The Denver Zoo is one of Denver’s premier attractions for both locals and tourists. Located near downtown and right next to City Park, the zoo is home to tons of animals including the ever-popular polar bears, giraffes, monkeys, lions, and elephants. The zoo also host several special events throughout the year for the community.
For Halloween, each year the zoo offers a safe alternative to trick or treating for Denver kids and the surrounding areas. The Halloween party is called Boo at the Zoo 2009 and it offers up a little something for everyone. Next to Zoo Lights and Zoo Free Days, it is one of the most popular zoo events.
For two days on the the weekend closest to Halloween, kids of all ages dress up in their costumes and roam the grounds of the zoo. Of course, all the animals are out, but the added fun comes in the form of several trick or treat stations. Boo at the Zoo 2009 is on October 31st and November 1, 2009.
Setup along the main zoo pathway, the trick or treat stations are manned by zoo staff and volunteers. These friendly faces hand out candy and other treats to children who walk up and say, “trick or treat.” If that weren’t enough, the zoo brings out its creepiest animals for “close encounters” with kids, young and old, willing to pet a tarantula, or long twisty snake.
For the Denver Zoo Halloween event, the hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. which gives parents the opportunity to allow their young children to participate in all the fun of Halloween without having to worry about keeping them up late, keeping them safe in the dark, or worrying about what treats they got from stranger’s houses. The weekend event is free, included along with the price of regular zoo admission.
All of this adds up to a great day of fun, but on one magical day in October, the zoo is open at night! The 2009 Boo at the Zoo at Night takes place on October 30, the hours are 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Boo at the Zoo at Night is a special event and is not included with the price of zoo admission. Zoo Members pay $10 for adults and children 12 and over, while youngsters 3 – 11 cost $5. Kids under 3 are free. For non-members, the price is $15 for ages 12 and up, and $10 for ages 3 to 11. This event is very popular, but the zoo offers advance purchase tickets and reservations to both avoid the long lines that form every year, and ensure that even with limited space, that you get inside to see the wild things at night, both in the cages and OUT!
The Denver Zoo main phone number is (303) 376-4800 and its address is 2300 Steele St, Denver CO 80205. However, the main entrance is on 23rd Ave between York Street and Colorado Boulevard.
