Boo at the Metro Toronto Zoo

We arrived at the Children’s Zoo just in time for the beginning of the Critters and Costumes Parade. It was crowded, but not too crowded. We lucked out with the weather- sunny and only a bit of wind. Spiderman, a dragon, batman, Lady Gaga, a ladybug and princesses graced the parade route.

 

 

My daughter was dressed in her Dora costume. As we were walking along she asked me what we were doing. I had told her earlier that she was going to dress up in her Halloween costume and walk in a parade. So I repeated the same thing. But WHY momma?

The never-ending Why? question! My 3 year-old wasn’t satisfied with my explanation that everyone was showing off their Halloween costumes. I suppose I should take her to the Santa Claus Parade this year. Maybe when she sees that she will begin to understand the entertainment value of parades. Maybe.

 

 (This is my daughter singing Itsy Bitsy Spider to a little spider she saw on a pole behind one of the trick or treat activity stations.)

Back to the Zoo parade. Staff were dressed as Dracula, some sort of alien, and a bear. Dracula was very friendly and didn’t do any scaring so not to worry if your children are young. My daughter barely gave him a second glance.

 

 

 

The parade was about a 5 minute walk leading everyone to the start of the Tundra Trek where the trick-or-treat activity stations were.

We visited four stations, each having a “touch table” where you can feel fur from a Musk Ox, Arctic Wolf, and Caribou Reindeer, and touch whale invertebrate and a caribou reindeer antler.

Apparently caribou reindeers lose their antlers once a year and then grow them back in. Amazing!

 

 

At the end of all the stations, this is what my daughter had accumulated: a colouring sheet, pencil (the other one you see in the photo is her friend’s), toy dinosaur and a sticker. She picked up the flag at the parade.

Don’t forget to get your child a lollipop at the Zoo entrance/ exit on your way out. (Or take the lollipop for yourself like my friend did if you have a very young child! :-O )

 

Photos of some animals we saw:

 

 

 

The Zoo also has Halloween displays setup for photo ops:

 

What did you think of Boo at the Zoo?  Boo at the Zoo is still on next weekend, Saturday October 27 and Sunday October 28, 2012.