Here’s your guide to fall at the Great Plains Zoo, Butterfly House & Aquarium

This paid event listing is sponsored by Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium.

There are new reasons to visit the Great Plains Zoo or the Butterfly House & Aquarium several times this month.

Here’s your guide to the upcoming events:

Oct. 14: Community Appreciation Day – Great Plains Zoo

Visit and save with admission of only $5 per person, plus tax. Pro tip: Buy your ticket online. You’ll avoid the line and can go directly to the zoo gate to have your ticket scanned. Otherwise, buy your ticket at the admissions window.

Community Day is made possible through funding approved by the Sioux Falls City Council, aimed at making the zoo even more accessible to more people – while also showing our gratitude for the local community’s support of the zoo.

Residents of South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska who participate in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF and WIC, can purchase discounted zoo admission for all tickets throughout the year.

Can’t make this appreciation day? Zoo Lover’s Day is a free admission day each year during winter break. Mark it down for Dec. 27.

Oct. 18-20: ZooBoo – Great Plains Zoo

ZooBoo is bigger and better than ever with some new additions this year.

“We are excited to bring some new elements to a beloved event. Fans of the traditional ZooBoo model can enjoy trick-or-treating on Saturday and Sunday, but the Family Fun Boo Run and fire performance on Friday evening will be like nothing we’ve ever had at the zoo,” said Denise DePaolo, director of public relations and marketing.

“And for our Monarch and Gold members, they get to enjoy all the fun on both campuses included in their membership!”

Special event pricing is in effect for general admission tickets. ZooBoo is included with Monarch and Gold memberships – bring your membership card and ID to the gate. Standard members can buy $5 tickets online with their membership number. Monarch and Gold members can buy $5 member tickets for their additional guests.

Here’s the lineup of events:

• Oct. 18 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.: Explore the zoo under the stars with the inaugural Family Fun Boo Run, followed by a fire show on the Primate Lawn! From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., register in the plaza where the first 400 participants will receive a Zoo Run race bib and glow necklace, plus enjoy pre-race yoga. A DJ will play music in the plaza until 7:30 p.m. The race begins at 6:30 p.m. with a half-mile of marked path throughout the zoo. From 7 to 8:30 p.m. there will be popcorn offered in the plaza while the zoo and aquarium team create connection and inspire conservation of wild species and spaces. Then, from 7:45 to 8:30 p.m., enjoy a fire show from South Dakota Aerial & Arts. Candy will be handed out near the end of the course, and all are welcome to participate, but there will not be community vendors on site for trick-or-treating Friday night.
• Oct. 19 from 9 to 10 a.m: Sensory Hour, which allows those with sensory processing issues to experience the event. During this time, the capacity allowed will be low. Please reserve tickets for this time only if your group requires it.
• Oct. 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Explore the Great Plains Zoo campus while meeting your favorite characters and trick-or-treating among more than 20 local vendors. Find your favorite painted or carved pumpkin, and visit your favorite animals on exhibit.

Oct. 26: Spooky Seas – Butterfly House & Aquarium

Join the Butterfly House & Aquarium for a family-friendly event filled with crafts, sweet treats and a special appearance by the Little Mermaid!

This eerie event is included with your admission or membership, so come in costume and make a splash! Here’s the schedule:

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Pirate-themed photo-op.
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Create your own treasure map craft.
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Spooky Seas goodie bags, while supplies last.
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.:Visit with the Little Mermaid.

Costume guidelines for ZooBoo, Spooky Seas

• No inflatable costumes – they can agitate animals.
• Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be offensive or violent in nature.
• Costumes may not contain any sharp or jutting objects that could harm other guests.
• Adults may wear costumes, but we ask that they be family-friendly.
• SFZA reserves the right to ask adults to remove costume masks.

To learn more on upcoming events, click here.