Spook-tacular Fun: Erie Zoo's Annual Event Creeps Up on Us

Friday, Oct. 14

Somewhere in the city, a troll practices a scratchy voice, 200,000 pieces of candy have been secured, skulls are being polished, and pumpkins are being gathered. Yes, it's time for ZooBoo!

ZooBoo attracts approximately 40,000 visitors over the course of its 16 days, some of them coming from as far as Cleveland. "The community just loves ZooBoo," says Emily Antolik, marketing and public relations assistant. "It is a significant fundraiser for the zoo, but also so much fun."

It's no surprise, with the array of family-friendly fun to be had. The 12-and-under set can trick-or-treat at 10 booths as well as have their faces painted, or participate in craft activities when they're not out collecting sugary treasure. Along the way, you'll find a talking pumpkin, games to play, and all kinds of spooky fun.

For an additional fee, you can ride the carousel or take a trip on the Safariland train. While rolling down the tracks, keep your eyes open for some very mysterious and mythical creatures – maybe even Bigfoot – lurking in the dark.

You can snag a free carousel ride if you go on opening night and are one of the first 1,000 through the gate, courtesy of sponsor, Chik-fil-A. If you don't like crowds, though, you may want to consider a rainy night, which offers fewer people and shorter lines. "A lot of people prefer rainy nights," Antolik says with a laugh. "They can get in and out more quickly, which might be good with little ones."

In case you haven't heard yet, ZooBoo is (say it with me) scary, but not too scary. So rig up the kids' costumes or grab a date, and prepare to answer a troll's question at the bridge. Hint: A turtle can live 150 years. You didn't hear this from me. – Mary Birdsong

6 to 9 p.m., Oct. 14 through 30 // Erie Zoological Society, 423 W. 38th St. // $7 non-members; reduced advanced and day-of tickets available to members; children under two free // eriezoo.org