Four-year-old Allena J. Bush — dressed as Tinker Bell in a purple outfit with wings — stretched her arms out like a zombie to do the “monster dance” Sunday at New York State Zoo at Thompson Park’s Boo at the Zoo festival.

Staffers from Radio Disney called out dance steps over loudspeakers while they gyrated to the beat with trick-or-treaters in the drizzling rain. Allena’s father, Erick J. Bush, saw joy written on his daughter’s face as she frolicked on the damp lawn. Youngsters also won prizes by competing in a pumpkin-roll race and a beanbag toss.

“It’s raining, but the kids are still enjoying it,” Mr. Bush said. He and his wife, Jennette M., make it a priority to celebrate Halloween here with their daughter, who enjoys outdoor activities. “She loves to see the animals.”

Volunteers gave out candy at booths in front of animal exhibits strewn with spider webs and eerie decorations. Jenifer A. Graham of Evans Mills, who returned as a helper for a second time, painted her face black and white to portray the character Jack Skellington from the Disney film “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” She passed out candy alongside a mascot dressed as Otto, the zoo’s otter.

“Sometimes I scare them a little bit, but Otto’s suit always makes the kids smile,” she said.

Was she shivering in her gothic-looking outfit?

“I’m wearing three layers of clothes underneath this,” she said.

Friends Isabella P. Sofia from Watertown High School and Rafaela F. Pheifer, a Brazilian exchange student attending Immaculate Heart Central School, admired the outfits of children while dropping candy into their pumpkin-shaped buckets. Miss Pheifer, who has lived here about a month, said she’s still adapting to the climate change in Northern New York. She wore a light jean jacket and her hair pulled back in a ponytail.

“It feels good to help out even though I’m freezing,” she said with a playful smile. “It’s so cute to see the kids so happy.”

Proceeds from the festival held Saturday and Sunday were split by the zoo and Children’s Miracle Network of Watertown.

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