The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is hosting its annual “Boo at the Zoo” on Saturday, Oct. 18, Sunday, Oct. 19; Saturday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(photo by Jamie Pham)

Visitors can participate in trick-or-treating and view jack-o-lantern-carving demonstrations. Pirate, princess and vampire characters will also stroll the zoo grounds, and visitors can have up-close encounters with “crawly” insects and reptiles.

Additionally, the Halloween celebration provides an opportunity for visitors to see special feedings for gorillas, elephants, orangutans, giant otters and other zoo animals that will be served pumpkins filled with treats. Spider-themed crafts, such as make-your-own paper headbands and pipe-cleaner rings, will also be held. ”Boo at the Zoo” also includes strolling magicians and jugglers, a live karaoke band, a pumpkin patch photo opportunity, a “scarecrow” stilt walker and a live “Campfire Cathy” interactive, musical show starring zoo guests. Scariest of all, perhaps, are special “touch-if-you-dare” creepy cauldrons.

All activities are free with paid zoo admission, which is $19 for guests ages 13 to 61; $16 for seniors ages 62 and older, and $14 for children ages 2 to 12.

The Los Angeles Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive, in Griffith Park. For information, call (323)644-6042, or visit www.lazoo.org.