Zoo Boo is back: Get into the spooky spirit this October at the Indianapolis Zoo

ZooBoo is back at the Indianapolis Zoo. Through Oct. 31, the zoo will host numerous events and activities for all ages to get into the spirit of the spooky season.

How can I attend ZooBoo?

ZooBoo is free for zoo members and is included with regular admission. The zoo opens at 9 a.m. every day and ZooBoo activities are from 2-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and from 2-9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Ticket prices at the gate are $32.75 for adults, $28.75 for children and $30.75 for seniors, but you can save up to 50% on select days by buying your tickets ahead of time at bit.ly/3tbKJn2.

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What events and activities are happening during ZooBoo?

Guests watch brown bears snack on pumpkins during Zoo Boo at the Indianapolis Zoo on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019.
Guests watch brown bears snack on pumpkins during Zoo Boo at the Indianapolis Zoo on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019.

During the cooler months, the zoo animals are more active, so guests are encouraged to come to the zoo prior to the ZooBoo activities to watch the animals participate in Halloween-themed enrichment, like the Elephant Pumpkin Smash.

For family friendly fun, ZooBoo offers the Trick-Or-Treat Trail for kids with eight treat stations in the Plains exhibit. Costumes are encouraged for ages 12 and under, and be sure to bring a reusable bag to hold all their treats. There are non-food items at select treat stations.

The Bicentennial Pavilion is home to Pumpkin Town during ZooBoo, where you can find the Mirror Maze, a DJ and Jack’s Barn, which is where guests can meet some playful cats (including adoptable kittens) and Agape miniature horses.

Other attractions include the Roller Ghoster, Scarecrow Photo Safari, the Round Go-Merry, the Spook-Track-Ular Train Ride, the Gator Pirate Bayou and an Adult Trick-Or-Treat experience. Additional information on these events and more can be found at indianapoliszoo.com/events/zooboo.

What food and drinks are available at ZooBoo?

The Foodie Guide details all the festive treats available inside the zoo during ZooBoo and where to find them. From the Frankenweenie and Terrifying Tots to the Poltergeist Parfait and Spooky Vegetarian Sweets, there is something for everyone. The guide also includes the Petrifying Potions and Spooky Spirits menu, with both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverage options.

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Is there an adult-only event at the zoo?

Samples are served from 20 area breweries and cideries during Zoolala 2018 at the Indianapolis Zoo, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018. The annual fundraiser hosted by Indy Zoo Council was Halloween-themed for the first time, inviting guests to wear costumes, enjoy ZooBoo activities and sample beverages from local breweries and cideries.
Samples are served from 20 area breweries and cideries during Zoolala 2018 at the Indianapolis Zoo, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018. The annual fundraiser hosted by Indy Zoo Council was Halloween-themed for the first time, inviting guests to wear costumes, enjoy ZooBoo activities and sample beverages from local breweries and cideries.

Brewfari is an adults-only night out to stroll through the zoo after dark while sampling from 22 different craft breweries, cideries and distilleries, many from Central Indiana. You must be 21 or older to attend the Oct. 7 event.

The zoo's eateries will be open late so their fall menu will still be available at this event. There will also be other activities, animal chats and demonstrations throughout the event. Costumes are encouraged.

The zoo will be closing early at 7 p.m. to prepare for Brewfari, which will take place from 8-11 p.m. Tickets for the the event can be purchased online at indianapoliszoo.com/events/brewfari.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Zoo Boo Indianapolis: Get into the spooky spirit