350 zombie babies anchor Boise backyard tradition

Visitors to the Vista neighborhood in Boise can now encounter approximately 350 modified baby dolls in a single backyard. These figures, some missing heads or attached to mismatched limbs, form the core of Zombie Toyland. The display is scheduled to operate from 6 to 9 p.m. on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31, at 2029 S. Columbus Street. Organizers confirm the event will proceed regardless of weather, with rain currently in the forecast.

The collection began eleven years ago when Amy Pence-Brown’s two daughters saw a video of a zombie doll online. They requested to transform their own old dolls, leading Pence-Brown to paint about ten figures. The family placed these outside for trick-or-treaters. Subsequent trips to thrift stores expanded the inventory. The first year featured roughly 35 dolls. The count has since increased to the current total of 350.

The installation incorporates various household items and thrift store finds. A non-functional mini-fridge holds baby bottles filled with fake blood. A rotating barbecue setup features a doll roasting over fake flames. A miniature haunted house includes figures resembling Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. A shrine dedicated to Dolly Parton is a new addition this year. Most materials are sourced from donations, discarded items, or purchases from local secondhand shops.

Pence-Brown started the display because she observed families leaving the Vista neighborhood to visit other parts of Boise. She wanted to create a local destination to keep children in the area. The effort evolved into a neighborhood tradition. Approximately 500 people visit the yard every Halloween night. Neighbors participate in the decorating process. Families return year after year, and children who grew up visiting the site now cite it as a standard part of their holiday routine.

People from across the country send dolls to add to the collection. Pence-Brown notes that the group jokes about being the thrift store version of Harrison Boulevard. She views the project as a commitment to the community rather than just a personal hobby. The scale of the display requires ongoing preparation as Halloween approaches.

Pence-Brown addressed concerns about the forecasted rain affecting the paper and fabric components of the dolls. She stated that some figures might get ruined, while others might simply appear creepier. The event remains a fixed point on the neighborhood calendar. No changes to the schedule or location have been announced.

The display sits on the Boise Bench, a specific geographical feature of the city. The combination of horror elements and domestic items creates a distinct aesthetic. The project has maintained its structure for eleven consecutive years. The current collection size represents a stable plateau after years of growth.