Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and National Aviary
October 24 & 25; October 24 & 31
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. & 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
In households all across the country, costumes are being conjured, tails and paws and wings are being stitched and masks are being purchased as we get set to see countless creatures going door to door on Halloween night. But more than just dressing as some of our favorite furry, four legged and friends, children can now celebrate spooky October with all of the animals at two of Pittsburgh’s top family destinations.
Over at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, animal lovers of all ages are inited to this month’s ZooBoo festivities on Saturday, October 24th and Sunday, October 25th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Prowl through the Zoo collecting sweet treats as you visit the animal exhibits, pose for a photo with some very tall giraffes and dream up an eerie ensemble for the costume contest and parade. Take a tour of some not-so-spooky family-friendly haunted houses run by Gymkhana and Zoo volunteers, and then head to the special Monster Mash area to play Halloween-themed games, dance to spooky sounds and create a creepy craft to take home and add to your own Autumnal decor.
Go green with the Zoo by bringing your own trick-or-treat bag. The costume parade starts at 12:30 p.m. at the PPG Aquarium patio near the polar bear exhibit. All ZooBoo activities are included with general admission.
Nocturnal birds of prey more your style? Over on the Northside, don’t miss The National Aviary‘s seasonal Owl-o-ween events taking place on Saturday, October 24th and 31st from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Discover “owl things mysterious”at The Avairy’s annual harvest festival celebration.
Get more mileage out of this year’s Halloween costume as you show off your spooktacular threads during engaging close encounters and photo opportunities with raptors, owls and other creatures of the night and join the parade through West park! Fly over to the creepy crawly bug station to create your own insect art, enjoy sweet candy treats and stop by the “gross food table”—if you dare! All Owl-o-ween events are included with general admission.
Have a budding ornithologist in your family? Sign up for an Owl Pellet Class where kids can dissect real owl pellets and learn what and how owls eat, and how (expect to find bones, feathers and fur!). The special one-hour class is offered at 3 p.m. during Owl-O-Ween Saturday. Cost to register is $5 per person, in addition to the price of admission. Advanced registration is recommended.