POWELL, Ohio – Get ready for Halloween fun without the fright during the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s annual Boo at the Zoo celebration, presented by bubly™. Due to continuing popularity of this event in years past, the Zoo has once again added a third Boo at the Zoo weekend! This merry-not-scary, frightfully delightful event will take place during the weekends of Oct. 16-18, 23-25 and 30–Nov. 1.
The schedule is as follows:
Fridays | 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturdays | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sundays | 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This year’s Boo at the Zoo happenings include:
- Jama’s Jack-O-Lantern Journey Seek-N-Find
- Tommy C. Turtle’s Trick or Treat Trail, presented by T-Mobile
- Cali’s Pirate Palooza Rolling Celebration, presented by Donatos
- Halloween Hullabaloo Rolling Celebration, presented by Donatos
- Halloween Homecoming at Frogwortz Academy, presented by Bob Evans Farms, in Asia Quest
- Zoo Boo Choo-Choo train ride through Vertebrate Village
- Sydnee Koala’s Candy Corn Carousel rides on the 1914 Mangels/Illions Carousel
- “Aquaman™” playing daily at the Shores Park 4-D Theater (additional fees apply)
Know Before You Go:
To ensure a fun and safe experience for all, Columbus Zoo staff worked together with the Delaware General Health District on planning this event with COVID-19 safety protocols and other accommodations in place, such as:
- There will be 13 total station/candy stops, which will each feature only one type of candy, rather than a selection of choices to reduce lines and gathering at each stop.
- Staff and volunteers will distribute candy and are required to wear a mask and gloves at all times when doing so. Hand sanitizer is also available at each station.
- Each stop will have a clear acrylic barrier between staff/volunteers and guests with a cut out at the bottom so candy can be taken by the child or passed through into a child’s bag.
- Each station will be sanitized on a regular basis throughout the day.
- Signage will be added to encourage 6-foot social distancing between guests/other parties.
- Timed ticketing for Boo at the Zoo will continue to be required for all guests, including Members. However, after 5 p.m., Members are permitted to enter the Zoo without a reservation/timed entry on Boo at the Zoo dates (Oct. 16-18, 23-25 and 30–Nov. 1). On other dates, Members are permitted to enter the Zoo after 2 p.m. without a reservation/timed entry.
Whether it be train rides, musical fun, self-guided tours or candy stops, Boo at the Zoo offers fun for the whole family— all included with the price of regular Zoo admission or membership. Costumes are encouraged for this Halloween celebration; please visit the Zoo’s Calendar Page for more information about costume restrictions and requirements, as well as a schedule of activities. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Zoo’s Re-Opening Plan.
Follow the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up-to-date with the Boo at the Zoo’s 2020 festivities!
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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species from around the globe, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads and inspires by connecting people and wildlife. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Course. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a regional attraction with global impact, annually contributing privately raised funds to support conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating.
