Open Daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Open Daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Major Sponsor
A Merry-Not-Scary Halloween Tradition in Iowa
October 15-18 and 22-25
Thursday-Sunday
5:00PM – 9:00PM
Covid Masks Required (See Policy Below)
Timed tickets for Night Eyes will go on sale October 1, 2020.
Member Rate: $5
Nonmember Rate: $6
Iowa’s most popular Halloween tradition may not be as sugary this year, but guests can look forward to nights filled with autumn cheer.
It is time for dazzling lights, festive delights and merry-not-scary Halloween nights.
Our primary focus in bringing Night Eyes, presented by Hy-Vee, back for its 30th anniversary was to be responsible in this time of COVID, so out of an abundance of caution for guests, staff, and volunteers, we have made two major changes to Night Eyes this year. First, to help control capacity, we will be requiring advance purchase timed-tickets for the event. The second change is Night Eyes will NOT have a Treat Safari this year.
Instead of a candy-filled, trick-or-treating experience at the Zoo for Halloween, we are thrilled to pursue activities including socially distanced costume character photo opportunities, an outstanding array of themed-displays and dazzling lights, and a Fun Zone, where all activities encourage social distancing and are cleaned and sanitized between each party. We are so appreciative of your support, understanding, and patience, and we look forward to offering a responsible merry-not-scary experience for all!
As we all know, much can change in a few weeks. We will continue to monitor the pandemic and provide updates and changes accordingly.
For 30 years, Night Eyes has supported the work of saving and caring for animals, educating Iowans and operating the nonprofit Blank Park Zoo. We thank YOU for your past support. As you can imagine, Blank Park Zoo lost a significant amount of revenue by closing for two months and limiting capacity this summer. It costs nearly $19,000 a day to care for the animals of Blank Park Zoo and your support of Blank Park Zoo through Night Eyes is critical. Thank you!
Mask Policy: Blank Park Zoo’s mask policy will be followed during the event. Masks are required for ages two years and older while in the indoor areas of Blank Park Zoo and required in all outdoor spaces if you are not able to social distance. Any valid exemption in the mayor’s proclamation (click here) will also be a valid exemption while on Zoo property.
Costume Mask Policy: Costume masks are permitted for children ages 10 and under, but do not qualify as a COVID face mask unless it sufficiently covers the nose and mouth without any holes. Because of the merry-not-scary nature of the event, costume masks are not permitted for ages over 10.
Animal Viewing: This year’s Night Eyes will take place exclusively during evening hours. For the safety of the animals, zookeepers, and guests, we are unable to have the animals in their habitats. Please visit Blank Park Zoo during our regular daytime hours of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. if you wish to see the animals.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2020 Night Eyes season
Want to enter our costume contest? Click here to find out how.
Click Here for the Night Eyes Map
Night Eyes 2020 Entertainment Schedule and Character Appearances
Fun Zone Open from 5:00 - 9:00 PM EVERY NIGHT of Night Eyes
The Fun Zone includes an array of food vendors and FREE socially-distanced, exceptionally fun carnival games (like mini glow golf, limbo, whack-a-wall, soccer darts, light cone racing, ring toss and roller bowler!)
"Out of this World" Space Characters will make an appearance EVERY night of Night Eyes (October 15-18 and 22-25) from 6-9pm each evening.
The empire can be found taking over the Kids Kingdom playground, down at the center of the Zoo.
Saturday, October 17
Fun Zone 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Superheroes 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Sunday, October 18
Fun Zone 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Princesses (Ariel, Belle and Moana) 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 24
Fun Zone 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Superheroes 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Sunday, October 25
Fun Zone 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Princesses (Elsa, Rapunzel and Jasmine) 5:00 - 8:00 PM
