Philadelphia Zoo Announces Return Of Annual Halloween Celebration Boo At The Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo (3400 West Girard Avenue) announces the return of Boo at the Zoo Presented by Chase. This top annual Halloween extravaganza will return to America's first Zoo for three enchanting weekends, on October 16 to 18, October 23 to 25, and October 30 to November 1, 2020, from 10:00am to 4:00pm each day. Get ready for some tricks and some treats - and tons of fall fun - during everyone's favorite October tradition. Kids of all ages are invited to come out with their families in their favorite costumes and set out on a not-so-spooky safari. Ticket times and reservations will go on sale on October 1st at PhiladelphiaZoo.org. Admission for Boo at the Zoo is free with the regular price of admission.

“Boo at the Zoo is such a great event for the entire family,” says Amy Shearer, Philadelphia Zoo’s Chief Marketing Officer. “It is such an exciting time to visit the Zoo, see your favorite animals and take a not-so spooky safari. Boo at the Zoo will look a little different from year’s past, instead of a trick or treat around the Zoo, to minimize touchpoints we will offer pre-filled candy bags donated by Mars for guests to grab on their way out. This is one of our favorite events of the year - we look forward to seeing all the adorable, whimsical and creative costumes again this year."
 
Enjoy three wild weekends of Halloween fun with the family as Boo at the Zoo takes over Philadelphia Zoo. Come dressed in your favorite costume, seasonal decor, the Great Pumpkin Wall, photo opportunities, and a spooktacular good time. Instead of trick or treating around the Zoo, there will be treat bags given away courtesy of Mars.  The annual not-so-scary extinction graveyard will showcasing extinct animals and animals the Zoo is trying to save from extinction. Fall food and drink special offerings will include hot apple cider, sweets and treats, and more to be announced soon.

New for this year, post your families favorite photo on Instagram and tag @philadelphiazoo and hashtag #booatthezoophilly for a chance to win great prizes - and have your photo shared on the Philadelphia Zoo Instagram. One or more photos will be shared each day during Boo at the Zoo for an online, virtual costume "parade" via Instagram Stories. The first place prize will be a Family Membership valued at $135.00 with benefits for all members including admission for two named adults and two children under the age of 18. Second prize will be four complimentary Zoo tickets (made via an online reservation code). Third place will be a family four pack of COVID 19 Zoo-themed animal masks. 

As Boo at the Zoo approaches, look for the leaves of the trees around Philadelphia Zoo to add to the enchantment as one of the very top spots in the city proper to watch the leaves and fall foliage change over to the beautiful oranges, yellows and reds of the fall season.

All health and safety precautions are in place for Boo at the Zoo - including the wearing of COVID 19-safe face masks and practicing social distancing. For a reminder of Philadelphia Zoo's safety protocols, see below:

* All visitors MUST reserve / pre-purchase timed-tickets for admission.
* Tickets will not be available for purchase onsite.
* Social distancing and Masks are required for guests 2+
* Indoor animal exhibits and attractions remain closed.
* Touchless toilets, faucets, paper towel and soap dispensers.
* Hand sanitizing stations throughout the campus.
* More grab and go food selections and touchless transactions at food locations.
* Guests can bring their own food in the Zoo.
*  “Clean Team”- staffers dedicated to sanitizing and cleaning high touch areas.
* New procedures that allow public safety officers to check bags without touching.  

Please note that while costumes are welcome for children, COVID 19 masks must be worn on all children and adults age 2+ and older. Halloween costumes with toy guns and weapons are prohibited.  

Timed reservations will go on sale on October 1, 2020. Boo at the Zoo is included with the price of admission. Zoo admission is $24.00 for adults (ages 12 and up), $19.00 for children (2 to 11), and free for children under two. 

For more information on, as or to purchase and print tickets online, visit us at www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org. Facebook: PhiladelphiaZoo; Instagram: @philadelphiazoo; Twitter: @phillyzoo.        

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA ZOO:

Animals are on the move like never before at Philadelphia Zoo with Zoo360, a first-in-the-world system of see-through trails passing through treetops, crossing over pathways and connecting habitats, giving animals like amazing big cats, majestic primates and marvelous meerkats the opportunities to travel and explore. Visit our young western lowland gorillas, baby sloth bear cub, giraffes, hippos, white rhino, zebras, Amur tigers and more at America’s first Zoo. Explore our 42-acre Victorian garden and enjoy award-winning exhibits like Big Cat Falls, PECO Primate Reserve, McNeil Avian Center and KidZooU, a wildlife academy that offers dynamic displays, rare breeds and hands-on experiences.  Philadelphia Zoo is the second highest ticketed attraction in Philadelphia, one of the region's foremost conservation organizations and home to nearly 1,300 animals, many rare and endangered. By connecting people with wildlife, Philadelphia Zoo creates joyful discovery and inspires action for animals and habitats. The Zoo welcomed more than 1.25 million visitors last year. Philadelphia Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Philadelphia Zoo is a non-smoking facility.