Cosley Zoo's Pumpkin Fest offers fruits of fall galore

Ah, autumn. Round, orange pumpkins to carve into jack-o-lanterns. Crisp apples to bite into and sweet, tangy cider to taste. Cornstalks, straw bales and gourds in all colors and shapes to decorate for the season.

Visitors to Cosley Zoo's Pumpkin Fest will find all that and more throughout October at the children's zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. The popular Pumpkin Fest, now in its 28th year, drew more than 17,000 visitors last year, said zoo Director Susan Wahlgren.

“We're open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day,” she said.

For kids selecting the perfect, orange orb to carve and decorate for Halloween, the zoo has pumpkins galore from which to choose. Prices range from $2.50 for a small pumpkin to 40 cents a pound for large ones. Adults can shop for their own fruits of autumn.

The fest offers an opportunity to get acquainted with the zoo animals too. Duck feeding occurs daily at the pond from 10 to 10:30 a.m. and from 3 to 3:30 p.m. through Sunday, Oct. 16.

Animal Discovery Zone is offered 10:30 a.m. to noon on weekends and on Monday, Oct. 10. Each week features a different animal topic, such as diet, defenses, tracks and tails.

Admission to the fest is free for Wheaton Park District residents, zoo members and children 17 and younger; $3 for others ages 18 to 54; and $2 for others 55 and older.

The funds raised during the fest go to the Cosley Foundation to pay for capital improvements at the zoo, as well as help with operational costs.

“Our next project is the bobcat exhibit next spring,” Walgren said.

Make reservations by Friday, Oct. 7, for he zoo's annual Spooktacular that will run 5:30 to 7 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14.

“It's a lot of fun. People always really enjoy coming to it,” Walgren said.

Kids are invited to put on their Halloween costume and conquer a straw pyramid, walk the spooky pond path, find their way through a cornstalk tunnel, and enjoy other games and crafts.

New this year is a Trick-or-Treat Trek that offers six to 10 stations where ghosts, goblins and fairy princesses can collect candy.

The cost for the Spooktacular is $10 for ages 3 to 14, $5 for age 15 to adults, free to children 2 and younger and members based on membership level.

Be sure to register for the Spooktacular at least a week ahead. Contact (630) 665-5534 or cosleyzoo.org.

If you go

What: Pumpkin Fest

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 1-31; Spooktacular, 5:30 to 7 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14

Where: Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton

Cost: Fest free for Wheaton Park District residents, zoo members and children 17 and younger, $3 for others ages 18-54, $2 others 55 and older; Spooktacular is $10 for ages 3-14, $5 age 15 to adults, free age 2 and younger and for members

Info: (630) 665-5534 or cosleyzoo.org; make reservations for Spooktacular by Friday, Oct. 7