LA Zoo launches monthlong Halloween programming


Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens Where the wild things are · The corn maze (above) is only one of the attractions in addition to Boo at the LA Zoo. Bonus attractions on the weekends include crafts, pumpkin carving and science demonstrations.

Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Where the wild things are · The corn maze (above) is only one of the attractions in addition to Boo at the LA Zoo. Bonus attractions on the weekends include crafts, pumpkin carving and science demonstrations.

Excitement and spookiness abound at this year’s Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens Halloween event, Boo at the LA Zoo. This annual event will run through the entire month of October for the second year.

There is a plethora of events to choose from, with even more special events during every weekend. There is a daily attraction called “Creepy Caves,” which features dimly lit caves with projections of life-like spiders crawling on the walls. The “Freaky Framed Photo Op” is a great Instagram opportunity, as guests can take selfies among a haunted photo gallery. Another attraction, “Ghoulish Grove,” features an eerie corn-stalk maze. “The L.A.I.R.” offers a chance for guests to get up close and personal with slithery creatures, such as rare snakes, poisonous frogs and venomous lizards. Guests can also come face-to-face with dinosaurs in “Dinosaurs: Unextinct meets Boo at the L.A. Zoo.” The exhibit will be available for viewing until its final appearance on Oct 31. Guests also get to touch creepy critters such as tarantulas and cockroaches at the “Animals and Boo” exhibit.

Weekends at the zoo offer extra attractions and entertainment to thrill. The “Mad Science Fire and Ice Show” at 2:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday will scare and surprise many viewers. Also offered each weekend is a “Halloween Dance Party” providing break dancers, DJs, family games and prizes. “Fearsome Feedings & Creature Treats” features special animal feedings where herbivores snack on pumpkins and carnivores consume carcasses.

There are also costumed characters wandering around on the weekend, including pirates and witches. Visitors are encouraged to dress up and enjoy the Halloween spirit. On Oct. 29 and 30, there are even special trick-or-treating stations.

Additionally, during the last two weekends of October, the zoo will collaborate with Disney to bring special activities previewing the upcoming release of its newest movie, Moana.

Boo at the L.A. Zoo is a perfect family event and is fun for all ages.

“The zoo is a great place to come, whatever age you are. The great thing about the Los Angeles Zoo is that there is something that appeals to everyone,” said Laura Stegman, director of public relations for the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association. “You have the opportunity not only to see the wonderful collection of animals that live there, many of which are endangered, but also to have some extra Halloween fun.”

Boo at the L.A. Zoo will run throughout the month of October. Tickets are $20. More information can be found online.