Detroit Zoo's annual 'merry-not-scary' Zoo Boo celebration returns

Event returns this Halloween season with decorated half-mile trick-or-treat trail

ROYAL OAK, Mich. – The Detroit Zoo says its annual "merry-not-scary" Zoo Boo celebration returns this Halloween season featuring a festively decorated half-mile trick-or-treat trail through the front of the Zoo.

Presented by the Michigan Education Savings Program, Zoo Boo will take place rain or shine the evenings of Oct. 11-13, 18-20 and 25-27, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Fridays and from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Elaborate pumpkin displays will line the treat trail, where greeters will pass out goodies to costume-clad children at treat stations along the route. The Zoo says a trail of eerie fog will lead through a spooky graveyard to the Haunted Reptile House, where friendly witches, vampires and other monsters will take up residence for the Halloween season.

The live mini-musical "Zoo Boo Revue" will be performed in the Events Pavilion. According to the Zoo, the Ghouly Games Tent will offer Halloween-themed games, prizes, arts and crafts and a hay maze. The Zombie Zone will feature ghastly games, spooky activities and pumpkin-carving demonstrations.

Zoo Boo guests can follow the yellow brick road to the Wild Adventure Zone -- located in the Ford Education Center -- for a 15-minute version of "The Wizard of Oz" at the 4-D Theater, or take a ride on the wild side with "Happy Feet: Mumble's Wild Ride" at the Simulator Ride. The Zoo says each experience is an additional $5 per person per ride, or a Beastly Bundle price of $7 for both; children under 2 are free.

Finally, the Detroit Zoo says the Carousel, located near the Arctic Café, will also be open and costs an additional $2 per person. Children under 3 or 42 inches ride free with a paying adult.

Advance tickets for Zoo Boo can be purchased at Booth One at the front of the Detroit Zoo or online here. The Zoo says tickets are $8 per person ages 2 and up.

Time slots for Zoo Boo are 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Gates close for entry at 8 p.m. If a date and time slot is not sold out, the Zoo said a limited number of tickets may be available at the gate that day after 5 p.m. for $11.

For more information, call 248-541-5717 or visit the Detroit Zoo's website.

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