Halloween came early at the Phoenix Zoo this past weekend with pumpkins, face painting, spooky animal shows, games and much more.
The two-day event, Boo! At the PHX Zoo, was held at Phoenix Zoo's Harmony Farms and provided an array of children's activities, including a straw maze, petting zoo and pumpkin patch. The pumpkin stomp-and-chomp was also a highlight, in which more than 30 pumpkin treats were given to animals throughout the day. With some animals snacking on the pumpkins and some stomping them, it was a sight to be seen.
This year marked the 21st anniversary of Boo! At the PHX Zoo. Public relations and marketing manager Linda Hardwick said the affair was a fright-free Halloween event geared for children ages 7 and younger. With the great weekend weather, Hardwick was hopeful that attendance would exceed last year's 17,000 people who attended.
For older children who may enjoy a bit of a scarier experience, the zoo offers Howl-O-Ween from 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 29-30. The two-day evening event will offer a variety of activities for the brave and not so brave. Activities are categorized into three scare levels, with level three meant to be "terrifying", according to the zoo's website. Tickets are $6 for zoo members and $8 for non-members.
