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 little’s bat, owl, or snake fixation satisfied this month? We have you covered with everything from spooky species and frightening flappers, to those downright creepy critters!
October 3: Zoo Boo
When: 2pm-9pm
Where: Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46222
There are so many spooktactular festivities going on at the zoo, such as exploring the Candy Corn Mirror Maze, crafting at Pumpkin School, Pumpkin Bowling, 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 Zoo members and included with regular admission.
Additional dates: 10/4-10/6, 10/10-10/13, 10/17-10/20, 10/24-10/27
Thursday/ Sunday hours 2pm-7pm,
Friday/ Saturday hours 2pm-9pm
October 10: Woodland Wildlife Wonders
When: 11am-noon
Where: Westfield Washington Library, 1549 E Greyhound Pass, Carmel, Indiana 46032
Who is crowing, whistling and scurrying in the woods? You will see a variety of woodland creatures that are familiar and secretive. From treetops to the woodland floor, we will be talking about some of our favorite woodland inhabitants as we explore the woods! This event is FREE, but does require pre-registration.
October 11: Snakes! With Take Flight
When: 1pm-2pm
Where: Warren Branch, 9701 East 21st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229
Children of all ages and families are invited to experience the truth about these much-maligned reptiles during this presentation by educators from Take Flight Wildlife.
October 12: Live Birds With Providence Wildlife
When: 1pm-3pm
Where: Wild Birds Unlimited, 9830 North Michigan Road, Carmel, IN 46032
Providence Wildlife Rehabilitation will be in-store with their amazing educational birds. Learn interesting facts about our native birds and see some live ones up close. Registration is not required.
October 16: Owls of Indiana
When: 11am-noon
Where: Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000-1 E 151st Street, Carmel 46033
Mark Booth with Take Flight Wildlife Education will be visiting the 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 not required for this FREE program.
October 17: Creepy Critters with Snakehead Ed
When: 11am-noon
Where: Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000-1 E 151st Street, Carmel 46033
Snakes, tarantulas, and scorpions can leave anyone with a creepy-crawly feeling! Snakehead Ed isn’t afraid of any of them! He will be sharing these critters with guests and squashing many of the myths people have about these fascinating creatures.
October 18: Nocturnal Animals
When: 11am-noon
Where: Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000-1 E 151st Street, Carmel 46033
Indiana WILD will join us for a program all about animals of the night! These highly adaptive nocturnal creatures are as interesting as they are unusual.
October 26: Owl Festival
When: 9am-4pm
Where: Eagle Creek Ornithology Center, 6515 Delong Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46278
Join us in celebrating our favorite nighttime hunter. Enjoy a fun-filled day with hikes, crafts, live bird programs, and more! Perfect for the entire family and free with park admission!
Owl Festival Events:
9am-10am: Autumn Bird Hike
Go on an early morning bird hike and learn about what birds you are likely to see this Fall.
10am-10:45am: Owl Storytime
Join in for a story about nocturnal owls and create a craft in this fun program.
*Storytime is recommended for ages 3-6
11am-11:45am: Live Owls
During this time you will have a chance to meet the Ornithology Center’s resident owls.
1pm-2pm: Live Owls
During this time, you will have the opportunity to hear visit with Mark Booth from Take Flight and meet some of his owl ambassadors.
2pm-4pm: Pumpkin Painting
Paint your very own pumpkin or stumpkin!
**Additional activities and crafts will be available on-site from 9am-4pm. Hot beverages and popcorn will be available for purchase.
October 20: Owl-o-ween
When: 6pm-8 pm
Where: Wild Birds Unlimited, 14753 Hazel Dell Crossing, Noblesville, IN 46062
Join us for a spooktacular Owl-a-ween party with some of the animals from Providence Wildlife Rehabilitation! All of the proceeds raised from this event will be donated to Providence Wildlife to support the rescue, care and rehabilitation of injured wildlife.
Live Birds (6:00-7:30): Meet some birds that you might think of as “spooky” and find out why they’re actually really cool!
Pumpkin Bird Feeder craft: Purchase a pumpkin for $1 and make a fun bird feeder to take home. All proceeds will be donated to Providence Wildlife. Limit 1 pumpkin per person. Free refreshments are provided.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS REQUIRED. Call 317-566-8222 to register.
October 31: Bird Halloween Party
When: 2 pm-3 pm
Where: Eagle Creek Ornithology Center, 6515 Delong Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46278
Come and celebrate Halloween at the Ornithology Center. Learn about the spooky birds, color and create fun crafts. Perfect for the entire family! FREE with park admission.