The Jackson Action Coalition & Chicagoland Dad Squad invite fathers to unleash their inner ghoul at this special DADVENTURE event! Bring your kids dressed in their best Halloween costume and be a part of our Dadventure Photo Shoot. Whether you're trick-or-treating with your little ones or marveling at the wildlife, this is the ultimate outing for dads looking to create boo-tiful memories.

Event Features:

Dadventure Photo Shoot:

Fathers, this is your spotlight moment! T-shirts are available for purchase but are not necessary to receive free tickets.

- Frightening Photo Ops:

Capture memories at Boo! At The Zoo photo spots, including inflatables and the Beer Garden's Howl-O-Scenes.

Seasonal Eats:
• Funnel cakes, fried s'mores, seasonal beers & more on the Beer Garden menu
• Bratwurst, cider floats, apple turnovers & more on the Graze menu
Frightening Photo Ops:
• Boo! at the Zoo photo spots: giant inflatables, photo frames, peekboards, and more!
• Howl-O-Scenes photo spot at the Nature Stage

Fall Activities:
• Pumpkin decorating at the Beer Garden (no pre-registration, available while supplies last)*
• Sweet Treat Stations at retail locations throughout the Zoo
• Children’s costume parade starting at Discovery Center plaza (daily at 12:30 p.m.)
Exciting Entertainment:
• Rides on the Creepy Carousel*
• Rides on the Anniversary Ferris Wheel*
• Virtual reality 4D theater show Jinxed: a spooky carnival coaster simulator with dips, drops & thrills*
• Magician at Nature Plaza (shows daily between 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
• Inflate-a-Boo: inflatable zone for kids ages 3-10*

Pumpkin Animal Enrichment:
Pumpkins are provided to animals for enrichment at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.:
October 5:
• 10:30 a.m.: Capybara at Pachyderm House
• 2:30 p.m.: African Painted Dogs at Habitat Africa! The Savannah
October 6:
• 10:30 a.m.: Sloth Bears at Big Cat Walkway
• 2:30 p.m.: Mexican Wolves at Wolf Woods
October 12:
• 10:30 a.m.: Nigerian Dwarf Goats at Hamill Family Wild Encounters
• 2:30 p.m.: Rodriguez Fruit Bats at Australia House
October 13:
• 10:30 a.m.: Polar Bears at Great Bear Wilderness
• 2:30 p.m.: Echidna at Australia House
October 19:
• 10:30 a.m.: Gorilla at Tropic World
• 2:30 p.m.: Mongoose at Habitat Africa! The Savannah
October 20:
• 10:30 a.m.: Brown Bears at Great Bear Wilderness
• 2:30 p.m.: Mexican Wolves at Wolf Woods

Zoo Chats:
All chats will occur on each day of Boo! at the Zoo. Zoo Chats are supported by educational partner, Ferrara.
• 11:30 a.m.: Bat Chat at Australia House
• 11:30 a.m. Herps Chat at Feathers & Scales
• 12:00 p.m.: Prairie Chicken and Crane Chat at North American Prairie Aviary
• 12:15 p.m.: Sea Lion Chat at Sea Lion Cove
• 2:15 p.m.: Wolf Chat at Wolf Woods

 

Activities are weather dependent and subject to change.
Safety Note:

Full-body costumes that cover the head are not permitted for guests over 13. All activities are weather-dependent and subject to change.

Registration & Contact:

The event is free for the first 200 dads to register.

Sponsored by:

- Jackson Action Coalition

- Chicagoland Dad Squad

- Commissioner Bill Lowry

- Commissioner Dennis Deer

- Commissioner Tara Stamps

- The Brunch Bunch

- Dream Center Co-Working & Business Support