John Ball Zoo goes boo
Kristin Coppens
| 2 min read
Halloween is quickly approaching and there are a number of events available to supplement that traditional trick or treating. In Grand Rapids, the John Ball Zoo is hosting their annual John Ball Zoo Goes Boo event for kids and families. Located at John Ball Zoo, the event invites families to bring their little ones, dressed up in their Halloween costumes, for animal viewing, trick or treating, face painting, mini corn mazes, and more.
All of the animal enclosures have been decorated in their Halloween finest with cobwebs, carved pumpkins, scarecrows, spiders, tombstones, and ghosts. Being that we’re coming up on the end of October, a large number of the animal enclosures don’t have the actual animals in them; however, there is still plenty to see and a good number of animals out and about.
On one end of the zoo, the “treat trail” begins with businesses and sponsors manning tents and tables full of informational material for the parents, and trick or treating goodies for the kids. As you walk along the “treat trail,” kids can collect candy and other toys in their provided trick or treat bags, making their way towards the petting zoo and additional enclosures. Scattered throughout the entire zoo are giant inflatable Halloween staples, like a pumpkin and Frankenstein.
Other attractions included a mini corn maze designed with the haystacks at kid height, face paintings of your favorite animals, a dance performance from the Academy of Dance Arts, and plenty of mini games along the trails.
If you missed John Ball Zoo Goes Boo last weekend, there’s still time to check out the event this weekend as well. Open Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27 from 10am to 3pm, and Sunday, October 28 from 12pm to 4pm. Admission is $7 per person, however, kids age 2 and under get in free and zoo members get in for $3.
What’s your favorite family friendly Halloween activity?
Photo credit: A Healthier Michigan
