CLEVELAND — Spooky season is here, and the Cleveland MetroParks Zoo is offering a family friendly and safe way to celebrate. Avid zoo-goers may have remembered Boo at the Zoo, but this year with the pandemic a new daytime experience called Trick-or-Treat Fest takes its place.

Costumes, candy, animals, train rides, and more.

The new Trick-or-Treat Fest at Cleveland MetroParks Zoo is bringing visitors a sense of normalcy. There’s so much to experience that even some staff are taking part in the fun, like director of communications for Cleveland Metroparks Jacqueline Gerling.

“This is awesome. It’s so great to be able to get out with the little ones and have a little bit of fun and have them get their candy and trick-or-treat, so we’re embracing it to the fullest and couldn’t be more excited to be a part of Trick-or-Treat Fest,” said Gerling.

While some enjoy “spook-tacular” live performances in the zoo’s amphitheater, others meet-and-greet with costume characters and enjoy unlimited rides on the circle of wildlife carousel.

This family-friendly Halloween event will be open on weekends from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. until Oct. 31.

There are plenty of opportunities for kids and adults to show off their creative Halloween spirit.

There is a charge and the first weekend did sell out, so zoo officials recommend buying tickets in advance. More information may be found at clevelandmetroparks.com.