Fall activities at Alabama zoos are the perfect outdoor outings for families. Average October temperatures range from approximately 63o F in Birmingham to 69o F in the Gulf Shores/Mobile area. While cooler in December, snowfall is unusual in the northern part of the state and a rare occasion in the southern coastal areas. Each of the three major zoos holds Halloween and Christmas festivals, offering unique and safe environments for children and adults. So plan your fall activities around a visit to an Alabama zoo and enjoy a family outing fun for all ages.
The Birmingham Zoo
Located in Birmingham in north Alabama, the state’s largest zoo is home to approximately 750 animals and draws over 450,000 visitors annually. The zoo became an independent not-for-profit organization in 1999 and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Along with the 50th anniversary celebration in April 2005, the zoo opened its $15 million Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo. The Birmingham Zoo offers several fall activities for the public. Boo at the Zoo presented by RealtySouth is scheduled for October 20-22 and 27-29 from 5 to 9 p.m. Visitors are invited to wear their costumes and participate in games, rides and the GORE-may Buffet. Special trick-or-treating zones are guaranteed safe for the kids, and visitors of all ages can have pictures taken with Star Wars characters each night. Admission for Boo at the Zoo is $7.00 each.
Be sure not to miss the Protective Life Corporation presents Symphony Spooktacular on October 29. Admission is free from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A costume contest will be held at 2 p.m., followed by a special concert by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra at 2:30. Bring the whole family and spread out your blankets to enjoy the concert (weather permitting). On December 16, kids and adults alike will enjoy watching the animals open their presents, complete with wrapping paper. Gifts will be given out all day. A schedule of the specific activities will be posted soon on the Zoo’s website at www.birminghamzoo.com. December 15-23 and 26-30 the Birmingham Zoo will hold the Zoolight Safari from 5-9 p.m. each night. Admission is $7.00 each and includes a special wildlife show with animals from colder climates. Visitors can ride the Zoolight Express train and view half a million holiday lights. Stop by the Alabama Barn for a family holiday photo, and don’t forget to enjoy the hot cocoa!
The Montgomery Zoo
The Montgomery Zoo covers over 48 acres in Alabama’s state capital. Since opening its doors in 1920, the zoo has undergone relocation and major expansions, and is now home to over 700 animals. Tickets are available in packages that also include the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum dedicated to educating kids and families about conservation and the environment. Zoo employee Steven Pierce reported that Zoo Boo To-Do will be held October 19. This is a major fund raising event for the zoo and features a live band, hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and a ride on the Fright Express train. The event begins at 6:30 in the Overlook Café and admission is $50.00. Zoo Boo is scheduled for October 20-22 and 27-31 from 6 to 9 p.m. In addition to the Fright Express that goes through about 20 scenes, there will also be games, candy and food. Younger children will enjoy the hayride and are encouraged to wear their costumes. Admission to Zoo Boo is $6.00.
From November 22 through December 31, the Montgomery Zoo will host its annual Holiday Lights festival. Visitors can walk or ride the train through close to 40 holiday scenes from 6 to 9 p.m. On the weekends, the Holiday Lights Festival will feature carolers, choirs, and school groups. The zoo will open on Christmas Day at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $6.00 for adults, $4 for children 3 – 12, and free for children 2 and under.
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is the smallest zoo, located in Gulf Shores just blocks from the beautiful beaches. Thanks to the popular Animal Planet show The Little Zoo That Could, it may now be the most widely known. Hurricanes pummeling the Gulf Coast forced the zoo to evacuate over 250 animals three times in just over a year. Badly damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the little zoo had not even re-opened its doors when Hurricanes Dennis and Katrina raged onshore and threatened the animals once again. On October 19, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo will once again host Boo at the Zoo. The carnival is a major fund raising event for this small non-profit zoo and seeks to provide a safe environment for kids to enjoy Halloween. The Enchanted Forest games offer fun for all ages such as Pumpkin Bowling and a Candy Hunt. Activities like face painting, a Coloring Zone and Hopscotch offer special appeal for little ones, while adults and kids alike will enjoy snacks and refreshments from the snack bar. Boo at the Zoo will be held from 4 p.m. until dark and admission is $2 for adults and $1 for kids. Tickets for the games can be purchased at 25 cents each, or $20.00 will buy an unlimited-fun bracelet.
Other activities at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo include Sandy Claws, the zoo’s Christmas party, to be held on December 9. Further details will be posted on the website at www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org. Families are encouraged to support this amazing little zoo as they look forward to relocating their animals to higher, safer ground in Gulf Shores. The relocation is being made possible by the donation of 25 acres of land by Clyde Weir and Andrea Weir Franklin, but making the move will be a long time coming and an expensive plan.
Reference:
- The Birmingham Zoo: www.birminghamzoo.com The Montgomery Zoo: www.montgomeryal.gov The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo: www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org Each website offers links to local accommodations and attractions.
