Who doesn’t love the creepy crawlies this time of year? October is one of the best months for all of you with animal-loving kids, especially those animals of the “misunderstood” variety. Are you wondering where can you get your child’s bat, owl, or spider fixation satisfied this month? We have you covered with a list of October Animal Encounters. You can experience everything from spooky species and frightening flappers to those downright creepy critters!
October Animal Encounters 2024
All Month: Zoo Boo
When: Fridays & Saturdays: 2 pm – 9 pm and Sundays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays: 2 pm – 7 pm
Where: Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W Washington Street, Indianapolis 46222
There are so many spooktacular festivities going on at the Indianapolis Zoo, such as exploring the Candy Corn Mirror Maze, hanging out at Bat Alley, crafting at Pumpkin School, collecting treats throughout the zoo, and so much more! The animals are getting in on the festive action, too, with extra animal keeper chats, Halloween-themed enrichment, and special activities. ZooBoo is free for members and included with regular admission.
October 5: Silly Safaris Not-So-Scary Animal Show
When: 10:30 am
Where: The Studio Theater, Center for the Performing Arts, 1 Carter Green, Carmel 46032
Don’t be afraid of spiders, snakes, bugs, or birds! Meet them up close and find they aren’t that scary. This Peanut Butter & Jam session performed by Silly Safaris in The Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel is designed for children ages 1-7. Tickets are only $10 per child and each ticket comes with comes with two free adult admissions.
October 22: Owls of Indiana
When: 11 am – Noon
Where: Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000-1 E 151st Street, Carmel 46033
Mark Booth with Take Flight Wildlife Education will be visiting the Cool Creek Nature Center and bringing a few owls that are found in Indiana. He’ll share some of the amazing adaptations that these birds have! Pre-registration is required for this FREE program.
October 26: Howl-O-Ween at Wolf Park
When: 6:30 pm – 9 pm
Where: Wolf Park, 4004 East 800 North, Battle Ground 47920
Spend the night howling with the wolves at Wolf Park in Battle Ground, Indiana. At Howl-O-Ween Night, get up close with wolves, walk the trail to see other animal ambassadors, learn about wolf mythology, and sit by the fire. Don’t forget to bring some treats for the wolves!
October 26: Critter Chat
When: 11 am – Noon
Where: Garfield Park Conservatory, 2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis 46203
Drop by Blake’s Garden to meet one of the resident critters at the Garfield Park Conservatory. No registration is needed.
October 26 & 27: Owl Festival
When: Saturday 10 am – 5 pm & Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm
Where: Eagle Creek Ornithology Center, 6515 Delong Road, Indianapolis 46278
Have an owl-tastic time celebrating our favorite nighttime hunter at Owl Festival. Enjoy a fun-filled day with hikes, crafts, live bird programs, and more at the Eagle Creek Ornithology Center! Perfect for the entire family and free with park admission!
All Month: Wild About Owls
Learn about the habitats and behaviors of the diverse owl species with Take Flight Wildlife Education! You’ll have the chance to see animals up close and ask questions. For ages 6 and up. This program will be offered at various Indianapolis Public Libraries throughout October:
Thursday, October 3 from 4 pm – 5 pm
Michigan Road Branch
Tuesday, October 8 from 4 pm – 5 pm
Decatur Branch
Wednesday, October 9 from 1 pm – 2 pm
West Perry Branch
Thursday, October 10 from 2 pm – 3 pm
Franklin Road Branch
Tuesday, October 15 from 6 pm – 7 pm
Irvington Branch
Wednesday, October 16 from 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Spades Park Branch
Wednesday, October 16 from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Southport Branch
Saturday, October 19 from 2 pm – 3 pm
College Avenue Branch
Monday, October 21 from 3 pm – 4 pm
Wayne Branch
Tuesday, October 22 from 5 pm – 6 pm
Eagle Branch
Wednesday, October 23 from 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Garfield Park Branch
Thursday, October 24 from 4 pm – 5 pm
Lawrence Branch
Tuesday, October 29 from 4 pm – 5 pm
East 38th Street Branch
After making your way to these awesome October Animal Encounters, check out our list of year-round animal encounters in Indy.
October is jam-packed with fun festivals and events! Check out our Ultimate List of Fall Festivals in Indiana. Have you picked out a pumpkin yet? Visit a local pumpkin patch to choose your own from the farm. Here are 60+ Free Things To Do With Kids This Fall, including visiting a haunted house (or, not so haunted) this Halloween.
Search for a Halloween Trunk or Treat event near you
What are your favorite October Animal Encounters? Share your comments and photos with us below or tag us on social media using #PLAYindy. Follow Indy with Kids on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for all of the best ideas and things to do with kids in Indy!
