Enjoy a safe, fun and memorable trick-or-treating experience at your local AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium! (Pictured: Ghouls at Grassmere event, Nashville Zoo. Photo by Amiee Stubbs.)
Zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) are getting in the “spirit” of Halloween season!
From hayrides and treat stations to costume contests and games, zoos and aquariums are holding a variety of Halloween events to offer families a safe, fun and memorable trick-or-treating experience. Be sure to visit your local zoo or aquarium’s website or call ahead for information about events and hours.
Additionally, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Green Halloween®, a program of Veritey, have partnered to provide communities with healthy, animal-friendly, and EEK-O-friendly Halloween fun at 55 events nationwide.
Green Halloween is a grassroots community initiative that helps families celebrate healthier and environmentally-friendly holidays, starting with Halloween. It is a program of Veritey, a healthy living resource that enables consumers to make safe, effective product choices. Healthier and sustainable treats are provided by Green Halloween’s partners, including: Honest Tea, LARABAR, Nature’s Path, Plum Organics, Surf Sweets, Wholesome Sweeteners, and Glee Gum.
“Green Halloween events show kids and adults how to apply the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – to Halloween activities,” said AZA Senior Vice President of Marketing, Organizational Planning and Operations, Jill Nicoll. “From selecting healthier treats, to participating in green costume contests and making animal crafts out of recycled products, Green Halloween demonstrates how there are a number of ways to make Halloween fun and eco-friendly.”
A variety of Halloween events are being held at AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. More than 50 facilities, including the Oregon Coast Aquarium, are also participating in the Green Halloween program. (Photo courtesy of the Oregon Coast Aquarium.)
A list of participating zoos and aquariums can be found at http://greenhalloween.org/content.php?page=events_aza2013. If your local zoo or aquarium is not sponsoring a Green Halloween event, there are many great ways to also participate at home. Some tips to make your Halloween healthier and greener include:
Looking for alternatives to conventional candy? Choose healthier treats that everyone from toddlers to teens will love, including snack bars, honey sticks, fruit pouches, all natural gum, or better-for-you drink alternatives. Take a look at our 10 Best Healthy Candies List for ideas!
- Want to get educated on what to choose, why, and where? Learn about Candy Buy Back, Candy Trade, Healthy Treat Alternatives and more on Green Halloween’s Candy Cheat Sheet.
- Want to throw a healthier Halloween party? Get a Healthy Party Kit from Healthy Child and Green Halloween with all sorts of educational materials to help get your healthier Halloween party started.
- Looking for pre-emptive measures before trick or treating? Offset candy binges by eating a rainbow of colors. Phytonutrients in fruits, veggies, and whole grains fill you up and boost your immune system.
Hundreds of other suggestions are available at www.GreenHalloween.org, along with ways everyone can participate.
Jen Fields
Also love all of the pictures of pumpkin enrichment for all the animals!