Little Boo at the Toledo Zoo

There are pros and cons to both Little Boo and Pumpkin Path. Little Boo is offered during the day on Thursday and Friday so it is less crowded than Pumpkin Path which is on Saturday and Sunday. Since Little Boo is geared towards toddlers and preschoolers there are less candy stations and they are more concentrated in the central area from Carnivore Cafe to the amphitheater. Little Boo is sponsored by Fisher Price so they had a large Fisher Price play area. Pumpkin Path is sponsored by Meijer. At Little Boo, the carnival games are free whereas they cost $1 each during Pumpkin Path. Meijer brings an activity truck to Pumpkin Path where (in 2009) you were able to get your child’s picture, test out Wii games, and more. The truck is not present at Little Boo.

We had a great time at Little Boo. I was impressed with the quality of candy that was handed out – mostly name brand – Hershey bars, Reese’s peanut butter cups, Snickers, M&Ms, Air Heads, Dum-Dum lollipops, Zoo Animal Crackers. I feel like in the past the goodies handed out were of lower quality. My daughter enjoyed driving one of the Power Wheels cars in the Fisher Price area and playing the carnival games. I really liked that the games were free. Last year during Pumpkin Path when they were charging for the games, I did not see anyone play a game. She did ask about the Meijer truck and noticed that it was missing.

I just asked her what her favorite part was. “What I liked was getting the beach ball.” This was a prize she won by tossing bean bags in one of the games.

The classroom in the Nature’s Neighborhood house had several crafts that my daughter and her friend enjoyed doing (spiders, bats, and ghosts).

We had lunch at the Carnviore Cafe. I had the chili in a bread bowl which was a decent meal for a somewhat chilly day. My daughter had the chicken nuggets. They list a kids combo available with apple wedges and carrots however they are giving out applesauce instead of apple wedges. They also did not have any watermelon in the refrigerated section, so they had no fruit options. I also made the mistake of letting my daughter drink hot chocolate in her costume. It is in the wash now, hopefully the chocolate stains come out. Next time, she takes off her costume to eat.

We rode the train, which is called Jack O Lantern Express on the map for the event. I was expecting something seasonal about the train – decorations on the train or on the route. However, there was nothing different about the train except the guide was in costume (as were many zoo employees). On the plus side, the animals were super active today coming up near the train so we got to see the animals up close.

Next year, we will likely return, but to Pumpkin Path since she will be in Kindergarten. 

There is still time to attend both Little Boo and Pumpkin Path. Little Boo is also tomorrow, Friday, October 22. Pumpkin Path is on Saturday October 23 and Sunday October 24. Admission to the zoo is $11 for adults (free for members). Kids admission is $11 ($5 for members) to include the trick or treat.

If you decide to attend, be warned that the entrance back onto Northbound 75 from Anthony Wayne Trail is closed due to construction. You will need to find an alternate route to 75. My friend went 75 south one exit and u-turned. I ended up turning north on City Park Drive and following my navigation system to enter 75 further north.