OHIO — Throughout the state, zoos in major cities are hosting Halloween family-friendly events either close to Halloween or throughout the month of October. The zoos do have COVID-19 precautions in place and in some cases costume guidelines, so be sure to check policies before heading to the festivities.
The zoo is holding two events this year: Little Boo at the Zoo and the Pumpkin Path.
Little Boo at the Zoo will be held Oct. 14 and 15 between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will offer Halloween storytimes, pumpkin carving demos and puppet shows. The Pumpkin Path will be offered Oct. 16 and 17 between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., which will also feature a carving demo, a train ride and a magic show.
Tickets can be purchased on its website.
The Akron Zoo is hosting Boo at the Zoo on Oct. 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31 between 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Children are encouraged to wear costumes and bring their biggest treat bag to collect candy from 12 stations throughout the park. For those who have allergies, the zoo has a "Teal Pumpkin Project" to offer non-food items for children with food allergies. Let volunteers know that you're a Teal Pumpkin participant, and they'll have special treats for you.
The zoo will also be hosting Zoothing Boo at the Zoo on Oct. 30 between 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for people with different abilities who don’t like crowds or loud noises to trick-or-treat.
Tickets can be purchased on its website.
The Columbus Zoo is also hosting a Boo at the Zoo event each weekend in October. It features Tommy C. Turtles Trick or Treat Trail, Cali’s Pirate Dance Party, Frogwortz Academy, Zoo Boo Choo Choo rolling through Vertebrate Village, plus animal encounters, character ambassadors, and many other exciting Halloween activities and demonstrations.
Halloween events are from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Tickets can be purchased on its website.
The zoo's Trick-or-Treat Fest returns Oct. 8 for every Friday, Saturday and Sunday up until Halloween. Kids will not only get treats, but will also encounter monsters and ghouls throughout the park.
They will also be able to enjoy enjoy unlimited movies at the 4-D Theater, train rides and rides on the carousel. The trick-or-treating goes from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased on its website.
HallZOOween returns to the Cincinnati Zoo this year, and it's free with regular admission.
There will be trick or treating, Phil Dalton’s Theater of Illusion Shows and even a Hogwarts Express train ride for the Harry Potter fans. The events will be held Oct. 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31 between 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Although not required, children are encouraged to wear costumes.