As long as I have had children, we have taken them to Phoenix Zoo’s annual event, Boo at the Zoo. When they were smaller we would load them in the stroller, or wagon, dressed in their Halloween costumes and enjoy the day out. It was usually the first visit to the zoo of the season (that being the cooler weather season!) and we all looked forward to it. The zoo becomes transformed into a fall festival with animals receiving pumpkins as treats, a pumpkin patch, Mascot parades, informational booths and more.
Then, when I started working for the magazine I was excited to find out that we have a booth at this event every year (this event and the magazine are the same age – 21 – and we have been there every year!). We pass out magazines (and other goodies), chat with our readers and admire the creativity that goes into their children’s costumes.
Now that my children are older, they still want to come to Boo. They will come and help work for a bit, but then they will state “Be right back.” They will disappear for a while and when they return they have the same look in their eyes as those little girls in the wagon. They will report what animals they saw, which ones were munching on their pumpkin treats, what goodies they collected from other vendors and descriptions of some of their favorite costumes.
So, if this event has not yet become a family tradition, make it one and head on over to the zoo this weekend from 9am-4pm Saturday and Sunday. They also have an event for the older kids, Howl-O-Ween, that takes place on Oct 29-30 from 6:30-11pm. I think we may have to check out that event as well this year – if we dare!
