This is a gifted partnership
For a Halloween with more roar than ever before, head to Twycross Zoo for a spook-tacular day out. From wondrous witches to scary storytellers, there’s something for the whole family this October Half Term.
When it comes to planning Halloween activities, a trip to the zoo might not be one of the first things you think of. However, Twycross Zoo is looking to change that with their Boo at the Zoo festivities.
Alongside a range of spooktacular activities for the children (and adults too) to get involved with the zoo has been transformed into a spooky setting with pumpkins, skeletons, spiders and gravestones hidden along the pathways and in the open areas. So much attention to detail with something to see at almost every turn. Which is either a good thing or a bad thing depending on how jumpy you are!
Personally, we loved exploring the zoo and spotting all the different Halloween items that had been displayed. With Tigger loving the opportunity to shout ‘Boo at the Zoo’ as he appeared from around corners or hedges – cheeky monkey!
Spooktacular Activities at Twycross Zoo
Although the Zoo is decorated for Halloween at almost every turn, the main spooktacular activities take place in the main square opposite guest services as you enter the zoo. With things happening across the day you’re sure to be able to join in at least a few of the activities.
Face painting
An add-on activity with tickets available from guest services, Children are able to have their faces painted in a spooktacular fashion or maybe one of the Sumatran Tigers. Piglet had spotted the Witch walking around outside guest services and declared that she wanted to look just like her. Whilst Roo was a little more conservative with a simple pumpkin on her cheek.
Broom training
Grab a broomstick and get ready for some training with the wondrous witch. Listen carefully to her instructions and become a broomstick flying expert. With four different colours and teams, the children were split up and shown how to fly a broom. So much fun!
Witches Show
Meet the wicked witch in her immersive show and help find the ingredients to her potent potion, but be careful she doesn’t turn you into a pumpkin!
Scary Tales
The scare fest doesn’t end there. Sit down in the witch’s coven and listen as fairy-tales become scary-tales and the witch vows to capture Hansel and Gretel.
Singing pumpkins
Sing and dance-along with the Jack-O-Lanterns in the singing pumpkin display in the Rhino classroom. Listen out for some Halloween favourites and watch as the pumpkins sing-a-long to the music.
Lemur Walkthrough – Ghost of Madagascar
History books state that some Lemur species were often referred to as the Ghosts of Madagascar. Their loud calls and glowing eyes high up in the trees used to scare natives; enter this spooky walk-through trail and look out for any glowing eyes.
Face your fears
Enter the Borneo Longhouse and journey through the unknown before facing your fears in the zoo’s family-friendly mystery box scare challenge.
Safari cars
The Safari Cars are an add-on activity within the zoo and at £10 for a car, it can look a little steep. However, Tigger and Piglet were each given a go on the Safari Cars as part of our gifted tickets and I have to say, it is worth the money. Realistically they could have gone in the same car (and in hindsight, they would have) but they each wanted to drive. Piglet is almost four years old and she found it a little difficult to navigate so we had to help with steering as we walked alongside her. This being said, you do get to see that side of the zoo from a different vantage point so we would do it again – just without Piglet driving!
Lorikeet feeding
We managed to leave this activity to just before we left for the day. Which turned out to be a blessing in disguise as Roo was a little nervous about the Lorikeet attempting to get closer in order to feed on the nectar pot. Resulting in her jumping and spilling the nectar on herself. Nothing that wouldn’t wash but she was rather upset by it. The rest of us, however, had a lovely time feeding the Lorikeets and What The Dad Said even managed to get one of them to sit on his hand whilst feeding.
The Jungle
Just when I thought that the children were worn out from all the exploring and spookiness throughout our trip to Twycross Zoo. They then remembered that I’d promised them a turn on The Jungle, the soft play area located in the main entrance building. Helpfully surrounded by food and drink as well as somewhere to sit down whilst the children play. With each session giving the children up to two hours of soft play fun, it’s quite good value.
Visit Twycross zoo
This October Half Term, visitors to Twycross Zoo can support conservation through its online only Spooktacular ticket deals. Only £15 an adult and £10 a child, available now until 3rd November 2019. Boo-k online & SAVE here.
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