To tourists, New Orleans doesn’t always appear to be a “family friendly” kind of town. Great food? Sure. Bourbon Street frivolity? You betcha. Fun for a toddler? <crickets> But ever since I had kids of my own, I have been on a search for activities for my young family and I did not have to look far.
One of the things we cherish here in NOLA is the Audubon Zoo. The zoo covers 58 acres and is home to over 2,000 animals! We have spent many afternoons enjoying all that this attraction has to offer including the Endangered Species Carousel and the recently added Cool Zoo. But one of our favorite events to attend here is the annual “Boo at the Zoo!”
My girls have loved trick or treating in the Zoo, riding the Haunted Train and playing themed games all while showing off their costumes. The festival gets better each year and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us this time! For starters, this year Boo at the Zoo is presented by Carnival Cruise Lines, the number one cruise line in New Orleans! With two ships docked in NOLA year-round, Carnival carries nearly 340,000 passengers a year and operates 125 voyages annually from this port. The Carnival Elation offers four and five day Mexico cruises and the Conquest offers seven day cruises to the Caribbean which I would LOVE to take one day!
Because Carnival houses the industry’s top rated children’s programs for ages 2-11, it is only natural for them to be involved with Boo at the Zoo. The annual Halloween event is for kids up to age 12 and features trick-or-treat houses with candy, a Ghost Train, a haunted house (scary and non-scary), games with prizes and entertainment. Carnival Cruise Lines, a presenting sponsor, will host some new and exciting activities this year including a jack-o-lantern-filled Fun Ship replica nearly 70 feet long, pumpkin carving creations, children’s decoration stations and tropical-themed treats.
Boo at the Zoo, which is a fundraiser for both Children’s Hospital and Audubon Zoo, will be held on four nights over a two weekends including Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20 plus Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27 from 5:00-9:00PM each night. Tickets are $17 for both children and adults (kids under 12 months old are admitted free). Get your tickets now as a limited number will be sold to assure overcrowding is not a problem.
Want to attend Boo at the Zoo this year? Win a Family Four Pack below! Even if you are not a winner, if you attend the event, make sure to tweet, Facebook or Instagram with the #BATZNOLA and you may win a gift bag with Carnival’s Logo Items!
Aren’t all girls princesses?
A rooster!
A crazy kid