Have a Howling Good Time at Boo at the Zoo

Festive Decorations, Endless Treats and Spook-tacular Wildlife Await Trick-or-Treaters

The 14th annual Boo at the Zoo promises to be a howling good time filled with costumed families and fun at the Smithsonian's National Zoo Oct. 26, 27, and 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Hosted by Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ), Boo at the Zoo offers kids ages two to 12 a safe atmosphere to trick-or-treat. Spend quality family time together, while enjoying animals, festive fall decorations and much more.

Boo at the Zoo has become a much anticipated Halloween tradition at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, said Bob Lamb, executive director of FONZ. The Zoo is a safe and family-friendly environment for trick-or-treating and it is a great opportunity to see animals.

Each trick-or-treater will receive one recyclable bag to fill up while visiting treat stations all over the Zoo. More than 30 stations will distribute everything from candy, to organic snacks, to ice cream. Many of the Zoo's animals will also be celebrating Halloween, including slithering reptiles and creepy crawly invertebrates. The Bird House, Small Mammal House, Reptile Discovery Center, Great Apes House, Think Tank and Kids' Farm—sponsored by State Farm—will be open and filled with Halloween-themed enrichment for the animals. Between all the tricks and treats, kids can also take a spooky train ride around Great Cats Circle. Guests can purchase tickets for train rides throughout the evening.

Tickets are $20 for FONZ members and $30 for nonmembers. Flat parking rates are $5 for FONZ members and $10 for nonmembers. VIP Parking is also available for $20. Tickets can be purchased online or at any National Zoo gift shop from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets early as this event tends to sell out. Please note that parking passes for Saturday evening are sold out.

All proceeds from Boo at the Zoo benefit animal care and conservation science at the National Zoo. Boo at the Zoo is sponsored by BIG 100.3 FM, The Coca-Cola Company, Comcast, FedEx, HOT 99.5 FM, Mars Incorporated, Noodles & Company, Safe Kids USA, 97.1 WASH-FM, Washington Parent, Whitmore Group, Whole Foods Market, 98.7 WMZQ and yellowbook.

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