This is a paid piece from Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium.
Simplified: The Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium is bringing back its annual ZooBoo event with some "spooktacular" fun for all ages and a new option for exclusive early access to all of the festivities.
Why it matters
- ZooBoo gives guests a rare opportunity to experience the Great Plains Zoo in the evening and see the animals outside of regular hours. The two-day event will run 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18.
- For the first time this year, guests can also purchase VIP Early Access tickets to be the first in line for trick-or-treating on Friday evening. Additionally, families who want a more calm, quiet experience can come during Sensory Hour from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday.
- In addition to the trick-or-treating fun, ZooBoo will include a DJ in the plaza, characters from Simply Ever After, a chance to learn the "Thriller" zombie dance and an SD Aerial fire show.
"This year's event really gives families a chance to experience ZooBoo in whatever way works best for them," said Denise DePaolo, director of PR and marketing. "You can get early VIP access to avoid long lines, come during our sensory friendly hour, or time your visit so you catch the entertainment partners you most want to see."
Tell me more about the event
Early VIP access starts at 5 p.m Friday, Oct. 17 with general admission opening at 6 p.m.
- There will be a DJ in the plaza until 8:30 p.m., and the Sioux Empire Ghostbusters will be in the plaza from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Trick-or-treating runs until 9 p.m. when the zoo closes, with the final admission at 8 p.m.
On Saturday, the day starts with a sensory friendly hour from 10 to 11 a.m.
- There will be a DJ in the plaza from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and then again from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
- Guests can see characters from Simply Ever After entertainment from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and then again from 3 to 6 p.m.
- Guests can also experience an animal meet and greet in the main lobby at 11:15 a.m., 2:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.
- At 7 p.m., you can learn a few moves from the "Thriller" dance with dance instructor Lisa Myhre.
The event will culminate with popcorn in the plaza at 7:30 p.m. followed by a fire show from SD Aerial from 7:45 to 8:30 p.m.
Are costumes allowed?
Of course.
There are a few costume guidelines to be aware of, though. Those include:
- No inflatable costumes, as they can agitate animals.
- Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be offensive or violent in nature.
- Costumes may not contain any sharp or jutting objects that could harm other guests.
- Adults may wear costumes, but we ask that they be family-friendly.
- SFZA reserves the right to ask adult to remove costume masks.
How can I get tickets?
ZooBoo admission is included with Gold and Monarch memberships. These members can also bring a guest for free, and there's no need to get a ticket – simply bring your membership card to the gate for admission.
- Those with Standard memberships can get tickets for $5.
Early Access VIP tickets are available to Gold and Monarch members for an additional $5.
