Popular Boo at the Zoo returns for two weekends

ASHEBORO — As Halloween nears, it’s time for the North Carolina Zoo’s annual and popular Boo at the Zoo event. The event covers both days of back-to-back weekends, this year being Oct. 17-18 and 24-25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

The event takes place in the Africa portion of the zoo and at the Africa Amphitheater.

In addition to the regular NC Zoo admission, participation in Boo at the Zoo is an additional $10 for guests or $8 for NC Zoo Society members.   

Purchase a Boo at the Zoo wristband at the Africa or North America admission booths. Boo ticket sales end at 2 p.m. each day. Boo admission includes a wristband. Wristbands will be available for purchase on each day of the event. 

Do not bring outside pumpkins, Halloween bags or other outside containers for trick-or-treating. With your wristband, you will receive an official Boo Bag to collect candy.

This annual, family-friendly Halloween event serves sweet treats and more for kids 4-12. Dress up your little ones to enter fun costume contests, enjoy trick or treating along the Africa loop, and have a howling good time with festive games in the Africa Amphitheater. 

New to Boo

This year, the zoo is introducing a Boo Quiet Sensory Area at Oak Hill. This special space is designed for children/adults who may need a break from the busy event environment. Families will find a calm, welcoming area with a few activities tailored to provide a more comfortable experience.

Also new this year, thanks to Sexton Farms, there will be a Pumpkin Patch. Each guest with a wristband can take home one small pumpkin, while supplies last.

Times to remember:

9-3 — Trick or Treating, Africa Loop.

9-3 — Games, face painting, craft, entertainment, Africa Amphitheater. (Activities pause during at noon for costume contest.)

12 — Costume Contest.

9-3 — Boo Sensory/Quiet Area at Oak Hill Picnic Area with activities and prizes.

3 — Costume Contest 

Costume Guidelines:

■ Costumes must be family-friendly; No scary costumes or costumes that expose excessive portions of skin that may be viewed as inappropriate in a family environment.

■ For participants 13 and older, costumes, masks, makeup or face paint cannot cover the face. Small embellishments are okay.

■ Costumes should not contain any weapons that resemble or could be mistaken for an actual weapon.

■ Costumes must be safe to be worn throughout the Zoo. Costumes should not drag on the ground or contain sharp objects or material that may accidentally strike another person.

Costume Contest Age Groups:

■ 0-5 years; 6-12 years; 13 years and up 

■ Themed Family or Group participants.