Louisville Zoo Halloween bash: It's time to party!
The Louisville Zoo is ready to party — and your little critters are invited.
It's the 26th annual installment of "The World's Largest Halloween Party," and it runs from 5-8:30 nightly Oct. 9-11, 15-18, 22-25 and 28-30.
The zoo bash, presented by Meijer grocery stores, draws more than 85,000 visitors each year. The 14 nights of not-too-scary fun include trick-or-treat stations throughout the grounds for children 11 and under, plus the chance to meet storybook and movie characters come to life.
Costumes for children are encouraged, but not required. Adults may also wear costumes, but they should be family friendly — not scary — and should not include masks that cover the face.
Special attractions include:
Mumpkin the Giant Talking Pumpkin, who greets visitors.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, who are always happy to pose for pictures.
Candyland Way, where guests meet the most famous candy maker of all and enter a make-believe land of lollipops, candy canes and sweets galore.
Pumpkinville, USA where hundreds of pumpkins, bales of hay and fall foliage are set on a hillside full of lighted jack-o-lanterns.
The Yellow Brick Road. Follow it to the Land of Oz to meet favorite Oz characters.
Bedrockopolis, where zoo guests can meet friendly dinosaur pals, along with their famous, comedic caveman friends.
Pirate’s Cove, where guests are greeted by seafaring characters from a giant 60-foot pirate ship.
Kingdom of Far Far Away, where a certain big, lovable green guy and his wife are ready to shake hands with anyone who visits.
Disco Dome guests can get down and boogie with weird and wonderful aliens.
The Muggles & Magic Halloween Express Train ($3) provides heart-pounding excitement when the Headless Horseman chases the train on his horse.
Tickets are $8 at the door, $7-$7.50 at the zoo's web store and $6.50 at area Meijer stores after Sept. 28. Admission is free for zoo members only on the evenings of Oct. 9-11 and Oct. 15-18.
Parking is $5 at the zoo. Free parking, with shuttle service available, is offered at the Derby City Ball Field off of Taylor Avenue.
Posted by Ivonne Rovira
