So You’re Going to HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo!!

The San Diego Zoo hosted us for their HalGLOWeen event.

Looking for something fun to do with the kiddos in October? Look no further than the San Diego Zoo, where every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening in October, the zoo transforms into a Halloween themed, neon and glowing, dance party with activities to keep kids of all ages engaged. And the best part? Kids under 11 are free at both the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park for the entire month! It’s one of the best deals for a dose of Halloween in Southern California this month.

The San Diego Zoo offers a sprawling area with almost every animal you can imagine. It’s nearly impossible to cram it all into a single day trip, but HalGLOWeen tacks on some extra hours that the zoo attractions can be enjoyed. We watched the elephants feeding and bathing as the sun set, the tigers go for a late afternoon prowl, and the lions roaring into the darkness of their exhibit. The animals wake up and become more animated at night (so many nocturnal species!), which is really fun to see. It should be noted, though, that many of the exhibits are not lit. Once the sun sets, you’re relying on keen eye sight to catch movement. Lots of the zoo paths aren’t lit either, or lit very dimly by small lights in trees, so prepare for a lot of walking in the dark. We actually got turned around and missed a landmark because it was so dark. We ended up circling back and had to walk up the same steep hill twice on our way out. If you’re not super familiar with the zoo’s layout, keep your map handy and don’t be afraid to ask directions. And make sure you bring the stroller for the little ones.

As 5PM strikes, performers will begin to appear throughout the zoo- magicians, stilt walkers, DJs, and organists to name a few! A Bubble dance party pops up in the center of the zoo that can be seen and heard from all corners. Neon pumpkins mark various shows and themed food locations. Dr. Zoolittle puts on an animal trivia show where the contestants win cake pops with correct answers. Logan was super excited to be picked and had the right answer to the question! The Skeleton Band offers an interactive family dance show. Python Path takes over the Reptile Plaza and lights up some reptile friends. Children are also encouraged to wear costumes to attend the event!

You can also partake in exclusive Halloween merchandise and goodies. The light up refillable Jack-o’-lantern popcorn bucket seems like a great deal, plus a fun souvenir! Festive eats and drinks exclusive to the HalGLOWeen event can be found scattered throughout the zoo.

If your kids can make it until 9PM, you have plenty of time to see all the different themed locations. Just be prepared for a lot of walking! Our kids were pretty tuckered out just a couple of hours in, but they couldn’t stop talking about the different zoo animals the next day. We had such a blast making Halloween memories at the San Diego Zoo! Thanks so much for having us; we can’t wait to come back and visit again soon!!

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