Boo at the Zoo, Then Pasta at Mario's on Arthur Avenue

Boo at the Zoo is the Bronx Zoo's daytime Halloween celebration for families, aimed at toddlers, preschoolers and elementary school kids. It runs on weekends through November 1, with most activities from 11 AM to 4 PM. Non-members need a Bronx Zoo ticket reserved in advance, and the Halloween activities are included with general admission. WCS members can enter directly during regular daytime hours without reservations.

Costume parades step out at Astor Court at 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM and 3:15 PM, each followed by a dance party with music and bubbles. Face painting for children 3 and up runs at Astor Court from 11 AM to 4 PM. At the Dancing Crane Pavilion, expert artists carve giant animals and full scenes out of pumpkins, with speed carving demos at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM. The Pumpkin Garden at Rhino Garden holds four oversized animal pumpkin displays, and a challenge trail sits at the Butterfly Patio.

After the afternoon parade, exit through the Southern Boulevard Gate for a 15-minute walk to Arthur Avenue, arriving right in time for a late lunch or early dinner. Mario's Restaurant of Arthur Avenue at 2342 Arthur Ave stays open until 10 PM on Saturday and 9 PM on Sunday. The kitchen leans Neapolitan, with lasagna, manicotti and tartufo for dessert. Reserving ahead is the safer plan for a weekend table, and Frankie's Restaurant and Michaelangelo's sit on the same street as backups.