The month of October usually means that there are a wide variety of Halloween-related events taking place. Children are probably busy picking out their costumes and planning what to do with their trick-or-treating loot.

There is plenty of fun to be had before Halloween officially takes place at the end of the month, however. Guests of all ages are invited to celebrate the Halloween holiday with some real local animals.

The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium will host its Zoo Boo Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Guests are invited to have fun on the only day they are allowed to come to the zoo in costume (no masks, please) and will enjoy a $2 discount off the general admission.

"Our staff members really enjoy Zoo Boo because it's fun, new and exciting for guests," said Jenna Frank, Special Events Assistant at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. "It's a wonderful and safe family atmosphere to come trick or treating."

Guests will watch zoo animals have fun with the holiday season as they receive special treats, including pumpkins. Zookeepers will show off their pumpkin-carving skills - even underwater with the sharks! - as they create jack o' lanterns for the animals to enjoy. The day will be filled with fun treats for the whole family, including both indoor and outdoor activities and games. Play Ghoulish Golf, test out your hunting skills with a Bat Scavenger Hunt or create a Pipe Cleaner Creeper!

The costume-wearing fun continues at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park during its Hoot ‘n' Howl event Oct. 23 and 24 from 6 to 10 p.m. Guests will be able to take a ride on a special nighttime tram tour to look for elk, bighorn sheep and moose under the twinkling stars.

"I love seeing the transformation of the park from day until night and lit up with the Halloween lights," says Jessica Moore, Education Curator of Northwest Trek. "It is a completely different experience."

Costumed guests can trick or treat through the park, receive goodies at various locations, and take photos using props at the photo booth. Children will enjoy family friendly games including playing miniature golf and creating spooktacular crafts. If you have ever wondered how to successfully survive a zombie apocalypse, never fear, staff will be on hand to let you know what to do. It might not be what you think!

Animals will be on hand to meet up close at the Trailside Encounters, and guests can participate in Freaky Food Science.

"This event is a friendly, non-scary way to get a fun sense of the holiday while learning," said Moore.

Tickets are available in advance at a discounted rate by visiting: www.nwtrek.org. Remember to help Northwest Trek conserve resources and bring a reusable candy bag from home to collect treats!

You and your little critters will have a blast celebrating Halloween among the animals of Northwest Trek and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.

For more information, visit www.pdza.org or www.nwtrek.org.