The popular GloWild lantern festival will return to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium this fall with a brand-new theme and displays.
This immersive nighttime experience allows guests to venture through “Legends & Lore” with massive, handcrafted artworks. This year’s event features two loops — an adventure loop including Atlantis, dinosaurs, pirates and more, and a fantasy loop journeying through mystical lands such as an enchanted forest and a fairy garden.
GloWild: Legends & Lore will illuminate the zoo with detailed lighted sculptures, including several that can be walked through and others that have moving parts. The lanterns will be spread along a one-mile route through the zoo from September 6 through December 29. More than 34 tons of steel and nearly 89,000 feet of silklike fabric will be used to create the works that guests will see, and it’s all been handcrafted by 151 artisans.
Guests will walk a one-way path through the displays, with opportunities to stop to enjoy photo opportunities, concessions, shopping, and entertainment. This year, guests also can visit Sobela Ocean Aquarium on Wednesday evenings with admission to GloWild.
Also new is the fun zone located near Helzberg Penguin Plaza that will include fall activities such as pumpkin decorating, a pint-sized hay maze, pedal tractors, games and entertainment, all included with admission. Santa will be returning November 1 to December 29 to greet guests in his North Pole Village with new holiday-themed lanterns and holiday activities in the fun zone.
Early bird tickets are on sale now at the lowest price of the year. Tickets purchased before August 30 will receive a $7 discount on general admission at just $18. Tickets will be valid any evening, and no reservation is required. Unlimited passes for the season also are available at early bird prices of $36 for children and $38 for adults, The first 500 unlimited passes sold will also receive a VIP GloWild membership card and lanyard. Tickets can be purchased at www.kansascityzoo.org/glowild.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice