{"id":18859,"date":"2025-11-16T19:01:36","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T03:01:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.seattleschild.com\/?p=18859"},"modified":"2025-11-24T14:13:47","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T22:13:47","slug":"parent-review-woodland-park-zoos-new-wildlanterns-festival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.seattleschild.com\/parent-review-woodland-park-zoos-new-wildlanterns-festival\/","title":{"rendered":"Parent Review: What&#8217;s new at WPZ&#8217;s WildLanterns this year?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When it gets dark at 4 p.m., you might as well lean into it. The best thing about the Big Dark is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zoo.org\/wildlanterns\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo<\/a>. You won\u2019t find plain ol\u2019 strings of light bulbs here. It\u2019s gorgeous custom-made lanterns by Tianyu Arts and Culture. Many of the lanterns are animated with incredible detail. A blinking eye! A slithering tongue! Prepare to be wowed.<\/p>\n<p>The zoo launched WildLanterns in 2020, the brightest spot in that pandemic winter. And every year since the show has only gotten better and better. It\u2019s become our favorite winter tradition.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_105229\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"width: 610px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105229\" src=\"https:\/\/images.seattleschild.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Tree-kangeroos-outside-Forest-Trailhead-opening-in-May-2026-e1763144394886.jpg\" alt=\"Illuminated tree kangaroo lanterns outside the future Forest Trailhead exhibit at Woodland Park Zoo, opening May 2026.\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"img-info\">\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tree kangaroo lanterns light the way toward the Forest Trailhead, a new Woodland Park Zoo exhibit set to open in May 2026. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel \/ Seattle&#8217;s Child)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>We love that WildLanterns is a brand new show every year. As my kids said, it\u2019d be boring to look at the same lanterns year after year. The zoo\u2019s Forest Trailhead opens next May, and stationed in front are the lantern versions of the animals that will live inside: red pandas and tree kangaroos. Don\u2019t miss the orcas playing soccer in honor of next summer\u2019s World Cup.<\/p>\n<p>This year, WildLanterns also knocked it out of the park with the interactive features. There are just so many, it\u2019s hard to tear your kids away.<br \/>\nUnlike other holiday light shows, WildLanterns isn\u2019t a Christmas-specific event. The lanterns form the shapes of various plants and animals, and the show runs through Jan. 18, 2026 (well into the new year and a nice way to celebrate 2026).<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_105219\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"width: 610px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105219\" src=\"https:\/\/images.seattleschild.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Centipede-e1763145079437.jpg\" alt=\"Large illuminated centipede lantern winding along the path at WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo.\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"img-info\">\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">This massive centipede brings plenty of wow factor. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel \/ Seattle&#8217;s Child)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h4>What to Expect at WildLanterns 2025<\/h4>\n<p>The zoo\u2019s walking path is shaped like a giant infinity symbol. There\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zoo.org\/document.doc?id=2773\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a map online<\/a> if you want to orient yourself. It\u2019s 0.8 miles of flat, paved walkway, with lots of stands selling refreshments and restrooms on the way. It\u2019s the ultimate family-friendly venue. Plan on spending about two hours taking in WildLanterns. There\u2019s so much to see.<\/p>\n<p>At the ticketing office, you\u2019ll see a flock of owls on the roof. Stop for a photo in the mountain cabin, then enter the zoo\u2019s gate and meet a gigantic moose.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_105221\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"width: 610px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105221\" src=\"https:\/\/images.seattleschild.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Giant-moose-is-the-first-thing-you-see-inside-e1763144452534.jpg\" alt=\"Large illuminated moose lantern greeting visitors just inside the entrance at WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo.\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"img-info\">\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">A towering moose lantern welcomes families as they step into WildLanterns, setting the stage for the glowing walk ahead. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel \/ Seattle&#8217;s Child)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>If you turn left and start your stroll on the north loop, you\u2019ll see Mount Rainier surrounded by woodland creatures. Shhhhh, there\u2019s a trio of hibernating animals here too. Further along, you\u2019ll bump into the musk ox and a pair of lovey-dovey swans.<\/p>\n<p>Along the south loop, walk through a moonlit mangrove, past frogs and toads, elephants and sloth bears. Enter the cobra tunnel if you dare. A sea of butterflies and flowers fill the Discovery Loop.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_105220\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"width: 610px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105220\" src=\"https:\/\/images.seattleschild.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Cobra-e1763144490869.jpg\" alt=\"illuminated cobra tunnel at WildLanterns, surrounded by glowing scales and vibrant colors.\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"img-info\">\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dare enter the Cobra Tunnel? (Image: JiaYing Grygiel \/ Seattle&#8217;s Child)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h4>Interactive WildLanterns Zones Kids Will Love<\/h4>\n<p>The highlight of WildLanterns for my kids is always the interactive pieces. Some are stationed along the zoo\u2019s walking loop: the drum tree is at the south entrance and light-up seesaws on the north side. Most, however, are grouped in the interactive zone in the middle of the zoo.<\/p>\n<p>Must-tries:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rock on a porch swing, and the luminous butterfly above you flutters its wings.<\/li>\n<li>Inflatable tube figures (like the ones outside car dealerships, but way cuter) blow up when you scream your head off. They\u2019re voice-activated!<\/li>\n<li>Play whack-a-mole on a bear\u2019s belly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_105227\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"width: 610px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105227\" src=\"https:\/\/images.seattleschild.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Sloth-bear-e1763144567518.jpg\" alt=\"Illuminated sloth bear lantern carrying a cub on its back at WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo.\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"img-info\">\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">A sweet sloth bear lantern carries its cub through WildLanterns. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel \/ Seattle&#8217;s Child)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h4>WildLanterns with Kids: Tips from Seattle Parents<\/h4>\n<p>Seasoned Seattleites know this, but seriously, dress for the weather. Wandering around in cold rain is much less fun when unprepared. The upside is that the rain makes beautiful reflections. On weekends and closer to the holidays, WildLanterns will be dark and crowded. Bring glow sticks or mini-flashlights for the kids. It\u2019s fun for the kids and makes them easier to spot.<\/p>\n<p>The Zoomazium is open 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. during WildLanterns. It\u2019s a nice spot to warm up and take a break. Try the glow-in-the-dark building blocks and stepping stones that change color.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_105224\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"width: 610px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105224\" src=\"https:\/\/images.seattleschild.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Mount-Rainier-surrounded-by-woodland-creatures-e1763144671456.jpg\" alt=\"Mount Rainier lantern surrounded by illuminated woodland creatures at WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo.\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"img-info\">\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mount Rainier surrounded by woodland creatures. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel \/ Seattle&#8217;s Child)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>You can buy snacks at the zoo or bring your own food. Warm up in the indoor food pavilion or the Zoomazium. Private VIP snow globes are available for 90-minute reservations for an eye-popping $575.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to meet the man in red at WildLanterns, book tickets for November 30, Family Photo Night.<\/p>\n<h4>Sensory-Friendly WildLanterns Nights and Supports<\/h4>\n<p>Heads up, there are flashing lights in the interactive zone. You can borrow sensory items from Guest Services and the Zoomazium. The zoo offers low-sensory nights on December 2, 2025, and January 8, 2026.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_105228\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"width: 610px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105228\" src=\"https:\/\/images.seattleschild.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Steller_s-sea-eagle-e1763144741734.jpg\" alt=\"Illuminated Steller\u2019s sea eagle lanterns with outstretched wings at WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo.\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"img-info\">\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Striking Steller\u2019s sea eagle lanterns soar overhead. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel \/ Seattle&#8217;s Child)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h4>WildLanterns Tickets, Discounts &amp; Promo Codes<\/h4>\n<p>WildLantern tickets are admittedly not cheap. But think of it this way: the money goes directly to animal care and conservation projects. The least expensive tickets are on non-peak weekdays, and those start at $28.45 for kids 3 to 12, and $32.45 for 13 and above. Kids 2 and under are free.<\/p>\n<p>Note that zoo admission does not include WildLanterns. Zoo visitors can see the lanterns in daylight but will be shooed out before the evening event begins. Zoo members save 20% on WildLanterns tickets. You must be logged into your account for the discount.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_105226\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"width: 610px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105226\" src=\"https:\/\/images.seattleschild.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Skinks-and-sailfins-e1763144975555.jpg\" alt=\"Illuminated skink and sailfin lizard lanterns perched among glowing foliage at WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo.\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"img-info\">\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Colorful skinks and sailfins add a tropical pop to WildLanterns! (Image: JiaYing Grygiel \/ Seattle&#8217;s Child)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The zoo also offers a senior stroll on Nov. 25, with 40 percent off admission for those 65 and up.<\/p>\n<p>Parking at the zoo is $15 (plus taxes and fees) in the otter and lion lots. All other lots are $10 (plus taxes and fees) during evenings of WildLanterns. We always go for the free street parking in the neighborhood.<\/p>\n<p>Looking for a WildLanterns discount code? While promo codes are limited, members save 20%, and special partner promos may pop up some years \u2014 check the zoo\u2019s website and social channels for current deals.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_105222\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"width: 610px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105222\" src=\"https:\/\/images.seattleschild.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/moth-e1763145001404.jpg\" alt=\"Large illuminated moth lantern surrounded by glowing flowers at WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo.\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"img-info\">\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Have you ever seen a moth look so stunning? (Image: JiaYing Grygiel \/ Seattle&#8217;s Child)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h4>The Bottom Line<\/h4>\n<p>WildLanterns is a really fun thing to do in the dark as a family. The great thing about it getting dark at 4 p.m. is you can see the lanterns \u2014 and be home in time for little kids\u2019 bedtimes.<\/p>\n<h4>Hours &amp; Dates<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Where<\/strong>: Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N<\/li>\n<li><strong>When<\/strong>: Open now and runs nightly through Jan. 18, 2026. WildLanterns will be closed from November 17 to 20, 24, 27; December 1, 8, 15, 24\u201325; and January 5\u20137, 12\u201314.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hours<\/strong>: 4-9 p.m. Last entry at 8:30 p.m.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Some of the products, services, or experiences mentioned in this article may have been provided at no cost or at a discount. However, all opinions expressed are solely those of the author and\/or the Seattle\u2019s Child editorial team. Our coverage remains independent, and we only feature things we genuinely believe will be of interest to our readers.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New lanterns, features, and surprises<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1168,"featured_media":105225,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28,1332,848,863,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18859","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-holiday","category-holidays-events-traditions-recipes-shopping","category-parent-reviews-picks-free","category-seasonal-fun","category-things-to-do"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.0 (Yoast SEO v26.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>WildLanterns 2025-26 at Woodland Park Zoo | Parent review<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Thinking about wild lanterns at Woodland Park Zoo? 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