The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is having its annual fall festival,Spooktacular, on October 19-21, 2012 and 26-31, 2012. Gates are open from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the Zoo open until 10:00 p.m.
This fall event at the Zoo will feature family-friendly attractions, including the Wonderland Trail, as well as a giant slide and bounce houses and much more. Visitors young and old will marvel at the hundreds of carved and painted pumpkins lighting up the Pumpkin Patch. The Enchanted Forest, with its frog prince and princess, fairies, wizards and unicorns, as well as the comical Pirate’s Cove will once again delight trick-or-treaters.
 Event attendees are encouraged to come in their favorite family-friendly costumes and enjoy trick-or-treating, music, dancing, and delicious food – all while viewing some of their favorite zoo animals including the bobcats, alligators, jaguars and giraffes. Spooktacular is the Zoo’s largest fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the care and feeding of the animals. Admission is $8 for members, $10 for non-members, and children ages two and younger are free. Parking is free.  To purchase tickets in advance at a discount and for more information, visit www.jacksonvillezoo.org.