As a mother of children who don’t like to get “spooked” during the Halloween season yet are desperate to partake in the festivities that this time of year brings, I need to choose our autumn activities very carefully. It can be difficult when I have to turn down invitations from family and friends because I know the fear factor will just be too high for my kids to handle. It’s for this reason that I love bringing my kids to Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Spooky Zoo. Despite the name, Spooky Zoo is an amazing chance for my family to hang out at one of our favorite Rhode Island spots while enjoying special activities that everyone can enjoy.
Here’s why our family loves attending Spooky Zoo each year:
The Awesome Trick-or-Treating
Different businesses set up tents along the trails at RWPZ and pass out treats to the kids. What I loved most of all about this is that businesses pass out a vast array of goodies and not just candy! At a time of year when the number of Kit Kats and Snickers can get out of hand, I appreciate that my children can get the trick-or-treating experience (and be excited by it!) without lugging home pounds of candy. Pro-tip: while trick-or-treat bags are passed out, it never hurts to bring your own bags, especially if your kids have a preference on the type of bag they carry. Make sure you go trick-or-treating first, as supplies do run out!
We Get Our Groove On
Spooky Zoo features different musicians, DJs, and drummers. My kids adore making music, so they love playing the drums and dancing along. It’s a great way to get the wiggles out (and get some adorable video of your kids)!
All The Animal Encounters
While my kids find the elephant Pumpkin Stomp mesmerizing and adore the animal encounters throughout RWPZ with the caring and friendly zoo staff, they just love spending the day checking out their favorite animals. And really, who doesn’t love another excuse to hang out with the giraffes and the red panda?
It’s Very Manageable with Small Children
I often get anxious about taking my children to very public events. I don’t like crowds and find them overwhelming. While yes, Spooky Zoo draws in a lot of people, the entire day feels manageable to me. Despite the crowds, my kids still have plenty of space to run, play, and explore. I couldn’t get over how easy it was to spend the whole day there. With such a great variety of activities, there was plenty to do and plenty of space to do it in.
It’s Another Chance to Show Off Those Halloween Costumes
If you are like me, you spend a lot of time helping your children curate their perfect Halloween costume. Whether you make it or buy it, it’s always nice for kids to have another opportunity to wear their costume in public. And given the way that the RWPZ is beautifully decorated at this time of year, it is easy to get photos of your children dressed up against a stunning backdrop.
Spooky Zoo, Roger Williams Park Zoo’s daytime Halloween event is back on Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. This event is free with Zoo admission. Children 12 and under dressed in costume get in for half price. All activities are weather permitting and while supplies last. For more information rwpzoo.org.
