Going to Boo Bash | Social Story™*

The purpose of this page is to assist families, caregivers, and individuals in navigating new experiences with ease at Wheaton Park District facilities, parks, programs and events; creating a welcoming environment for everyone in our community.

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I am going to Boo Bash at Cosley Zoo!

Family of four: woman, man, boy in overalls, girl in pink pig costume. Halloween-themed sweater and vegetables on overalls visible.

Boo Bash takes place outside with Halloween fun I can enjoy at my own pace.

Entrance to Cosley Zoo with a light-colored building, brick path, wooden fence, and autumn trees.

If I want, I can dress up in a Halloween costume. Costumes are not required!

When I arrive, I will check in at the entrance with a staff member.

Family checking in at a park entrance booth with a staff member. Trees with red leaves in the background.

I may need to wait in line to check-in. There will be other families waiting with me.

I can explore Colsey Zoo at my own pace. I will get to see different animals and exhibits!

family at zoo in front of mesh enclosures

I may also have a chance to see an animal up close! With a zookeepers help, I can choose to touch the animal with one finger or watch from a comfortable distance.

Millipede crawling on a hand, while another hand reaches at it with one finger.

If I need help or have a question, I can ask a Cosley Zoo staff member. They will be wearing blue shirts and nametags.

Cosley Zoo staff, a woman and a man in blue shirts with nametags, waving.

I can visit the barn, pavilion, and pumpkin area!

boy points to pavilion, barn, and pumpkin patch, representing places to visit.

Some areas may be crowded or noisy. I can wear earplugs or headphones. I can also move to a quieter area and take a break.

Child with headphones and carrots in overalls

I can ask a staff member to borrow a KultureCity sensory bag. It has headphones and fidget tools.

KultureCity sensory inclusive bag with headphones, fidget toys, and a KCVIP tag on a gray carpet.

In the barn, there will be different animal sounds and smells. If I do not want to go inside, that is okay!

Kids in a barn looking at a goat in a stall with hay, girl covers nose. Boy points at goat.

In the barn, there will be different animal sounds and smells. If I do not want to go inside, that is okay!

Child points to Hale Family Education Pavilion with a windmill.

I can pick which activities I want to try. I can watch an activity before deciding if I want to participate.

Boy with hat and overalls at a table with art supplies: pumpkin, paper boat, pencil, crayons, glue.

The front lawn will have lots of pumpkins and other fall produce available to buy.

Boy and girl in a pumpkin patch with many pumpkins, under shade sails.

I can also visit the gift shop!

Three children in a gift shop with toys, souvenirs, and displays of small items. Includes plush animals and a red wagon.

If I get hungry or thirsty, I can buy a snack or drink from concessions.

Woman and boy waving at an outdoor cafe with "Coyote Cafe" sign and "Cool Zone" ice cream display.

There are also restrooms I can use during my visit.

A man and a boy stand outside restrooms with a water fountain. The boy points to the doors.

When I am ready to go, I will leave with my family.