Fall into FUN - Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my! Let's go Haunt the Zoo...

Okay. I'll admit it. I've become a bit of a zoo rat.

Yeah, the family and I, we like to get going early on a Saturday morning, beat the traffic to the Oklahoma City Zoo, and sneak into the petting zoo before it becomes a zoo (hah!). Then it's a fun-filled race to see as many animals as we can before the two-year-old melts down over the penny machine.

So, imagine how excited we are about this year's 31st Haunt the Zoo! In an effort to bring you some of the best the area has to offer in spookified entertainment (such as the nearby Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch and Lake Arcadia's Storybook Forest), I figured this event is a another great way to lead up to the final spooky day of the year. Besides, if you paid as much as I did for a preschooler Olaf costume, you're going to want to get as much mileage out of that baby as you can.

Presented by the Children's Hospital Volunteers and Kohl's Cares, this year's Haunt the Zoo runs 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Sunday, October 26, through Friday, October 31. Not only do children get the opportunity to follow the pumpkin-lined pathway that stops at fantasy-themed booths to collect treats from volunteers, but the price of admission ($6 in advance or $7 at the gate) includes an official treat bag. Accompanying adults ages 18 and older are admitted free.

"As a mom (and of course, a huge Haunt the Zoo fan), I can tell you that this is a great event for families!" says Candice Rennels, marketing and public relations manager for the Oklahoma City Zoo. “Haunt the Zoo mixes the fun of trick-or-treating with the uniqueness of the Zoo. Each night families can experience the lights and sights of Haunt the Zoo as the event trail comes to life. The 21 themed booths along the trail feature family-friendly themes, decorations and props that are 'Oh so merry and not too scary,' making it perfect for little ones."

Well, I'm sold. Sounds like an event the kids won't forget anytime soon. And there's nothing wrong with making even Halloween a special memory.

 

Stay tuned next week as we gear up for trick or treating!