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St. John's Mercy Children's Hospital
Boo at the Zoo Nights

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Nightly, October 17 - 30, 2008
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Come explore the Zoo after dark during the special Halloween evenings: Boo at the Zoo Nights! This non-scary, kid-friendly Halloween experience is filled with laughs and adventure. Children are encouraged to wear costumes.

Admission

  • $4/member; $5/non-member; children under 2 are free; $1 discount for children 2 to 12 in costume
  • Enter through South Entrance at Z-O-O pylon.
  • Parking is free! Our treat. South Lot only.
  • No reservations necessary

Group Discount
Groups of 15 or more may receive a group rate of $4 per person by calling in advance. (Costume discount does not apply for group ticket purchases.) Groups should call (314) 781-0900, ext. 4709.

Spooktacular Fun for Families

  • "Heads up" as you pass through the Headless Horseman Graveyard.
  • Got the heebie jeebies from creepy crawlies? Then you'll want to steer clear of the Creepy Cavern and Spider Alley.
  • Hold on to your loose change when you enter Pirate's Cove!
  • Who's that floating in the Dead Man's Bayou? He's probably headed straight for Boneyard Park.
  • Careful not to tangle yourself as you wind through Frankie's Maze.
  • Peer into the past at the Old Western Cemetery and Miner Forty-Niner Mine Shaft.
  • Keep your eyes peeled for the Phantom of the Zoo!
  • Make a creepy craft to take home at the Kid's Craft Corner.
  • Strike a pose for lots of photo opportunities.
  • Wondering why your head is suddenly sprouting antlers? Prance over to the Boo at the Zoo "Ask the Doctor" Booth, sponsored by St. John's Mercy Medical Group for health information and answers to your general health questions on Fridays, October 17 and 24.

Children's Zoo Animals

Find out what the black and white ruffed lemurs are screaming and hollering about at the Emerson Children's Zoo! Play peek-a-boo with the pouched tree kangaroo, catch sight of the meerkat bandits, observe the owl keeping his night watch... and don't be alarmed if you discover the naked mole rats have left their costumes at home!

Swing by the stage at 6, 7 or 8 p.m. for "Halloween Hank and his Tall Tales" featuring animals performing natural behaviors.

Docents will be lurking around the grounds to give you an up-close and personal sneak peak at some of the Children's Zoo's night crawlers!

Fireside Stories

Gather 'round the fire as storytellers like Terry Rantula spin wild tales about snakes, spiders and bats. Perhaps Grandmother Goose will share chronicles of other Missouri critters. Come wag your wild tails, gaze with your glowing eyes and perk up your listening ears as you hear captivating animal stories.

Night Hikes

What's that sound? Could it be an S.O.S.? One of the Zoo animals is trying to tell us something, but there is so much going on at the Zoo at night, the signal is hard to make out. Join the Zoo investigative team as we learn about animal communication and search Zoo grounds for the source of the mysterious message. We'll explore Chain of Lakes, Big Cat Country and the Herpetarium looking for clues. You'll have to use all of your senses to crack this case!

  • Hikes offered every half hour beginning at 6 p.m. Last hike begins at 7:30 p.m.
  • All children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Minimum parent:child ratio of 1:4 is required for each hike.
  • Flashlights are not allowed on the hike.
  • Fee is $5 per hiker 3 and up. Children 2 and under are free. Advance registration is recommended: (314) 646-4771. Tickets may also be purchased at the South Gate on the night of the event (if available).
  • Participants may begin standing in line (10) minutes before the start of their hike.
  • Hikers receive a coupon for $5 off a purchase of $25 or more at Build-A-Bear Workshop® At The Zoo. Coupon is valid only at the Zoo location until March 31, 2009.

Rides

  • Eerily draped in cobwebs, the Conservation Carousel will be transformed to the not-so-spooky "Scare-ou-sel." (Additional fee $2/person. Note: Anywhere Passes are not valid at this event.)
  • Older kids can experience "Superstition," a hauntingly fun motion simulator roller coaster adventure. (Additional fee $3/person)
  • Crack a deal and get a Pumpkin Package including both rides for only $3!

Food and Souvenirs

  • See what's brewing at Lakeside Café.
  • Shop the Halloween boo-tique for souvenirs. Receive a free Halloweenie beanie with your $25 purchase.
  • Visit Build-A-Bear Workshop® At The Zoo to receive a free virtual trick-or-treat bag for your online character at buildabearville.com.

BOO-tiful T-shirt

This long-sleeve white cotton shirt features a tiger disguised as a witch.

Sizes:
Toddler (2T, 4T) $10
Youth (XS, S, M, L) $10
Adult (S,M,L,XL) $15
Adult (XXL) $18

Orders can be placed by calling (314) 646-4771. Shirts are also available for purchase at Zootique and Safari gift shops (while supplies last). Gift shops are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and during Boo at the Zoo Nights from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Parking

Free parking is available on the South Lot on Wells Drive near US40/I-64. Enter the event through the South Entrance at the Z-O-O pylon. Please note The Living World North Entrance and North Parking Lot will not be open for this event. Please access the Zoo via Tamm Avenue Bridge or Skinker Boulevard as the Hampton Avenue overpass is closed for construction. Click here for detailed directions.

Sponsors

St. John's Mercy Children's Hospital, Build-A-Bear Workshop® At The Zoo, North Star Frozen Treats, Laclede Gas, Soft Rock 102.5 KEZK, Y98 FM and Savvy Family Magazine