Spooky Safari at The Zoo in Forest Park: A costume‑ready family Halloween in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD EVENTS FIELD GUIDE

Spooky Safari at The Zoo in Forest Park: A costume‑ready family Halloween in Springfield

This annual Spooky Safari, operated by The Zoo in Forest Park, runs Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and stitches together a trick‑or‑treat trail, animal encounters, crafts, face painting and a virtual costume contest.

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Spooky Safari at The Zoo in Forest Park: A costume‑ready family Halloween in Springfield.

Duration
10-2:30
Location
Springfield
Operator
The Zoo in Forest Park
Category
Events
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Autumn at Forest Park’s zoo leans into playfulness: on Oct. 25 the grounds convert into Spooky Safari, a family‑focused Halloween event that layers a trick‑or‑treat trail with up‑close animal encounters, crafts and on‑site surprises. Costumes are part of the program, and the day culminates in a virtual costume contest that extends the festivities beyond the park.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Trick‑or‑Treat Trail

The centerpiece is a themed trick‑or‑treat trail through the zoo grounds where costumed families move from station to station collecting treats and experiencing on‑site activities.

THE ANIMALS

Animal Encounters

Intermittent animal encounters are woven into the day, offering children chances to meet some of the zoo’s residents as part of the Halloween programming.

THE CELEBRATION

Costumes, Crafts and Surprises

Beyond treats and animal interactions, the event includes crafts, face painting and a virtual costume contest, with additional special surprises announced throughout the schedule.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

Spooky Safari unfolds as a four‑and‑a‑half‑hour family circuit: costumed visitors move through a trick‑or‑treat trail, pause for animal encounters and crafts, and drop by face painting stations, all while the virtual costume contest and intermittent surprises give the event a playful, festival‑like rhythm.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this event suits—and who it’s aimed at.

1
Families with childrenThe programming is family‑oriented, built for parents and children to enjoy trick‑or‑treating, crafts and animal encounters together.
2
Young childrenYounger children will find age‑appropriate activities and face painting among the day’s offerings.
3
Costume enthusiastsCostumes are encouraged and a virtual costume contest is a highlighted element, making the day especially rewarding for families who dress up.
4
Animal loversThose interested in close encounters with zoo animals will appreciate the scheduled animal interactions built into the event.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Costumes are encouraged—dress for a daytime outdoor event and for participating in a trick‑or‑treat trail and on‑site activities.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

When is Spooky Safari?

Spooky Safari takes place on October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where is the event held?

The event is operated by The Zoo in Forest Park in Springfield, Massachusetts.

What activities are included?

The program includes a trick‑or‑treat trail, animal encounters, crafts and activities, face painting and a virtual costume contest.

Are costumes required?

Attendees are encouraged to dress in costume to explore the trick‑or‑treat trail and participate in the virtual costume contest.

Who is Spooky Safari intended for?

The event is designed for families and children to enjoy Halloween programming together.

Is there a costume contest?

Yes—the event features a virtual costume contest as part of the day’s festivities.