Detroit Zoo’s Fall Fest activities in full swing

ROYAL OAK — The Detroit Zoo is hosting several spooky events throughout the month of October to celebrate the spirit of Halloween.

New to the Detroit Zoo Fall Fest activity lineup is an immersive Jack-O’-Lantern Journey that includes lights and sounds.

Senior Events Manager Megan Gregg said that the Jack-O’-Lantern Journey came about because the team wanted to have an activity that appeals to the whole family.

“The biggest thing we thought of is, ‘What can we do that is new and exciting, that will draw guests to choose the zoo?’” Gregg said. “There is so much to do in the fall, and we wanted to think about how we can differentiate ourselves and get guests excited to come to something new at the zoo.”

Senior Director of Guest Experience Emily O’Hara said that the journey is fun for all ages.

“It’s meant to add an additional experience that if you have older children or if you have a family with a lot of mixed age groups, all of them can still come and enjoy,” O’Hara said.

The Jack-O’-Lantern Journey is a trail of illuminated pumpkin sculptures featuring animal scenes, fan-favorite characters, and more, according to detroitzoo.org.

“The zoo is absolutely beautiful during the fall, and when you add in these displays that you can see during the day really come to life at night, it’s just a really special time to come to the zoo in the fall,” Gregg said. “I think there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

There are no lights inside of any of the enclosures to keep the animals safe and comfortable during their sleeping hours, but O’Hara said the night is the perfect time to visit the beavers, who are a nocturnal species.

“They have been known as kind of the elusive species, and for years folks have said, ‘I’ve never seen the beavers,’ and we always say, ‘Come to one of our evening events,’” she said. “We make sure to keep animal well-being in mind when setting up events like these.”

Jack-O’-Lantern Journey will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. Oct. 25, 26 and 27. There are a range of ticket options starting at $19 for Detroit Zoological Society members.

Along with the pathway of Halloween lights, the Detroit Zoo will continue its Halloween traditions throughout October during the Fall Fest.

The Fall Fest includes fall decor, festive food and beverages, themed education stations, animal enrichments, and more.

The annual Zoo Boo event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 18, and 2 to 9 p.m. Oct. 12, 13 and 19. It provides families with an opportunity to dress up and trick or treat all while enjoying the animals at the zoo.

During the Zoo Boo there is entertainment, face painting, photo opportunities, educational stations and Blake’s Market that has everything fall. Tickets can be found on the zoo’s website.

Fall-themed animal engagements are daily occurrences included with zoo admission.

Fall-themed engagement activities can include training, special enrichment objects, treats and more. They encourage species-typical behaviors, according to the Detroit Zoo’s website.

“It’s also a great time to come check out some of the animals who maybe folks haven’t seen yet. So there is a baby gorilla who lives at the zoo now, and we want folks to know that we are open for most of the year,” O’Hara said.

For more information on all the Fall Fest activities and tickets, visit detroitzoo.org.