Always Be My 'Boo': ZooBoo 2019

Cathy Smith/Flickr

Thursday, Oct. 17 - 30

What's that shriek coming from 38th Street?

It isn't a ghost — at least, we don't think.

More likely, it's the sound of ZooBoo at the Erie Zoo (that train ride, if we had to hazard a guess), the annual Halloween-themed favorite that most of us probably remember attending when we were kids and now, 25 years later, somehow find ourselves leading our own children through.

Starting Oct. 17 and running through the 30th, with special extended hours on Saturdays, ZooBoo will once again feature "not too scary" thrills for the whole family, including a troll at the Children's Zoo Bridge, a dance party with some "monster" tunes, the "Talking Pumpkin" and more special guests on select nights.

The animals and the aforementioned train ride are always highlights, but there is no denying the draw of free candy at each booth throughout the grounds, given out to kids ages 12 and younger.

ZooBoo is among the most accessible of the zoo's yearly fundraisers, particularly for families, and the proceeds help keep this gem in the Gem City functioning, year after year. Stop by this year a time or two, whether for your kids' or for old times' sake. — Cara Suppa

6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays Oct. 19 and 26, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. // The Erie Zoo, 423 W. 38th St. // Advanced tickets: $6-8; At the gate: $7-9 // eriezoo.org (see URL for full ticket pricing options)