GloWild Lantern Festival at Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

About this adventure

Returning for its sensational annual season, GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is the largest Asian handcrafted lantern festival in the Midwest. Featuring hundreds of massive, custom-built steel and silk glowing sculptures, the festival guides families along a scenic one-mile illuminated journey through the zoo's African and botanical grounds. Children will be awestruck by life-sized glowing elephants, towering giraffes, swimming sea turtles, bioluminescent coral reefs, mythical dragons, and a dazzling fairytale walk. Along the pathway, families can enjoy authentic cultural performances, warm up around fire pits, toast marshmallows at s'mores stations, and savor hot chocolate, cider, and sweet churros. GloWild is a standalone after-hours ticketed evening experience that brings awe and enchantment to the holiday season. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Completely paved, ADA-compliant asphalt pathways with gentle grades; single and double wagons/strollers available for rental at front entrance. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Dedicated family restrooms with private mother's nursing stations located at the Beastro Lobby and Africa Overlook pavilions. • Age Suitability: Captivating for kids of all ages, toddlers, school-age children, and multi-generational families. • Sensory Tips: Radiant glowing lanterns provide warm ambient light without harsh strobe effects; sensory bags and noise-canceling headphones available at Guest Relations.