Review - Houston - Houston Zoo - Zoo Boo Event

This past Sunday I was able to visit the Houston Zoo and enjoy their annual Zoo Boo decorations. Zoo Boo is included with daily admission. Just a word of caution in case your kiddos are expecting some kind of candy, there are no trick-or-treats at this event.

What is Zoo Boo?
It's basically the zoo with lots of fun Halloween-themed or Fall-themed decorations. Lots of photo-ops.

The list of Zoo Boo attractions are shown on the bottom of the Visitor Guide Map (available just inside the Zoo at the digital map display).

New for 2024, you will find two giant Talking (and singing) Pumpkins. One is at the end of the Spooky Forest (which luckily for youngsters isn't too spooky during the day) and the other is in the African Forest. Also new this year are Glowing Pumpkins near the Flamingo Terrace as well as a "Ghost Town" just past the giraffe barn with great photo-ops and skeleton props. I'm sure at night, these are a lot scarier.

Zoo Boo is every day until October 31st. The price is included with regular admission (or free if you are a Houston Zoo Member). Zoo Boo After Hours is a separately ticketed event and occurs Friday nights and nightly October 23rd-30th from 5pm to 9:30pm.

Highlights of the Zoo Boo After Hours event is that the lights on many decorations will be turned on, including the Spooky Forest, the Glowing Pumpkins (near the Flamingo Terrace), and the Ghost Town. Some young children might be afraid of the glowing eyes and props. There will also be a Dance Party in the Children's Zoo area. And s'more making by the fire pit (or pay for a premium s'more).


Ghost town is series of prop buildings with cute skeleton photo-ops set up between each one. Across the way was another, bigger photo-op area.


Throughout the zoo were some really neat carved "pumpkins". Kiddos have fun searching for these and seeing which animals are carved in there.


Family-friendly costumes for both adults and children are encouraged. I personally saw very few people in costumes but I did see a lot of cool family-matching shirts and outfits. Perhaps when it gets closer to Halloween there will be more costumes?


Parking is FREE within the Hermann Park. Try to arrive early because parking filled up quickly as the park is home to lots of things to do and events. Also, it got a bit confusing driving through with some of the roads being closed by police due to pedestrian traffic.

Also, just FYI, ticket prices fluctuate by day/time. If you have some flexibility, you might want to visit on a weekday when the prices are lower.

For More Info, visit their website, HoustonZoo.org

Review - Texas - Dallas - Dallas Arboretum - Bugtopia and the Pumpkin Patch

2021 marks the 16th anniversary of Autumn at the Arboretum (or what our family likes to call the Pumpkin Patch). This year, the pumpkin village has moved from the wide open field on the right to a more cozy tree-covered area on the left behind the Jonsson Color Garden. And there is Bugtopia (giant bug sculptures) running at the same time which kids will love. You will see the bugs integrated with the pumpkin village.



Pre-registration and pre-purchase of tickets is still required - you can do this at the gate via a QR code. When you purchase tickets on the website, you will select the time slot you desire to enter (sold in increments of 15 minute slots) and it's a great way to see which times are busier than others. Also be sure to add parking to your order and if you desire to visit the Children's Gardens, add those tickets too. Members must also pre-register (and add parking and Childrens' Garden as well). Link to info is at bottom of post.

Pumpkin Village:


Bugtopia:

The Arboretum has over 90,000 pumpkins/squash/gourds throughout the entire park. You can even purchase one to take home with you (while supplies last). Kids will find a fun little maze to run through. Lots of spots for pictures. It does get busy on weekends so try to come early or late in the day.


Details:
Dallas Arboretum website for tickets, hours, directions, etc.
Bugtopia and pumpkins are on display until October 31st 2021.


Overall Family Review:

• 16 year old - Enjoyed posing with the bugs
• 12 year old - Enjoyed posing with the bugs
• 7 year old - Enjoyed posing with the bugs
• 1 yeaar old - Was fine taking pictures with pumpkins

Review - Texas - Dallas - Dallas Arboretum - The Art of the Pumpkin

The annual pumpkin display opened up at the Dallas Arboretum. This year the theme is "The Art of the Pumpkin" and they have a pumpkin patch area where you can actually purchase pumpkins.

The Dallas Aboretum limits the amount of guests that can enter every day so you need to pre-order your tickets online: Dallas Arboretum.org. Be sure to add parking ($10). Members must order their passes/parking ahead of time as well. Look for the "Art of the Pumpkin" ticket option.

Masks are required throughout your visit. By 10am on Sunday, it felt crowded despite the limited guest allowance. Get ready to wait a little bit in lines to take pictures in front of the pumpkin-decorated houses or inside the Cinderella Coach.

The sidewalk heading to the pumpkin displays was lined with pumpkins.

 

 

Some of the pumpkin displays:

 

 

 

Here is the hay maze:

More pumpkin displays. Be sure to bring your own water bottles since the water fountains are not available right now. Since the ground is pokey with wooden mulch bits, you might want to use a towel or blanket for young ones.