I thought that comparing a children’s Halloween themed zoo to other amusement parks in the area would be unfair, until I visited ZooBoo.

  I walked into a perfectly decorated park. The dark Sunday night was lit by the light displays of pumpkins, cats, witches, and spooky skulls. As I walked the dimly lit green walkways, I heard the chatter of young kids.

  Their echos followed me into the not-so-scary haunted houses like Beasties bungalow. The real thrill seekers enjoyed the seven skull rated haunted houses. My favorite was Wake the dead. Although I did not expect a fright, I got one that night. I enjoyed less walking and waiting for the houses, unlike other parks. There was never a wait to get into a house unless someone stopped to put on their 3D glasses. 3D houses were painted in fluorescent paint. The eerie haunted houses seemed longer than other places.

  The haunted houses had amazing effects. Some were actually scary! The skeletons and gargoyles came alive. Lowry Park offered alcoholic drinks that followed the creepy Halloween theme. The “Rising Corpse”, “Mardi Gras Margarita”, and the “Pharaoh’s Punch” were served with dry ice for effect. There was an open area in the front with a “Spooky fun fair”. Games and bounce houses were set up for kids. Adults could grab a cold beer and relax by the Lightning booth.

  My expectations were not as high as when I visited other parks. Assuming this was solely an event for the kids, I was just along for the ride.

  However, it was my best Halloween experience this year.

  The “Roller Ghoster” coaster was open with a 15 minute wait. In other parks, you have to wait longer than that just to use the bathroom. The “Flume of fear” was a refreshing splash from the heat. The “Flying boo-nanas”, “Batty bumper cars”, “Pumpkin patch express”, and the carousel were open for the little ones to enjoy.

  The wildest animals were the little munchkins running around dressed as pirates and princesses.

  Most of the animals were nestled away in their sleeping areas. The nocturnal animals were out and ready to play. The bats flexed their wide 12 inch wings as spectators snapped pictures. Many birds were caught peeking their bright eyes from their cages. Fish and turtles were still feeding from guests.

  The prices were also family friendly. At $18.00 for adults and $14.00 for children, it was a relief from the dreadful prices lurking at nearby parks.