Owls, bats and crocodiles are a few of nature’s spookier friends that like the dark night. Enjoy nature’s take on Halloween at family-friendly events this weekend at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center and the Kansas City Zoo.
HOWLoween
Nature’s nighttime creatures are not necessarily creepy. Celebrate nature on a fall night at HOWLoween, as the Missouri Department of Conservation staff turns the outdoor garden at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center into a “Wild Side Walk.”
The event will include activities and treats for all ages. Kids will explore nature stations such as Track or Treat, the Bone Yard and the Bat Cave. Staff and volunteers will host varied activities along trails throughout the Discovery Center’s prairie, woodland and wetland areas. The event will also include fireside treats.
This free event will be held 6 – 9 p.m. on Friday, October 16 at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO. For more information, visit www.mdc.gov.
Hoots and Howls
Hoots and Howls, hosted by the Kansas City Zoo, will feature many spooky, not scary activities for a family-friendly afternoon. Croctoberfest will highlight facts about crocs and a crocodile nest at the Africa exhibit.
Additional activities include cruising around on a pedal tractor, a hay bale maze, a sing-a-long with an interactive DJ and rides on the Scare-o-cel. Explore the Slitherin Snake Shed, enjoy a hayride around the zoo, create a wild craft and hear a spooky tale. Photos will be taken at the Zoo’s Pumpkin Patch. The animals will join the fun by smashing pumpkins at scheduled times throughout the day.
The event will be held 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on October 17 – 18 at the Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO. Price is zoo admission. For more information, visit www.kansascityzoo.org.