Sensory-Friendly Night at ZooLights

Ticket required for every guest, including children; buy for the November 24 session online. Capacity is limited. Tickets are nonrefundable and cannot change date.

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About this adventure

Lincoln Park Zoo sets aside one evening of ZooLights for visitors who find the regular light show overwhelming. On this night every blinking or moving light is made static or slowed right down, music is softened or switched off, and the narrated South Lawn light show runs without flashing. Capacity is limited, so the paths are less crowded than on a normal ZooLights evening. The usual attractions stay open: the Light Lounge, the Ferris wheel, the Endangered Species Carousel and the Gorilla Trek VR experience. Santa is on hand for photos and there is cookie decorating. It suits children with autism, sensory processing differences or anxiety, toddlers, and anyone who prefers a calmer walk among the lights. Dress for the weather: the event runs rain or shine, though animal buildings are open for warming up. The zoo publishes a high-contrast accessibility map that marks low- and high-sensory spots, benches and path lengths, which is worth checking before you go.