Gatorland’s Halloween wrap-up: Smashing pumpkins on Sunday
Gatorland has a convenient way of disposing of Halloween decor. It lofts the attraction’s pumpkins to its resident reptiles and other animals.
The South Orange Blossom Trail attraction will hold its Great Pumpkin Toss and feed the gourds to its alligators, crocodiles and more on Sunday, the final day of its Gators, Ghosts and Goblins Halloween event.
The schedule begins at 11 a.m. at the South Main Lake of Gatorland, followed by 1 p.m. in the Jungle Crocs area and 2:30 p.m. at the Breeding Marsh Observation Tower. The sight of mighty jaws chomping down on pumpkins has proven to be a crowd-pleaser over the years, Gatorland says.
Gatorland’s capybaras, parrots, bobcats, and Florida panthers also get involved in the pumpkin actions.
Gators, Ghosts and Goblins includes activities such as the Swamp Ghost’s Monster Museum, Cryptid Petting Zoo (and Cryptid Express train ride), Godwin’s Gourd Farm, children’s Halloween costume parade, trick-or-treat candy station and spooky characters including the Skunk Ape. Specialty vendors are scattered across the attraction, which marked its 75th anniversary this year. Regular Gatorland events continue as scheduled.
The Halloween event and Great Pumpkin Toss are included in regular Gatorland admission. Florida residents pay a half-price admission fee of $17.50 through Oct. 31. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.