Halloween Events at the Zoo--Old and New

Haunted Hayride and Purgatory Sideshow 

at Griffith Park's Old Zoo

Based on Actual Events!

Apparently--or at least, according to their website--the area of the Old Zoo in Griffith Park is abnormally and paranormally active. Its history is filled with murder, mayhem, torture, abduction, and serial killings--the perfect spot for a night of hellacious fun. The ride is completely re-worked and redone, nothing like last year, so you won't know what's coming at you in the maze o' terror. Cages and enclosures now hold zombies and hooded ghosts rather than lions and tigers, but the bars are gone, and we all know that on Halloween, the barriers between the worlds are dissolved.

• Location: The Old Zoo, 4730 Crystal Springs in Griffith Park. The area is beyond the Ranger Headquarters and Shane's Inspiration, and below Harding Golf Course. Follow signs to the Merry-Scarey-Go-Round.
• On Sundays and Thursdays (except the 3rd)  in October, tickets to the Haunted Hayride are sold from 7-10:30 pm and the ride runs till 11:30. On Fridays and Saturdays, tickets are sold till midnite; the ride goes till 1 am..
• Prices start at $30, but there are add-ons, group rates, and specials so you should go see the price site yourself. Looks like cash only at the box office, though you can buy online.
• Warning: the website itself is creepy and disturbing. 

Now, for those families who are not part of the Addamses we present: 

Costumes and Trick or Treating!

Last two weekends in October (19-20, 26-27) at the Real Zoo! Here's the description from the Zoo's website: 

Pumpkin carving demonstrations, arts and crafts, creepy-crawly animal encounters, Chomp n’ Stomp animal feedings, engaging performances by Campfire Cathy where the children become the stars of the show, and a picturesque pumpkin patch.
Watch some of our resident creatures enjoy special enrichment surprises. And, of course, trick-or-treat for candy as you roam the Zoo.