web to see how a spider’s web traps insects for them to eat. Also, West Philly Reading Captains will be handing out age-appropriate books to families as they visit their favorite animals. Be on the lookout for pumpkin snacks and Halloween-themed enrichment in select animal exhibits throughout your visit.
When you visit Rare Animal Conservation Center, be on the lookout for a bright orange baby Francois langur. On August 30, Mei Mei gave birth to a healthy baby boy. His birth is a huge conservation win for these primates, as they are classified as Endangered by the IUCN. The Zoo supports New Nature Foundation’s habitat protection work in Northern Vietnam, so by visiting the Zoo, you are helping conserve the forests that are their habitat in their native country. Our partners in Vietnam have helped us name him Ă”ng Cụ, which is a term that means “very old man” and is used when a boy is speaking wisely beyond his years.
When you visit Big Cat Falls, don’t forget to be on the lookout for our three newest arrivals. In September, rescued puma cubs Elbroch and Olympia made their public debut. The pair were orphaned in Washington State this summer, and have now made Philadelphia Zoo their new, permanent home. In October, our female snow leopard Marcy will make her public debut to guests (exact date not yet determined). She was born at Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York, in 2020, and has been brought here on a Species Survival Plan breeding recommendation with our male, Yuki.
With so much happening at the Zoo, it might be time to become a member. Zoo members receive complimentary admission & parking; 10% off of Zoo shops & dining; discounted tickets to LumiNature; access to pre-sale reservations, exclusive events, insider information, special hours, dedicated newsletters and discounted admission to more than 100 zoos and aquariums across the country. To become a member, or to make a reservation visit www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org.
