Photos: Top 10 Things to Do at Creatures Of The Night

Photos: Top 10 Things to Do at Creatures Of The Night

Two Weekends Left to Explore the ZooAmerica After Dark

There are only two more weekends left to visit ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park after dark for Creatures Of The Night. The popular Halloween-themed event in Hershey, Pa., runs on Fridays through Sundays from 6-9 p.m. through Oct. 27, 2024. Not only is the Zoo decorated for the season, but there are special activities included in admission that you cannot experience any other time of the year.

Check out this photo guide of the top 10 things to do at Creatures Of The Night, weather permitting.

1. See the creatures of the night by flashlight

Creatures Of The Night is the only time of year that ZooAmerica is open to the public after dark to see the North American creatures of the night. Guests of all ages are encouraged to bring their own flashlights for optimal viewing of the outdoor habitats. You might spot a porcupine in a tree, a black bear in its den, a mountain lion climbing its rock structure or a gray wolf howling under the moon. It's a fun and unique way to observe animal habits after the sun sets.

2. Decorate a luminary

Guests should bring their curiosity and creativity to the Zoo after dark! An arts and crafts station is set up in the Big Sky Country region for guests to decorate a luminary. Supplies will be provided. Throughout the evening, Zoo staff will place the decorated luminaries in an animal habitat to light up the night.

Don't forget to snap a photo of your artwork and tag us on Facebookand Instagramat @ZooAmerica!

3. Watch an animal enrichment activity

Guests can watch an animal enrichment activity at 7 p.m. on each operating evening of Creatures Of The Night.

• Friday night: American elk enrichment
• Saturday night: Gray wolf enrichment
• Sunday night: Southwest animal enrichment, including a ringtail, coati, ocelot and armadillo

4. Go on a magic potion scavenger hunt

Keep your eyes peeled! Guests can participate in a scavenger hunt around the Zoo to find the magical potion ingredients for the cauldron on the Woodlands Patio. The ingredients are hidden in animal habitats and buildings.

5. View animal x-rays

New this year, guests can get an up-close look at animal x-ray images inside the Great Southwest Building. You might see the x-ray of a Gila monster, bobcat, spoonbill or rattlesnake. Team members will be on-site to discuss the various X-rays and answer questions.

6. Learn about creepy crawlers

Inside the Woodlands Classroom, creepy crawler invertebrates are on display. Guests can see millipedes, cockroaches, mealworms, hornworms and more. Those brave enough can even hold some mealworms or have their hand at a mystery box!

7. Learn about the animal skeletal system

Outside on the Woodlands Patio, visitors can learn about the diverse skeletal systems of the animals through a skeleton display, complete with animal skulls, shells and other cool bones.

8. Visit "Skunk Tales"

Also outside on the Woodlands Patio, the popular "Skunk Tales" is back! Guests can get an up-close look at a skunk (descented, of course) and ask questions of Zoo staff.

9. Touch and feel animal fur

In front of the gray wolf habitat, guests can stop by a touch-and-feel table staffed by a ZooAmerica team member. Visitors can feel the furs of wolves and coyotes and learn how to recognize these North American animals in the wild.

10. Enjoy decorations

Across from the prairie dog habitat is a recycled treasures display decorated by the ZooAmerica team. It's a great photo opportunity! The 11-acre Zoo is also decorated with Halloween lights and other spooky touches for guests to enjoy during their self-guided flashlight tour.

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Are you interested in more activites for everyone in the family this fall? Check out our Family-Friendly Guide to Hersheypark Halloween 2024.