Are you ready for the biggest, most-exciting Boo at the Zoo at the Idaho Falls Zoo ever?
This year's Boo at the Zoo is set for October 24, 25, and 26. Hosted by Tautphaus Park Zoological Society (TPZS), Boo at the Zoo is one of Idaho Falls’ largest fundraising events. Included in your ticket purchase will be the greatest number of businesses and organizations providing trick-or-treat stations (over 40), a kid’s carnival in the William J. Maeck Education Center, and costume contest each night at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. There will also be four food areas offering tasty treats for your separate purchase with everything from donut holes and hot chocolate, to hamburgers and tacos.
To accommodate the crowds, the zoo has not only opened up more space for booths and added activities in the education center, but the event hours on Saturday have been extended to 2:00-8:30 p.m. On Thursday and Friday gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and close at 8:30 p.m. This year, there will be two areas to enter—at the front of the zoo and on the north side near the Children’s Zoo. Please note, Softball Dr. will be closed during Boo at the Zoo to ensure pedestrian safety and the parking lot in front of the zoo is ONLY open to handicap parking.
“Boo at the Zoo is Idaho Falls’ largest merry-not-scary Halloween event,” says David Pennock, zoo director. “And we’ve expanded it yet again this year thanks to the additional zoo property we now have at the site of the former county fairgrounds.”
The incredible event showcases an amazing array of lights and lighted displays, dozens of decorations, twice-nightly costume contests, kids’ games, and trick-or-treat stations hosted by area businesses and organizations. This year’s event will be larger than ever with more lights, new lighted sculptures, multiple entrances and more space inside the zoo than ever before!
Plus, who can resist an appearance on Friday only of the Timberline Garrison and their special photo backdrop so guests can pose with film-quality costumed Star Wars characters. Timberline Garrison is a local chapter of the 501st Legion, a worldwide Star Wars costuming organization comprised of and operated by Star Wars fans.
BOO TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE! Save time, don’t wait in line at the event–we highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance by clicking HERE or at Broulim’s stores in Idaho Falls and Shelley.
BOO AT THE ZOO OVERVIEW:
Dates: Thursday, Friday and Saturday before Halloween Oct. 24, 25, 26
Time: Thursday and Friday gates open at 5 p.m. Last admission is at 8:30 p.m. Saturday gates open at 2:00 p.m. with last admission at 8:30 p.m. The zoo will be cleared at 9:00 p.m. each night.
Cost: Tickets are just $6 for ages 3 and up before the event or at the event if paid in cash. Tickets purchased at the event with a credit or debit card are $8. Children 2 and younger are free.
Costume Contests: Nightly at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Sage Creek Repair.
NOTE: Zoo memberships, coupons, discounts and promotions are NOT valid for admission to Boo at the Zoo, as the event is a fundraiser for TPZS. All funds raised from the event go to support the Idaho Falls Zoo. For more information on Boo at the Zoo, contact Laurie Gravatt at (208) 612-8421 or [email protected].
Experience a Relaxing Evening at Zoo Lights: If you’d rather avoid the crowds and Boo excitement entirely, you might consider attending Zoo Lights on October 28 and 29. From 6:00-8:00 p.m., stroll the zoo and enjoy all the beautiful Halloween lights and decorations without the booths, vendors, games, or contests. Zoo Lights admission is half-price of regular zoo admission--only $3.75 for adults 13 and over and $2.25 for kids ages 4-12. 3 and under if free. TPZS memberships can be used to attend Zoo Lights.
All monies raised during Boo at the Zoo and Zoo Lights are used by the Tautphaus Park Zoological Society for improvements and projects at your Idaho Falls Zoo. Funds raised during this year’s events will go toward the construction of a new entrance and gift shop at your zoo.
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Media Note: For more information or to arrange and interview with city staff, contact City of Idaho Falls Public Information Officer Bud Cranor at 208-612-8306
About Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park: With more than 330 individual animals representing 130 species from all around the globe, the Idaho Falls Zoo is known as the “Best Little Zoo in the West.” Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the zoo participates in 44 Species Survival Plans. Learn more on our website.