Frequently Asked Questions

Select evenings from November 16, 2023 – January 7, 2024. 

See ticket sales link to purchase advance tickets, but tickets may be purchased at the gate.  

The fun starts at 5:00 p.m.
Advance online tickets encouraged, but tickets may be purchased at the gate.  

GloWild, made possible by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation, is returning to Arkansas and is coming to illuminate the Little Rock Zoo!

See the Little Rock Zoo in a whole new light as you enjoy one of the largest lantern festivals in the nation featuring thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns aglow with more than 50,000 LED light bulbs. This outdoor light experience continues to be Little Rock’s premier light festival and feature more than 30 lighted displays. This first themed-lantern light event of its kind in the state will cover a portion of Zoo grounds and offer guests an immersive encounter like no other. Arkansas, let’s make GloWILD! made possible by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation another a huge success!

Get tickets here. 

This year, experience more than 30 lantern displays artfully placed throughout the almost one-mile paved walkway throughout the Zoo’s 33- acre park. We invite you to create new traditions for you and your favorite people.

GloWild will include three areas of spectacular delight.  One area will feature Asian/mythical creatures.  The bug section will be next that will feature all types of fascinating bugs in larger-than-life form.  The last main area will be jungle animals that will feature animals representing wildlife in jungles all over the world.  Kids (or kids at heart) can become part of the magic while leaping from step to step creating their patterns or see-sawing on lit toys, swinging on lit swings or playing games on lit-up panda lanterns.  Interactive and photo opportunity displays will include angel wings, light-up walking stars, a moving whale, and a lit peacock.

GloWild is made possible by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, an international event design company is sure to create glowing smiles and bright memories for guests of all ages.

GloWild is a rain or shine event. No refunds, rain checks or exchanges are available for this important fundraiser. When purchasing tickets online, make sure your email is correct to receive your tickets. 

GloWild FAQs

Get answers to all your frequently asked questions about GloWild!

What are the dates and event times for the Glo Wild?

GloWild runs select nights from November 16, 2023 – January 7, 2024. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. each night and guests must exit by 9:00 p.m. 

For all nights, the last entry is at 8:30 p.m.  

GloWild will be open on New Year's Eve, and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. See ticket sales link for full schedule.  

How can I become a sponsor?

As the Arkansas Zoological Foundation's largest fundraiser for the Zoo, GloWild needs you! Become a sponsor! Click here

Do regular, day-time Zoo hours change?
No, regular zoo hours will not be changed during the GloWild Light festival.

Is GloWild a family-friendly event?
GloWild is an event for everyone to enjoy! This is a cultural experience designed to delight guests of all ages. It is ideal for a family outing or a date night.

What about rain?
This is a rain or shine event. The lanterns will glow beautifully no matter what the weather. Be sure to bring gear appropriate for rain. A limited number of rain ponchos and other clothing items will be available for purchase at the Safari Trader Gift Shop.  Since safety is our first priority, the Zoo reserves the right to close or cancel the event if weather conditions are assessed to be a safety hazard. In the event of severe weather, updates will be made on our website and social media.

How do I get to the Zoo for GloWild?
Address:
The Little Rock Zoo
1 Zoo Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205

Where do we park? Is there a cost?

Parking for GloWild is Free!  Parking is available directly across from the Little Rock Zoo’s main entrance. We encourage you to ensure your vehicle is properly secured with valuables out of sight.

Is there off-site parking or a Zoo shuttle?
There is NO off-site parking or Zoo shuttle. Be sure not to park in the parking lots of neighboring businesses or you may be towed.

Can you see the Zoo animals during the GloWild Festival?
Many of the animals will not typically be on exhibit in the evenings so they can rest and maintain their regular schedule. However, you may catch some of our late-night party animals (weather permitting). You are most likely to see duikers, alpaca, and elephants. Please visit the Zoo during regular hours to see all the animals. 

Will all the lanterns be lit during GloWild?

All lanterns have a safety turn-off mechanism which sets in when there are unusually wet grounds and surfaces.  Therefore, due to wet surfaces, some lanterns may not be lit on particular nights.  

What rides and attractions are open during GloWild?
The Zoo’s historic Over the Jumps Carousel will be open during GloWild, weather permitting. 

Are strollers and wheelchairs available for rental?
Yes, the Little Rock Zoo rents strollers, electric scooters and wheelchairs (limited number) from the Gift Shop. Electric scooters are available in a limited number during GLO Wild and reserved on a first come first served basis.

Is smoking permitted?
No. For the safety of our guests, smoking (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited anywhere on Zoo grounds during this after-hours event.

Is this event epileptic-friendly?
Some lantern displays feature flashing lights and may trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy. We will host a special Sensory Night on December 7,2023, for those who would enjoy a quieter and gentler GloWild experience.  We will also offer quiet areas for guests to take a sensory break during GloWild.

Want to know what to expect during Sensory Night at GloWild on December 7?  Click here to read the social story. 

What other Zoo tips and safety guidelines should I be aware of?
Click here for information on Zoo policies.

I have lights at my house, what can I do with them?

We all love lights! We are so glad you can come to see our at the GloWild a #OnceInALightTime event.  Don't know what to do with broken or old holiday lights at your house?  Donate them to the Zoo during our Conservation Event--Lights for Lions.   Read more about it here--> Lights For Lions 2023 | Little Rock Zoo

Lantern Route FAQ and Etiquette

Can I touch the lanterns?
No, most of our lanterns are hand-crafted and are meant to be viewed, not handled. Please, do not touch, climb, cross or lean on the lanterns or barriers around them. We will have some lanterns without barriers that will allow guests to get up close and become part of the beauty of the lantern festival.

How long is the route for the GLO Wild?
The route is approximately .5 miles long on a wheelchair-friendly path and takes around one hour to walk through. This is a walking event, there are no shuttles.

Will we be lighting and releasing lanterns at the festival?
No, our handcrafted lanterns are illuminated with LED bulbs and will stay firmly on the ground.

Is the route handicapped accessible?
Yes, the event is wheelchair and stroller-friendly on a paved path, however, please be aware that there are some steep hills. The Little Rock Zoo rents strollers, electric scooters and wheelchairs (limited number) from the front plaza. For more information and prices for rentals, click here.

Can I take photographs?
Yes! You are welcome to take photos and we’d love to see them! Share your fun photos on our social media channels by tagging #LRZGloWild. Please be considerate of other guests; do not block pathways or the views of others while waiting for that perfect shot. GloWild photographs and videos are not to be used for commercial purposes.

Ticketing

Do children 2 and under get in free like regular Zoo admission?
Yes, children 2 and under are free. Ages 3 and up require a full-price ticket.

May I get a refund or exchange my ticket for another date if something comes up?
Sorry, we cannot exchange or refund tickets for this important Zoo fundraiser.

Do you have a combo option that includes Zoo tickets and GloWild tickets?
GloWild is a separate, ticketed event in partnership with Tianyu Arts and Culture.  Zoo tickets and GloWild tickets must be purchased separately. We appreciate your understanding.

Does a ticket to GloWild cover daytime admission to the Zoo?
No, GLoWild is a separate, ticketed event that provides entry to the Zoo when the after-hours event begins.  Zoo tickets and GLoWild tickets must be purchased separately. We appreciate your understanding.

Do I need to print my tickets if I purchase online?
Not necessarily. Some phones (for example, those with cracked or broken screens), and saved PDF versions of the tickets present scanning challenges. Please, do not screen capture your tickets as they will not scan.

I purchased a ticket online, but I did not receive a confirmation email/ticket. What do I do?
An email confirming your purchase should arrive within 15 minutes of payment. Please check your Junk/Spam folders for an e-mail. If you entered an invalid or misspelled email during your purchase, the payment will appear on your credit card, but your tickets will not be delivered.

Is there a limit to the number of tickets I can purchase?  No!  Feel free to purchase as many as you need.  At this time, we do not offer a group rate, but the value packs are the best group option.  

Zoo Member FAQs

Do Little Rock Zoo members receive special pricing?
Yes. Current members can purchase discounted tickets online through our ticket site. You can also purchase extra tickets for non-member guests not covered on your membership at the same time (at the regular rate). Note: We reserve the right to check member cards and photo IDs at the gate.

Do I need to bring proof of my membership (card, app, temporary pass) and photo ID even though I used my ID number to buy my ticket online?
Yes, we reserve the right to check member cards and photo IDs at the gate. The membership office will be closed during evening hours, so please pick up your membership card during regular Zoo hours. See Member FAQs for more general member details.

How many discount tickets can I purchase?
You can purchase tickets for the number of people covered on your membership card. We reserve the right to check membership cards and photo IDs at the gate.

I am a member of a reciprocal Zoo. Do I receive discounted admission to GloWild?
We are not offering reciprocal Zoo discounts for this fundraising event.  Only Little Rock Zoo members receive the discounted member pricing. 

We normally park for free as members. Is it also free to park for the GloWild Lights?
Parking is available directly across from the Little Rock Zoo’s main entrance. While we charge a $3.00 parking fee during the day for non-members, this particular event will not have a parking fee added to admission. We encourage you to ensure your vehicle is properly secured with valuables out of sight.

Can Zoo members bring a guest?
Yes. Additional guests not covered by the membership regularly must pay full price. You can purchase these full-priced guest tickets at the same time you purchase your online discount tickets. We reserve the right to check membership cards and photo IDs at the gate.

Is there a separate Zoo member entrance?
No. All visitors will have their tickets scanned at the ticketing windows and enter through the main gate.

I have some ride passes that were included in my regular membership package. Are my rides included or discounted for the Glo Wild?
Because this is a special after-hours fundraising event for the Zoo, ride and attraction punch cards are not honored during the event.  These rides are an additional cost for all participants.