[Columbia, SC] - Ghosts, goblins and all costumed kids are invited to Riverbanks’ fourth annual Boo at the Zoo for a fun, family alternative to neighborhood trick-or-treating on the nights leading up to Halloween. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden kicks off this year’s festivities tonight and will run three straight weekends from 6:00 to 9:00pm.

“Boo at the Zoo is a family-oriented fun way to celebrate Halloween. All attractions are kid-friendly and enjoyable for all that attend,” said Dusty Broadway, events manager at Riverbanks. “This year we have added some new attractions in addition to the many returning favorites.”

Families enter through the BatZ and BonZ castle upon arrival at the Zoo. Attractions include a trick-or-treat trail complete with 20 miniature houses, an endangered species graveyard, marshmallow roasting pit and a 3-D Movie: Haunted Mine Ride. Take a ride on the Hobgoblin Express and listen to a frightful Halloween story as you explore the back alley of the Zoo. As they make their way back to Palmetto Plaza, kids can groove to the tunes being spun at the Mummy’s Eeky-Freaky DJ Dance Party and take a walk on the wild side at the Vortex Spinning Light Tunnel.

This year’s Boo at the Zoo offers some new attractions that are sure to stir up a hauntingly good time. New activities include:

• Frankenstein’s Foam Zone: Kids will enjoy frolicking in this frightful factory that releases over 500 cubic feet of foam per minute.

• Crow’s Nest Hay Maze: Kids can creepy crawl their way through 330 bales of hay.

• Boo’s Bat Cave: Expect the unexpected as you make your way through flashing lights and fog. Guests should beware of flying bats as they travel through this dark and chilly cave.

For your convenience, this year Riverbanks offers new print at home eTickets for Boo at the Zoo. Visit https://tickets.riverbanks.org/mainstore.asp or click on Boo at the Zoo on the Riverbanks homepage and purchase your tickets online. Purchasing and printing your tickets at home will expedite entry into the event by allowing your family to bypass the ticket line.

Some activities require additional Safari Bucks that can be purchased throughout the Zoo. These activities include: the Hobgoblin Express, Haunted Carousel, Marshmallow Roasting Pit and the Haunted Mine Ride in 3-D.

Boo at the Zoo tickets can be purchased online at www.riverbanks.org or in person at the gate. Tickets are $5 for Riverbanks Society members and $7 for general public. Kids and adults are the same price but children who are under age 3 and choose not to trick-or-treat are free.   Parents can help kids prepare for a good time by leaving their homemade trick-or-treat bags at home. Each paying child will receive a Boo bag – the Zoo’s official candy-collecting bag – sponsored by Palmetto Pride. Boo at the Zoo runs October 13-15, 20-22 and 27-30 from 6:00 to 9:00pm each evening.