Gainesville, FL (352today.com) – Get ready for Gainesville’s “wildest” Halloween event that the whole family can attend: Boo at the Zoo!  This not-so-scary evening is in its 27th year at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, and costs just one canned good or non-perishable food item per person.

The zoo will be closed on Tuesday, October 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as it is transformed into multiple themed areas with candy stations.  Among those “worlds” this year are Mario Kart, Pixie Hollow, 100 Acre Woods, A Bug’s Life, Medieval Kingdom, Jurassic Park, Pirate Treasure Hunt, and Hercules.

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo hosted Boo at the Zoo on Oct. 31, 2022, in Hawthorne. After a two-year absence due to the pandemic, Boo at the Zoo returned and collected 5,627 non-perishable items and saw 5,423 trick-or-treaters and adult guests, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. Courtesy: Matt Stamey/Santa Fe College

Not only is there safe trick-or-treating, but there will also be a KidsZone hosted by Fun4GatorKids in front of the zoo with community organizations, crafts, activities, and even more candy! Other sponsors include Cricket Wireless, Campus USA Credit Union, Saints Sharewear, and The Repurpose Project.

Once inside, there is live entertainment, animal encounters, games, and food available for purchase from Gator Domino’s, Mayflower Food Truck, and Kona Ice.

 

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo will host Boo at the Zoo on Oct. 31, 2023, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Courtesy: Matt Stamey/Santa Fe College

All ages are welcome to come in costume and enjoy the evening from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. “Boo at the Zoo is not only for the whole family, but also the whole community,” said Erik Handy, Communications Specialist at Santa Fe College. “Everyone is welcome to join us.”

Zoo members will receive information about early entry and fast pass lines via email no later than a week prior to the event.  Parking will be in Lot 9, across the street from the zoo.

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is located at 3000 NW 83rd Street in Gainesville.