ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Prepare for an after-dark adventure filled with slithering snakes, curious crocodilians and plenty of Halloween treats when Creatures of the Night returns to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park on Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24.
The family-friendly event puts a wild spin on traditional trick-or-treating, inviting guests of all ages to wear their favorite costumes and explore the zoo after hours. Along the way, adventurers can collect candy and vintage creature cards, meet ambassador animals and visit habitats featuring some of the park’s most famous residents, including Maximo and Sydney.
This year, families will have more freedom to create their own nighttime journey through the park.
“We’re mixing it up this year to make the event more free-flowing,” said Josie Taylor, curator of education at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. “Instead of timed entry with a very directed flow of traffic, guests can enter anytime during their ticketed day and explore the themed areas and habitats as they wish.”
The change is designed to reduce lines at interactive tables while giving families more time to enjoy each encounter.
“This will keep the interactive tables from backing up and allow families to take their time and just enjoy the experience,” Taylor said. “Of course, we’ll have some creepy, crawly friends to visit and plenty of family-friendly surprises and treats!”
The park’s themed areas will feature zoo staff distributing candy, collectible creature cards and other goodies. Guests will also have opportunities to interact with ambassador animals, including snakes, lizards and crocodilians.
Trick-or-treaters should bring their own bags to collect treats. The ToucanTina Café will remain open during the event, offering drinks and special seasonal treats for purchase.
Gates open at 5 p.m., with Creatures of the Night running from 5:30 to 9 p.m. both evenings. The zoo will close at 4 p.m. each day to prepare. Event entry will be through the green arched doorway between the main entrance and the Anastasia Island Conservation Center.
Advance tickets are strongly recommended, as only a limited number will be available on the day of the event.
Online tickets cost $18 for members ages 12 and older and $14 for members ages 2 to 11. Nonmember tickets are $20 for ages 12 and older and $16 for ages 2 to 11.
Day-of tickets cost $22 for members ages 12 and older and $18 for members ages 2 to 11. Nonmember day-of admission is $24 for ages 12 and older and $20 for ages 2 to 11. Children younger than 2 are admitted free. Day-of purchases are based on availability and must be made by credit or debit card.
Tickets may be purchased at tickets.alligatorfarm.com by selecting “Community Events.”
Located at 999 Anastasia Blvd. in St. Augustine, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park opened in 1893 and is one of Florida’s oldest continually operating attractions. The accredited zoo is home to all 24 species of crocodilians, along with reptiles, mammals and birds from around the world. Learn more at alligatorfarm.com.
