FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Are the train and kiddie rides included in the ticket price?

A: Yes!  Your ticket includes all of the event games and activities, a ride on the Columbian Park Express Enchanted Train Ride and as many rides on the Wild Tykes Kiddie Rides as you'd like.  The train is for all ages, (but does not have a wheelchair lift).  The kiddie rides (little boats, horses, helicopters) are exclusively for riders 42" in height or less.  The helicopter ride also requires riders are a minimum of three years of age.  No age or height exceptions will be made.  

Q: Will there be trick-or-treating at the event?

A:  Yes!  Boo at the Zoo includes several candy stops where children can receive a candy item.  This candy is donated by our generous candy sponsor(s) and meets the Zoo's goals regarding the responsible use of palm oil.  (For more info on how candy containing palm oil impacts the survival of animals like orangutans and gibbons, we encourage you to visit rspo.org).  Please note that candy may not be suitable for children with allergies, dietary restrictions or limitations with chewing.  Parents should evaluate all candy before children consume it. 

Q:  Do adults need a ticket to attend?

A: Yes, all persons over 2 years of age need a ticket.

Q: My child is under 2.  Do they need a ticket?

A:  Children aged 2 years and under do not require a ticket.  They are welcome to attend the event and may participate in any of the activities and may ride the Enchanted Train Ride with a ticketed adult.  

Q:  What kinds of animals will we see during Boo at the Zoo?

A: This event is focused more on holiday-themed kids activities and family fun than on being a traditional animal-viewing zoo experience. For the safety and comfort of our animal friends, many animals will not be on display during event nights.  Those that are on display generally have a choice of whether to be in view, or rest in off-sight areas.  Due to the increased patron traffic, unusual time frame and unfamiliar sights of costumes, we expect that some animals may prefer the comfort of their familiar inside areas to being out during the event.  We appreciate the understanding of our guests and hope that you will find plenty of fun activities to fill your event night!

Q: Does the pumpkin patch carry an additional charge?

A: Due to limited pumpkin supply, each PAID ticket-holder may choose only one pumpkin from the pumpkin patch to take home. Pumpkin is not included with free, 2 years and under entry. For safety reasons, pumpkin carving tools will not be provided at the event.

Q: What about construction - will it impact Boo at the Zoo this year?

A:  The Zoo and Columbian Park are currently undergoing several exciting construction projects!  Portions of the Zoo grounds are closed for construction, so you will notice some changes to event activities and layout compared to previous years.  An event brochure with map will be available at the entrance.  Additionally, the Loeb Stadium renovation project impacts parking and footpaths. The Wallace Avenue parking lot is closed indefinitely for construction, and pedestrian traffic adjacent to the Loeb site will be rerouted.  For safety reasons, please do not attempt to cross any construction barriers!  

Q: How will I know if the event is cancelled?  Will I receive a refund if it is?

A:  It is our intention to hold the event all three nights that it is scheduled.  In some rare situations, we may be forced to cancel the event due to inclement weather (active, forecast, or recent) which presents a safety risk for our guests, staff, volunteers, and animals.  For example, thunder and lightning, high winds, excessive or sustained rainfall (which can lead to flooding on Zoo grounds), extreme temperatures, etc.  Additionally, other unforeseen circumstances could also force cancellation.  In the event that a cancellation occurs, we will announce it on our our website and the Zoo's verified social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) as soon as possible and we strongly recommend checking these online resources prior to coming out.  All ticket sales are NON-REFUNDABLE.  To allow for flexibility, advance tickets are not date-specific and may be redeemed for any night of the event.  Although we hope not to cancel a night of the event, we hope that if one occurs our guests will recognize that this is a fundraiser event, and their ticket fee will continue to support the Lafayette Parks Foundation and the many Zoo initiatives they fund.