Summer may seem like the best time to take your family to the zoo but think again. This fall, experience all that the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden have to offer from Halloween activities to garden displays and animal exhibits.

Trick-or-Treat

Dress up your little ones in their Halloween costumes and head over to the zoo any weekend in October for some family-friendly fun. The zoo encourages visitors to BYOB, bring their own bags that is, as being eco-friendly is something it prides itself on. Walk around the zoo as your kids collect their favorite candies and goodies from the various treat stations that are set up. KIND snacks, Krogers, and Doscher’s Candies are some of the few notable companies that sponsor the stations.

Too-Cute-to-Spook Activities

No one will be frightened by these events! The Zoo’s Beauty Shop of Horrors will feature Halloween-themed fingernail painting and temporary tattoos for children. Phil Dalton, Cincinnati’s very own illusionist, will be performing in the Zoo’s Wings of Wonder Theater. Don’t forget to take a ride on the Hogwarts Express Train!

Animal Greetings & Feedings

What’s more fun than feeding a camel or learning from a zoo expert about polar bears while simultaneously watching polar bears? There are special animal encounters, feedings, and information sessions at the Zoo every day of the week. While you’re visiting, be sure to go to the Welcome Center for the list of daily updates and the schedule. Feedings are additional costs, but chats and encounters are free. Of course, make sure you stop by the Hippo Cove to see Fiona, Cincinnati’s famous baby hippopotamus. There is an underwater viewing area in the cove as well as an interactive play area for children where they can learn about these majestic creatures. It’s a win-win for the whole family!

Stay Green

Take a well-deserved break from running from candy station to candy station with your kiddos by walking through the exhibits at the Botanical Garden, which is located all over the zoo. All season long, conifer trees grow in two designated gardens within the park. Stop and smell the pine. When all of this walking has worn you out, head to The Base Camp Cafe, which was rated the “Greenest Restaurant in America” by the Green Restaurant Association. Feel good about your meal while also enjoying an outdoor, seated view of the Zoo’s Africa exhibit if the weather is favorable. If you would prefer perhaps a more filling meal, head to Cincy’s Smokehouse BBQ or Skyline Chili.

Location and Times

Trick-or-treating and other spooktacular events are happening on October 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 & 28-29 at the Zoo and Botanical Garden from 12-5pm. The zoo is open every day from 10am-5pm (9 am start for zoo members), and this event is free with the purchase of zoo admission. Buy your tickets online and save!

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the Cincinnati area and experience the second-oldest zoo in the United States!

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