Spooky and Safe Halloween Fun

Zooboo is back! This Halloween tradition can’t be stopped, but it will certainly look a little different. Read on to get a few tips and tricks to have a most treatful time at ZooBoo!

The basics

ZooBoo is Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, from 9 am to 5 pm – a WHOLE extra hour longer than last year! Tickets are limited and entry is timed as the Zoo is still observing restricted capacity. You must enter within your one-hour timeframe or risk losing your reservation. Once you enter the Zoo, you may stay as long as you’d like.

SAFETY IS OUR FIRST PRIORITY

To keep you and your herd safe, advanced reservations and timed ticketing are required to limit lines and discourage gatherings. Social distance markers and high contact signage help encourage physical distancing. Sanitizing protocols have been increased and include high-touch areas throughout the park. Staff and volunteers will be strategically placed throughout the park to help control crowding and remind visitors of physical distancing.

WHAT ABOUT MASKS?

There’s no better time to wear a mask than ZooBoo! Masks or face coverings are required to be worn by all visitors when entering the Zoo, indoors and within six feet of other groups or Zoo staff (Zoo staff and volunteers are required to wear them at all times).

SPEAKING OF MASKS, IS THERE A COSTUME CONTEST?

Yes! Come dressed to impress and snap a photo of you or your pack donning your costumes and share them with us! Enter to win prizes by submitting your ZooBoo 2020 photos to our Virtual Costume Contest. Three winners will be announced on October 27.

Look for the Costume Contest scenes around the Zoo for a perfect backdrop or strike a post in front of your favorite exhibit, just don’t forget to upload your photo here or tag @virginiazoo on Instagram.

enough already, will there be candy?

All children ages 2-12 will receive a sanitized, pre-made treat bag filled with small toys and a variety of candy (palm-oil free or made from sustainably harvested palm oil). These bags can only be picked up after you scan your admission tickets. Please note: some candy may have nuts, milk or soy.

SO WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING?

All your favorite ZooBoo traditions will still be available: Pumpkin Enrichment for the animals, Animal Ambassador appearances, Frankenstein’s Dance Floor with fun, contactless entertainment and activities and Train Rides (weather permitting, $2 admission and masks required).

ANYTHING ELSE WE SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR?

This year, find a Pick-Your-Own mini pumpkin patch in Flora Point. All pumpkins will be sanitized throughout the day, and are available while supplies last. A new interactive, virtual scavenger hunt will also be on-going with the chance to catch a new “animal” sighted on Zoo grounds.

“I’M HUNGRY!”

Said every child, ever. But don’t worry – we have you covered! The African Village Cafe and Beastro will be open all day. Adult beverages will be available for purchase at the Event Pavilion with some additional seating. Gluten-free options are also available. Please, no outside food.

WHERE IS THE DAILY SCHEDULE?

This year to prevent gatherings we are not publishing a schedule of pumpkin enrichment or animal appearances. However, no matter the time of your reservation there is sure to be lively animal action! We ask that you please maintain physical distancing guidelines when around animal exhibits to avoid crowding. Please wear a mask when near others not in your group. At this time, there will be no one-on-one interactions with the animals, but feel free to ask questions about the animals with a Zoo Keeper or a Trail Hosts!

are you ready? TICKETS, please!

Tickets for this year’s two-day event are still available! Advanced reservations and tickets are required and can be purchased here. The cost is $6 for Virginia Zoo members and $18 for non-members (under 2 is free).

Please note: ZooBoo is rain or shine. Only ZooBoo tickets and passes will be accepted; no other tickets, coupons, passes vouchers, membership swaps or discounts can be used. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable between days.

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