To kick off the season of lights, my family and I had the opportunity to experience WildLights at Woodland Park Zoo on opening night. They provided us complimentary tickets in exchange for our review. We’ve got the scoop on why you should make this a family outing this year and some tips to make it the best ever!
My kids were super excited to experience WildLights since we have never gone. They are ages 6 and 8 and such a fun age for any activity involving lights. It’s all so magical.
We arrived at the zoo (FREE PARKING for WildLights) rather early because traffic was really light (which is magical too!) The zoo opens for WildLights at 5:30pm and you can’t get in before that time. You can visit the zoo during the day, but they do close the zoo at 4pm so you will have to leave and then come back. Also, we ended up there about 4:45pm and we waited outside for a bit. Tickets are easy to buy at the gate or you can get them ahead of time online.
TIP: There is not a warm place by the gate so I would not recommend getting there too early or your kids may wear out in the cold before the fun even begins! Or bring something warm to drink while you are at the gate. (Ideas: Hot cocoa in a thermos, soup to go, cider, etc).
As we waited for the gates to open, a cart of very fun lighted gifts were wheeled out. We bought our kids a glow wand and candy cane glow stick ($10/piece) and I felt like the prices were reasonable for the items. All the items are reusable and take regular sized AAA batteries so you don’t end up with something you are going to throw away. We plan to use our glow items all season long!
TIP: Bring your own glow necklaces if this is something you don’t want to budget for. You can also have the conversation with your kids ahead of time so they are aware that isn’t something you will purchasing. Remember you will have to carry them around too.
When the gates opened it was very organized and we all streamed in. There are maps throughout the zoo showcasing where all the fun is happening.
Tip: Take a picture of the map so you can glance at it if needed.
We experienced the Carousel first, which is always a kid favorite.
Tip: The carousel is $3 a ride. There is a small kiosk. It only takes credit cards or debit cards. You’ll purchase tokens that can be used for the ride.
Then we just decided to walk around and experience everything. There are warm up stations throughout the zoo if you get cold.
We found ourselves enthralled with the animal lights. The animals are tucked in for the night and the paths that you can take for lights are well marked so there is no chance of getting lost.
We took our time walking along the lights. When we got hungry we decided to have a bit to eat at one of the food centers that had a ‘warming tent’. The food was reasonably priced ($6.50 for the pretzel and $11 for chicken strips & fries) and delicious.
Tip: There is not an indoor place to eat, so just mentally prepare if it is cold. The food was delicious! You can grab your food and sit by one of the fire pits. I would also suggest bringing a water bottle so you don’t have to buy water!
After food we needed to thaw out so we headed over to Snomazium for an epic snowball fight! So fun!! It’s the perfect time to throw things at your kids. Ha!
After Snowmazium we checked out the rest of the lights and headed home about 8pm. The zoo closes at 8:30pm. It was a great experience! We had such a blast. Thanks Woodland Park Zoo for helping us kick off the Christmas season!
Tip: It was cold! Get your kids some Cuddle Duds so they stay warm! At the time I purchased, Kohls had the best price.
If you head to Woodland Park Zoo for WildLights we’d love to hear about it. Don’t forget to use #WoodlandParkZoo or #WildLights to possibly have your picture featured by the zoo!
