Illumination for Conservation Lantern Festival returns to Ross Park Zoo August 3-October 29, 2023! We did a daytime walk-thru (watch the quick reel here) this week and while the kids were thrilled by the mere presence of huge colorful lanterns, we're excited to go back and see how adding lights and movement create a magical after-dark experience.
UPDATE: We did a nighttime walk-thru (watch the quick reel here) and it was awesome! We arrived around 8:15pm so it got dark as we walked.
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After entering through the eye-catching welcome arch, you'll pass by some conspicuous gorillas and then embark on your journey up a steady incline passing by some larger than life birds, bugs, and flowers. After you pass under a huge web (holding a spider larger than my small child), the path levels out and you come to a group of giant brilliant-colored frogs in the woods.
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From there, you'll encounter a number of majestic creatures, pass under butterflies in the trees, and then marvel at a series of lanterns that feature Chinese culture. Once you reach the bottom of the hill, the path is surrounded by a variety of prehistoric dinosaurs including a bright purple Tyrannosaurus rex. As you make your way back to the Gift Shop, there are some unique hoop swings, a seesaw, angel wings, and some other features that will inevitably provide some fun photo ops.
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As regular zoo visitors know, it's not a flat walk; little legs and anyone pushing stroller wagons often find the elevation changes a bit challenging. I usually bring an umbrella stroller and a hip carrier when I visit with my 2 and 5 year old. They will usually end up taking turns walking and riding, but there are times I end up carrying one while pushing the other. Throughout the lantern festival, the non-stop loop tram service will be available on a first-come-first serve basis, but guests with mobility issues can request tram service in advance by calling 607-724-5461 (ext. 502).
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If you visit during the day between 10am-4pm, you can see all of the lanterns with general zoo admission. To enjoy the nighttime show, you can get tickets at the gate or on the zoo's website and visit anytime Wednesday thru Sunday between 7-11pm with last admission at 10pm. Tickets are $20 for ages 13+, $15 for ages 3-12,and free for children 2 and under.
At night, there is limited parking for handicap and families with young children available near the zoo's entrance gate, but general parking is in the upper lots by the pavilions and The Discovery Center.
For more information, you can visit the zoo's website.
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