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Fall is officially in gear, which means it’s time for some of our favorite things. Pumpkin flavored treats, apple picking, and of course, Halloween! It’s never too early to start planning the perfect spooky costume, or tricky outing. At the top of our list is the Bronx Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo. Our favorite event is back every weekend in October! Boo at the Zoo is THE destination for family friendly fun for Halloween.

In preparation for the festivities, we’re making hats for the kids! This year, Boo at the Zoo is all about animals shrouded in Mystery and Mischief, which is a great theme for costumes. To help the kids get ready, we’re making masks of their favorite animals. Whether your youngster prefers frogs, crows, or bats, there’s a way for every young artist to make the perfect mask for trick or treating. 

B. and I made spider hats, and you can too!

First cut out two large strips of paper and tape the two strips to form a crown.

Next, either cut out circles from paper and glue them on the crown, or draw eyes on the crown with markers.

Finally, cut eight smaller strips of paper and fold them like a fan to make the legs and glue them on the crown.

What good is a spooktacular hat without somewhere to show it off? One of the highlights of Boo at the Zoo is always the costume parade, and this year we’ll be well prepared with our hats. The Alice Farley Dance company will lead the way again and their costumes are always a treat, dressed as snakes, bats, beautiful butterflies, and more.

Craving more for Halloween? There are plenty of other activities to enjoy! How about a stroll through the Jack ‘O Lantern Illumination? The intricately lit jacks make for a unique trip through the zoo’s World of Darkness exhibit. Make sure to scoop up some candy from a treat station on your way to a music or magic show.

Or, head over to the Dancing Crane Café, where Sand Sculpture USA is creating detailed carvings from giant pumpkins – some over 600 pounds! It was a big crowd pleaser last year for our family, so we’ll definitely stop by again. 

If you’re not in the Bronx, stop by another borough for their version of Boo at the Zoo. Queens Zoo and Prospect Park Zoo both have Halloween activities to let visitors get up close with animals, from the creepy to the cute. And for those who prefer an aquatic take on the holiday, the New York Aquarium’s Ascarium is back this year! Don a costume or your new masks and head to your favorite event.

More details and tickets for Boo at the Zoo are available here: http://bit.ly/1OXdXsw