PHIADELPHIA - Finding the perfect Halloween activity for young children can be a difficult balancing act. You want all the festive fun of costumes, candy, and spooky decorations, but without the intense jump-scares and gore found at local commercial haunted houses. This year, the Philadelphia Zoo is stepping up as the ultimate daytime destination for families looking to celebrate safely, comfortably, and inclusively.
Because of the newly expanded Boo at the Zoo dates, parents have more flexibility than ever to bring their kids out in costume. The campus offers a highly photogenic backdrop, completely taken over by more than two dozen towering 12-foot and 5-foot skeletons donated by Home Depot. To keep trick-or-treating safe and welcoming for everyone, the zoo is proudly participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project. Every candy station across the 42-acre campus will offer fun, non-food prizes, making the event entirely safe for children with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Beyond the candy trails, kids can hop aboard the decorated SEPTA PZ "Boo" Choo Train for a scenic ride through the autumn trees, or head to the Small Mammal House for the new Cryptic Creatures exhibit to learn the real zoological truth behind legends like the Jersey Devil. If your family loves dressing up, do not miss the daily costume contests at Impala Lawn (held at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM), where zoo staff award prizes for the most creative outfits.
If you are trying to coordinate your visit, be sure to look up exactly when Boo at the Zoo to catch your favorite animal feeding times. After enjoying the zoo's fall foliage, eerie eats, and haunted history, you can head back to your neighborhood for the main event. To perfectly time your evening candy walking route, read up on the ultimate guide to trick-or-treat times in Philadelphia. And for the parents looking to unwind after a long day of chasing kids and giant skeletons, you can discover exactly where to find the best Halloween bars in Philadelphia.
