Get closer to ghosts and goblins, as well as the amazing animals at Edmonton Valley Zoo each October! Our family enjoyed a full afternoon of spooky fun during the 2021 Boo at the Zoo Event. The kids loved getting dressed up in your costumes and bringing a reusable treat bag to collect candy from the trick-or-treat stations around the zoo.
We hadn’t been to Boo at the Zoo for several years so I was excited to see it was back. Our family always enjoys a trip to the zoo and this event only sweetens things with the promise of free candy! Plus, what kid doesn’t jump at the opportunity to be able to wear their costume?
After it poured all day Saturday we were blessed with beautiful weather for our Sunday afternoon visit. A lot of the animals we don’t normally see were out and active, making for a very enjoyable day. The kids loved watching the lynx cubs wrestle with each other and we were all excited to get a glimpse of the new baby Zebra, Maizy.
The treat stations were spaced nicely throughout the zoo and were a source of encouragement when the little legs with us started to get tired. “Let’s find the next treat station!” We booked a 2:30 time slot which didn’t leave as much time as I would have wanted before the 4 pm closing time, so I do suggest booking an earlier time in the day if possible. It is timed entry, but once you are in you can go at your own pace.
In keeping with the Halloween theme, there were inflatable decorations along the paths and pumpkins in most of the cages. It was fun to spot the pumpkins and see if the animals were interacting with or eating them.
In terms of Covid safety, the Edmonton Valley Zoo has done a wonderful job creating a single flow traffic path to follow around the zoo. Masks need to be worn indoors and the treat stations were kept germ-free with the use of tongs to distribute the candy. It still wasn’t “normal”, but it was nice to have it as a worry free activity to get out and enjoy with the family.
Boo at the Zoo tickets are available online only and will be available for purchase two weeks in advance of each date. Search the date in the calendar on the movelearnplay.edmonton.ca website to book your tickets.
Boo at the Zoo:
When: October 23, 24, 30 & 31, 2021
Time: October 23 & 24 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
October 30 & 31 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road, Edmonton
Cost: Regular admission rates
Website: www.edmonton.ca
