As dusk fast approaches in Santa Ana, little ghouls and goblins come out to play. But, they aren’t the only ones! At the Santa Ana Zoo’s 26th annual “Boo at the Zoo,” children in costume gallop about the zoo trails collecting candy, families get a chance to ride the train and everyone gets a taste of what the zoo animals do at nighttime.
10 treat stations are spread throughout the zoo offering anything from yogurt, lemonade and of course…CANDY! Children of all ages line up to fill their buckets and bags with goodies from various sponsors. Along the zoo exhibits, festive halloween decorations line the trails while purpple, green and orange twinkle lights help guide visitors through the zoo.
Trick or treating isn’t the only thing families get to do at the Boo at the Zoo. A fun craft table was available were kids could decorate foam magnets with stickers, sparkly stones and other fun bedazzlements. Color sheets were available as well. The carousel was lit up and kids squealed in delight as they rode their trusty steed round and round. Families hopped aboard the “Boofari Express” train where more Halloween themed ornaments lined the train tracks. Kids frantically searched a small pumpkin patch for a hidden Mickey painted on the bottom of select pumpkins to earn a prize. The Zoo hosts a costume parade each night at 7:30 for the guests to show off their Halloween style.
For the older kids, there is a little haunted house/maze. I applaud the efforts to try and appease the teenagers in the aptly named “Teen Scream Haunted House.” It was a quick, simple maze with some “monsters” in masks trying their best to scare the living daylights out of people. The maze had some fun props and a couple fog machines. The volunteers seemed to be having a good time, as well as the adults, who took their turn to enjoy something a little more spooky than their toddler having a meltdown over not being able to eat all of their candy at once.
However, the real stars of the show are the animals. When you go, take time to sit down and watch the various animals as they are more active when the sun goes down. I watched two Ocelots frolic for several minutes and would’ve stayed longer if I could have. The zoo also has 3 animal presentations nightly, featuring various nocturnal and Halloween themed animals. At the end of the presentation the crowd is treated to more candy! Dr. Sue’s Bug Hut is open with several creepy, crawly spiders, centipedes, beetles and other bugs that make your skin crawl.
Don’t forget your camera; several picture spots are available with Halloween cut outs and spooky set pieces to pose on. There is even a wishing well with mermaids waiting for a photo opportunity with you. What do mermaids have to do with the zoo? I don’t know but I LOVED IT!
I had a great time exploring Santa Ana’s Boo at the Zoo. Kids were happy, parents were happy and everyone seemed to be in the Halloween spirit. It’s easy and not overwhelming but plan on staying for a couple hours to make sure that you don’t miss anything.
The Santa Ana Boo at the Zoo is open Sunday October 23rd and Friday October 28-Sunday Octobr 30th from 5:30-8pm. Tickets are $19.95 for non-members ages 2 and up. If you’re a member the cost of admission is $9.95. Kids under 2 years old are free. If you become a member your tickets are half price, and you can come back to enjoy the zoo during normal operating hours. You can purchase advanced tickets here to avoid the lines. The carrousel and Boofari Express train are an extra charge. Costumes are encouraged.
