We love the zoo anytime of year, but during Halloween it’s especially wild! Zoos (and aquariums) in the New Jersey area have special events planned especially for spooky season.
Fintastic Fall Days Festival
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
September 21 – November 5
See countless aquatically-themed displays throughout the aquarium, both floating on the surface and sunken deep below among sharks, rays, and other aquatic animals. Check out seasonal sensory tables featuring pumpkin slime. Pay $5 to paint and take home your pumpkin masterpiece. If you’re looking to learn more, dive into the “What Goes Bump in the Midnight Zone” show, which demystifies the animals living in the dark depths of the ocean’s Midnight Zone.
Pumpkin Nights
Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
Thursdays – Sundays, September 28 – October 29
Bring the kids to the zoo at night for treats, games and a live pumpkin carving demonstration. You’ll follow a half-mile trail that has 5,000 animal-themed illuminated jack-o’lanterns and learn about animal behaviors that happen after dark. There will be outdoor games and fall treats.
Boo at the Zoo
Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
Saturdays-Sundays, September 30-October 29
Also Monday, October 9
Dress as your favorite animal and listen to folktales from around the world featuring animals you can see in the zoo. Check out skeletons from a collection of animal species you see at the zoo, watch the costume parade and pumpkin carving demos, make your own Halloween crafts, play in the Boo Playground and go trick-to-treating.
Boo at the Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Saturdays-Sundays, October 14-29
New this year will be a meet-and-greet with the new “pumpkin spice” colored baby Francois langur; a new Spiders Alive exhibit; vampire bats in their new home; wand making; a game where you throw bugs at a giant spider web; and a book giveaway from West Philly Reading Captains. You can also take part in feeding pumpkins to the hippos, trick-or-treating around the zoo and more.
Zoo Boo
Bergen County Historical Park, Paramus
October 20-22
Zoo Boo includes trick-or-treating, Mad Science shows, animal artifact displays, music and train rides.
Owl-O-Ween
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford
October 21
Trick-or-Tweet at this animal sanctuary. Trick-or-treating will be outdoors by the Wildlife Housing Area. Watch a family-friendly Halloween movie. Get dressed up for the costume contest. Head to the campfire to roast marshmallows. Make Halloween crafts, color and play games.
Boo at the Boardwalk
Jenkinsons Boardwalk, Point Pleasant
October 21, 22, 28 and 29
There will be Halloween crafts, face painting, trick-or-treating, underwater pumpkin carving, entertainment and limited kiddie rides.
Ascarium
New York Aquarium, Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
October 21, 22, 28 and 29
There will be marine-themed magic shows, Halloween crafts, a larger-than-life pumpkin display, Wildlife Theater shows and games.
Cedar Run For Your Life
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford
October 28
The Jersey Devil takes the spotlight as the ringmaster of the Leeds Family Circus during a haunted guided nature hike. After, there will be a campfire under the full moon, where you’ll receive hot cocoa and a marshmallow to roast. There will be a scary movie, vendors and food. Must be at least 10 to attend.
Howl-O-Ween Bark Bash
Bradley Park, Asbury Park
October 28
The dog Halloween parade down the boardwalk will be followed by a vendor fair, food trucks, games, prizes, contests and more. This is a fundraiser to support the animals in the care of Popcorn Park Animal Refuge in Forked River.
Howl-O-Ween
Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange
October 31
Trick-or-treat at the candy stations throughout the zoo. There will be stilt walkers, the Dr. Diabolical Mad Science Show and spooky storytimes. The farm area and top of the zoo will be closed, the African Adventure will close once dusk begins, but the Touch Tank and Reptile House will remain open. The carousel and train will be open depending on weather.
Read More:
Where to Spend Halloween With the Kids
Celebrate Halloween With These Not-So-Spooky Activities
These Are the Most Popular Halloween Costumes for Kids
The Most Spooktacular Halloween Houses in NJ
Halloween Trains: Book Your Pumpkin Ride Now
This NJ Theme Park Is The Best for Halloween
