Do your kids love candy, costumes, and creatures? Then read on for information about events at New England zoos, where you can celebrate Halloween in some special ways, from trick or treating on the grounds to spooky crafts to hay mazes. And don’t forget the animals! Many of the activities revolve around them.

Zoo New England offers activities at both of its properties. Best of all, many of the animals get novelty foods, like pumpkins, as enrichment items throughout the day. It’s a blast watching them discover new foods!

Boo at the Zoo! at the Stone Zoo in Stoneham happens on October 20 and 21. Kids can trick-or-treat among the animals; thrills, chills, and animals lurk around every corner on a decorated trail. In addition, there are creepy crafts, ghoulish games, costume contests, and a haunted maze.

Zoo Howl at Franklin Park Zoo in Boston includes creature encounters, a trick-or-treat trail, and a haunted maze. The Puppet Showplace Theatre and Catching Joy will be on site on Saturday, October 27, for puppet-making and Halloween crafts.

Boo at the Zoo – Buttonwood Park Zoo
Weekends in October at Buttonwood Zoo in New Bedford include spooky train rides, a bewitching carousel, a walk through the Friendly Enchanted Forest, and a hay maze. Kids older than 12 are invited to explore the scarier Haunted Trail.

At the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, more than 5,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns are arranged along the zoo’s Wetlands Trail. This year’s theme is “All the World’s a Stage,” featuring scenes from iconic and popular movies, Broadway hits, and television series. Another section honors man’s best friend with carved pumpkins conveying the amazing variety of dog species. Open evenings Thursdays through Saturdays through November 3.

Make sure you call ahead or check each attraction’s website before you head out to confirm hours. And don’t forget to wear your costumes!

Does your family enjoy a non-traditional Halloween activity? Tell us about it!