Boise homeowner displays 350 zombie baby dolls for Halloween

Amy Pence-Brown is preparing a backyard in Boise, Idaho, to host 350 modified baby dolls on Halloween night. The display, known as Zombie Toyland, occupies the property at 2029 S. Columbus Street in the Vista neighborhood. The exhibit opens to the public on Saturday, October 31, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The collection began eleven years ago when Pence-Brown’s two daughters saw a video online of a zombie doll transformation. The girls requested to try the project, and Pence-Brown agreed. They painted and altered ten old dolls for their first display. After visiting a thrift store, the family expanded the collection to 35 dolls for that first Halloween season.

The number of dolls has grown substantially over the last decade. The current count stands at approximately 350. The dolls are not standard toys. Many have missing heads, extra limbs, or heads attached to legs. Pence-Brown sources most materials from old toys, discarded household items, and thrift store finds. Donors from across the United States also send dolls to add to the pile.

The yard features several specific installations created from junk. A non-working mini-fridge holds baby bottles filled with fake blood. A rotating barbecue setup features a doll roasting over fake flames. A pet cemetery and a miniature haunted house containing figures of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are also present. A shrine to Dolly Parton is a new addition for this year's display.

Pence-Brown started the project to keep families in the Vista neighborhood during trick-or-treating hours. She noticed children leaving the area to visit other parts of Boise. The display has since become a local tradition. Approximately 500 visitors come through the yard every Halloween. Neighbors participate in the decorating, and families return year after year.

Pence-Brown describes the project as a way to serve the community. She told a radio reporter that she feels she cannot let down the neighborhood. The family jokingly refers to their setup as the thrift store version of Harrison Boulevard, a popular shopping area in Boise. The display relies heavily on discarded items rather than new purchases.

Rain is in the forecast for Halloween night in Boise. Pence-Brown said the display will proceed regardless of the weather. She noted that some dolls might get ruined by the rain, while others might simply look creepier. The event will continue until 9 p.m. on October 31.

The exhibit is located on the Boise Bench, an area known for its steep hills and unique housing. The yard is accessible to the public during the stated hours. Pence-Brown has no plans to stop the tradition. Kids who grew up visiting the yard now consider it a standard part of their Halloween.