Halloween is taking over John Ball Zoo this month, bringing three weekends of trick-or-treating, costumed characters and spooky entertainment to one of Grand Rapids’ favorite family attractions.
Zoo Goes Boo returns Oct. 16-18, Oct. 23-25 and Oct. 30-Nov. 1, with 13 trick-or-treat stations scattered throughout the Zoo. Along the way, visitors can explore Halloween decorations, catch performances by magicians and fire dancers, encounter larger-than-life characters and villains, and collect plenty of candy.
Costumes are encouraged for guests of all ages, so families can make a day of dressing up together. Those who arrive without a costume can get into the spirit with festive face painting. For trick-or-treaters with food allergies, designated stations marked with teal pumpkins offer special tokens that can be exchanged for allergy-friendly treats at a specialty booth.
“Zoo Goes Boo is one of those experiences where the fun starts the moment you walk through the gates,” said Darci Mitchell, promotions and events manager at John Ball Zoo. “Whether you’re coming for the candy, dressing up with your family, enjoying the entertainment or simply taking in all the Halloween decorations, there’s something for everyone. When you visit the Zoo, you’re also helping support wildlife conservation.”
There’s a conservation lesson tucked among the Halloween festivities, too. The candy distributed during Zoo Goes Boo comes from companies committed to using sustainable palm oil, which helps reduce deforestation and habitat loss associated with palm oil production in Southeast Asia. That loss of habitat threatens wild orangutans, making even a Halloween tradition an opportunity to learn how everyday purchasing decisions can help protect endangered wildlife.
Zoo Goes Boo is open to Zoo members from 9-10 a.m. and general admission guests from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Members receive free admission, while general admission costs $22.95 for adults and $16.95 for youth and seniors. Museum for All (EBT/WIC) and reciprocal discounts are not valid during the event.
One important note before heading out: Full-face masks and costume weapons are not permitted.
