Experience the Magic of Night Eyes at Blank Park Zoo This Halloween Season
If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate Halloween, Night Eyes at Blank Park Zoo is the perfect mixture of adventure and fun. Our family had the best time exploring the zoo after dark, surrounded by glowing lights, roaring dinosaurs, and plenty of games and treats along the way.
Other Halloween Resources:
- Beggars’ Night in Des Moines
- Trunk or Treat in Des Moines
- Fall Festivals in Des Moines
- Halloween in Des Moines: Events and Activities for Kids
Basic Details:
Address: Blank Park Zoo, 7401 SW 9th, Des Moines
Dates: October 16-19 & October 23-26 from 5:30 PM-9:00 PM (Last admission at 8:30 PM)
Cost: $8 for Members and $10 for General Admission. Snag your tickets here!
Dinosaurs and Dazzling Lights
Dino Park Zoo, home to 17 animatronic dinosaurs, is open through October 2025. During Night Eyes, they are surrounded by lights and other light dinosaur displays. Watch their heads move and hear them roar during the event!
All paths are decorated with lights, featuring different displays like aliens, Ghostbusters, and a giant lit-up pumpkin. My boys were most excited to see the Minecraft treasure chest and blocks.
Trick-or-Treating
Trick-or-treating stations are scattered throughout the zoo, illuminated by festive lights. Each station is staffed by friendly volunteers who are generous with the candy and the temporary tattoos! Some of the characters venture along the path, and my boys enjoyed meeting the Ghostbusters and seeing a real-life Ghostbuster car.
Fun Zone and Characters
The Fun Zone, located inside the Holmes Foster Event Center, contains games, inflatables, and crafts. Try not to get lost walking through an inflatable Corn Maze and let the kids burn off energy in the inflatable Jungle Bounce House. Our whole family enjoyed trying to defeat Chrome Dome in the four-player ninja turtle arcade game. Play Pac-Man or enjoy the painting corner.
Many characters are located in the Fun Zone. Each night offers a different schedule of character appearances, including Ghostbusters, princesses, superheroes, and more. Check the Entertainment schedule here for appearances and shows. Some nights will feature the Jonathan Mays Magic Show.
Train and Carousel Rides
The train and carousel rides are both open during the event. We had a lot of fun riding the train at night and looking at the glowing lights.
Food and Drinks
Come hungry, as there are different food trucks to choose from, as well as treats and warm drinks.
Each week has a food truck lineup including:
- Week 1 Food Trucks: Kaaswagen, Reese’s Roadside, and Sugar & Spin Cotton Candy
- Week 2 Food Trucks: Kulinary Khaos, Corny Islan, and Sugar & Spin Cotton Candy
Enjoy snacks, hot chocolate, and mini donuts at the snack area located near the tortoises.
Parent Tip
Bring layers- it can get chilly once the sun goes down! And don’t forget a small bag/basket for candy and crafts.
Night Eyes is one of our favorite family traditions. Whether you’re going for the candy, the lights, or entertainment, it’s the perfect way to celebrate spooky season with kids.
