Nightly, October 16 - 30, 2009
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 the temporary entrance east of the turnstiles at the South Entrance.
- 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 16 and 23.
Pet and Play
Find out what the black and white ruffed lemurs are screaming and hollering about at the Emerson Children's Zoo! 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's Pirate Adventure" 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
Hooo’s asleep when the sun goes down? Join Ichabod “Crowned” Crane on a guided tour through Not-So-Sleepy Hollow at the Zoo. Meet some of the sleepy and not-so-sleepy residents and hear about the not-so-spooky legends that keep the residents on their toes. Will the Headless Hootsman appear during your visit? Don’t be afraid to join the fun on this special trip through the Herpetarium, Big Cat Country and Historic Hill.
- Hikes offered every half hour beginning at 6 p.m. Last hike begins at 8 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.
Rides
- Eerily draped in cobwebs, the Conservation Carousel will be transformed to the not-so-spooky "Scare-ou-sel." (Additional fee $3/person. Note: Anywhere Passes are not valid at this event.)
- Enter the Motion Simulator if you dare, for a scary 3D adventure to Dino Island. (Additional fee $3/person. Note: Anywhere Passes are not valid at this event.)
Food and Souvenirs
- See what's brewing at Lakeside Cafe.
- Shop the Halloween boo-tique at Safari Gift Shop for souvenirs. Receive a free Halloweenie beanie with your $25 purchase.
BOO-tiful T-shirt
This long-sleeve white cotton shirt features prairie dogs as trick-or-treaters.
Sizes:
Toddler (2T, 4T, 5/6T) $10
Youth (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. Wells Drive is open to Zoo traffic during construction. Cars will be allowed to enter and exit from two entrances on the South Lot - one near Hampton Avenue and another near the Tamm Avenue bridge.Enter the event through the South Entrance using the temporary pathway from the parking lot to the Zoo.
Please note The Living World North Entrance and North Parking Lot will not be open for this event. Click here for detailed directions.
Costumes
Because Boo at the Zoo is a family-friendly event with young children who might be frightened, visitors over age 16 in costume are not allowed unless they are accompanying children. Specifically, our policy requires no adults can be wearing a mask or otherwise have their face covered with face-painting, etc.
Sponsors
St. John's Mercy Children's Hospital, Laclede Gas, North Star Frozen Treats, Walmart, Coca-Cola, Savvy Family Magazine, Y98 FM and Soft Rock 102.5 KEZK.
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