Celebrate Halloween at Indiana Zoos

Halloween is a really popular holiday, especially when you’re a parent. Suddenly, the weeks leading up to the big day revolve around debating costume choices and plotting trick or treat routes through the neighborhood.

But that’s an awful lot of work for just one day. So extend the fun by visiting one of Indiana’s great zoos, all of which have a Halloween-themed celebration going on this month.

The Indianapolis Zoo kicks things off with its annual ZooBoo. Running from 2-7 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday beginning this weekend through the end of the month, visitors can enjoy one of the many activities planned. Catch the elephants smashing pumpkins or ride the Round-Go-Merry (the carousel will be running backward!)

One of the nation’s most highly regarded zoos, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, opens their Wild Zoo Halloween on October 19. The celebration continues October 19-21, 25-28, and 31 from noon – 5 p.m. daily. Each day has a special theme, including one that’s new this year: Princess Day, where you can meet several popular princesses. I loved their train ride when I visited this zoo, and at this event train riders will hear the “Tale of the Twisted Tree” during the ride.

On October 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, & 28, Boo at the Zoo will invade Evansville’s Mesker Park Zoo.   There are a lot of fun activities planned, including bounce houses, a mad scientist’s lab and magic shows. You can save $1 on admission by picking up a coupon at any area Old National Bank. Hours are 5-8 p.m.

With a slightly different bent, the Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend is hosting an adults-only fundraiser called the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular on October 25 from 7-10 p.m. Leave the kids at home, dress in costume, and hit the decorated zoo for an evening of cocktails and music.

On October 27, the Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City hosts its own Boo at the Zoo. Call the zoo at 219. 873.1510 for more details on this event.

Photo courtesy of the Indianapolis Zoo.