10 Things to Know About ZooBoo 2017

ZooBoo is less than 48 hours away! Whether you’re a ZooBoo first-timer or pro, here are a few things you should know!

1. Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice

The Virginia Zoo provides more than 4,700 pounds of candy, as well as toys and non-candy treats, to the 32 community partners at ZooBoo’s trick-or-treat trail. Vendors range from corporations to local non-profits with coupons and promo materials.

2. Friendly and Sustainable

Don’t forget your reusable Halloween bag. Last year more than 234,000 tricks and treats were handed out. All of the candy you receive uses sustainable palm oil or is palm-oil free. Deforestation from non-sustainable palm oil plantations is destroying habitats for orangutans and other species. When shopping for your own candy, be sure to do your part and look for this on the label.

3. Hop Til’ You Drop

It’s all fun and games with entertaining yard toys including bowling, ring toss, corn hole, take-home crafts and even bounce houses! Get more bang for your buck and purchase the unlimited jump pass for just $5. With all the extra sugar, it’s a great way to run and play throughout the day.

4. Sweet Gourd

More than 200 pumpkins were donated from Harris Teeter for decorating and for the pumpkin enrichment throughout the day. More than a dozen animals will get to enjoy the orange fruit starting at 10:45 am. Check the schedules posted around the Zoo (and on the website) for specifics and be sure to arrive early as large crowds gather early.

5. Thomas the Tank Engine (AND FRIENDS!)

The ZooBoo ChooChoo, otherwise known as Thomas, features 9 stories with your favorite childhood characters from Princesses to Peter Pan, Scarecrows to Super Heroes – it’s sure to be a fun ride for all ages. Train rides are $3 each and leave from the Beazley station every 15 minutes.

6. The Fairest of Them All

ZooBoo features THREE costume contests in three different categories: family or group, ages 4 and under, and 5 and up. Contestants will win from a variety of prizes, but everyone receives a super sticker for participation. Comfy costumes are encouraged if you plan to be enjoying the day’s festivities. Contest times are 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30. 

7. Muggles Allowed

Activities happen throughout the entire day, so make a game plan and give your family plenty of time to arrive, park and play. Be sure to stop by the ZooLive! Stage to see what Hermione and Luna are learning about. Presentations happen at 11 am, 1 pm and 4 pm and go early to get a good seat!

8. Spooktacular Fun

Get educated at the Skull Graveyard, Extinction Graveyard, Dig Site or the Mad Scientist’s Lab. These unique scenes offer an academic accent to the day to spark the interest of the inner conservationalist.

 

9. No Trespassers

The Australia Yard will be closed to visitors during the event. Your costumes and treats are too appetizing, so for our animals’ safety, you’ll just have to admire them from afar.

10. The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Be sure to get your tickets in advance. You’ll beat any waiting lines the day of and have a head start on the rest of the guests. It’s also a good idea to arrive early to ensure a good parking spot. The parking lot fills up fast, but don’t worry, you won’t be late for any of the fun!

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