I recently turned 40, so I’ve been in a very reflective mood. My oldest Briana is now in her third year of college. My youngest Gia just started high school, and just so happens to be going to the same school I graduated from. I’ve been feeling so nostalgic as I look back at all of the memories we created during their childhood, many of them right here in the Bronx. So when I had the opportunity to partner with the Bronx Zoo again to help promote Boo at the Zoo, I started looking back through our old photos and realized just how many of our family memories over the years were made right there.
The Bronx Zoo has been part of our family for a long time. There were trips with Briana before Gia was even born. Once Gia was born, it was fun to see her enjoy some of the very same activities Briana once did- plus watching it evolve over the years with even more activities.
There were so many costumes- of animals, professions, and favorite cartoon characters. It was also so cute seeing them walk in the parade with all of the other kids each year.
There were meetups with friends and friends of their friends. The girls would always tell me how their friends from school would talk about how much fun they had the zoo in school the following week.
Now when I go with friends, I have a chance to watch the next generation enjoy the same place my kids did for so many years. And this year, there is even more to do.
Boo at the Zoo is back
On Saturdays and Sundays from September 26 through November 1, plus Monday, October 12, the Bronx Zoo becomes a full day of fall and Halloween fun for families. The great thing about Boo at the Zoo is that you can spend the day exploring the zoo, seeing animals from around the world and then stopping along the way for Halloween entertainment, activities and seasonal experiences- all for one ticket.
New this year at Boo at the Zoo
Animal Chats
Kids can hear directly from animal experts during interactive Animal Chats featuring fascinating species including tigers, crocodiles, snakes, bears, owls and vultures. The chats include animal enrichment, behaviorial insights and opportunities for kids to ask questions.
Hay Maze & Challenge Trail
The Hay Maze & Challenge Trail turns hay bales and larger-than-life animal sculptures into an adventure course where kids can climb, crawl, balance, jump and explore through wildlife-inspired challenges.
Boo Carnival
There’s also a Boo Carnival with inflatable games including Pumpkin Smash, shuffle ball, ring toss and tic-tac-toe.
Our faves
Families can catch the fan-favorite Magic & Mind Reading show featuring an animal-inspired magician, then join the costume parade with Halloween and animal-themed performers. After each parade, the celebration continues with a Boo dance party featuring music, games and bubbles.
There’s also The Tale de los Animales Who are No More at the Wildlife Theater, where Bruja Alma and her spooky animal puppet friends tell the story of animals who are no more through music and dance.
For the little ones, there’s free face-painting for children ages 3 and up, plus Halloween crafts where kids can create their own spooky creature puppet to bring to the costume parade.
If you’re looking for some photo opps, the Pumpkin Garden features four super-sized animal pumpkin displays created by expert pumpkin artists, while the Pumpkin Carving Demos give families a chance to watch giant animals and intricate scenes take shape out of pumpkins.
Kids can also stop by the Candy Trail for treats at palm oil-free candy stations, listen to Spooky Stories to Tickle Your Spine featuring animal folktales from around the world, and explore even more Halloween fun throughout the park, including the Boo play space, creepy crawly mystery wall, extinct animal graveyard and Boo at the Zoo mural.
A Bronx tradition
Looking back at the old photos- all of the different costumes, all of the friends who joined us over the years- it’s truly special. Now Briana isn’t always home to join, Gia doesn’t always care to wear a costume. Soon she might opt to stay home while I enjoy a walk around the zoo with a friend and her kids, while I relive the memories with my own. But I know that they’ll remember the yearly tradition, and that your family can too.
Boo at the Zoo runs Saturdays and Sundays, September 26–November 1, plus Monday, October 12. Tickets start at $20.95, and children 2 and under are free. With everything included in this one ticket, it’s truly a great value. Grab your tickets here.