The holidays are upon us and every year the Columbus Zoo puts ona bigger and better Wild Light display. The Columbus Zoo is actually in Dublin, Ohio and they have been decorating the zoo with lights and attractions for going on their 26th year. The 26th version includes two animated light shows, camel rides, Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, reindeer and Santa Claus diving in the zoo’s Discovery Reef.
Several years ago they took away the ice skating rink, but they are bringing it back this year. Skating is free with your own skates or $5 to rent one. What better way to spend an afternoon than skating around the ice rink with your kids?
Not only is the ice skating back this year but they also have 2 light displays that play to music around the pond every 15 minutes or so. It truly is a remarkable display. It will definitely put you in the holiday spirit and the kids will LOVE looking at all of the lights.
And don't forget the animals! While some of the animals are not out on display, there are still many that are. The kids and adults alike can check out some of their favorite animals. You can even go in the aquarium or reptile house to get out of the cold for a bit. And if you feel so inclined, pet a snake!
Wildlights begins at 5 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Regular zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can stay for the lights at no additional cost.
Admission is $14.99 for ages 10 to 59, $10.99 for ages 60 or older, $9.99 for ages 2 to 9 and free for children younger than 2. Parking is $8.
But here are a few of my tips when you go see the Wild Lights:
1) Go early. Get to the zoo as early as possible to avoid traffic and crowds. It gets really ugly trying to get in there after 6:30-7pm. Try to get there right before sun sets, so around 4ish and hang out until they turn the lights on at 5.
2) Go on Sunday. You want to see the polar bears chase each other and jump in the water and rip trees out of the ground? Go on Sunday. For whatever reason, the animals are more active on Sunday. It's the best day to go....or so I've heard. Also, if you can go during a week day - Monday-Thursday, it is a little less crowded!
3) Go in the aquarium. It's really nice to escape the cold and look at some neat tropical fish. They also have a guy that looks like Santa Claus swimming around with the fish sometimes.
4) Ride the carousel. There's a nominal charge and the horses are beautifully restored, good old fashioned holiday fun.
5) Get a hot chocolate. It is so delicious. I swear they already melt marsh mellows in it. It's not too expensive, and if you want to splurge and spend $11 you can get the huge light up mug.
6) See Santa and Mrs. Claus. You might have to wait in a line, but Santa is one of the best around. And when you get into Santa's workshop, you can make cookies with Mrs. Claus.
It's great to go with the kids or even for a date night. So go take a stroll through the zoo, enjoy the crisp air, sparkling lights, hot chocolate and the spirit of the season.
Several years ago they took away the ice skating rink, but they are bringing it back this year. Skating is free with your own skates or $5 to rent one. What better way to spend an afternoon than skating around the ice rink with your kids?
Not only is the ice skating back this year but they also have 2 light displays that play to music around the pond every 15 minutes or so. It truly is a remarkable display. It will definitely put you in the holiday spirit and the kids will LOVE looking at all of the lights.
And don't forget the animals! While some of the animals are not out on display, there are still many that are. The kids and adults alike can check out some of their favorite animals. You can even go in the aquarium or reptile house to get out of the cold for a bit. And if you feel so inclined, pet a snake!
Wildlights begins at 5 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Regular zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can stay for the lights at no additional cost.
Admission is $14.99 for ages 10 to 59, $10.99 for ages 60 or older, $9.99 for ages 2 to 9 and free for children younger than 2. Parking is $8.
But here are a few of my tips when you go see the Wild Lights:
1) Go early. Get to the zoo as early as possible to avoid traffic and crowds. It gets really ugly trying to get in there after 6:30-7pm. Try to get there right before sun sets, so around 4ish and hang out until they turn the lights on at 5.
2) Go on Sunday. You want to see the polar bears chase each other and jump in the water and rip trees out of the ground? Go on Sunday. For whatever reason, the animals are more active on Sunday. It's the best day to go....or so I've heard. Also, if you can go during a week day - Monday-Thursday, it is a little less crowded!
3) Go in the aquarium. It's really nice to escape the cold and look at some neat tropical fish. They also have a guy that looks like Santa Claus swimming around with the fish sometimes.
4) Ride the carousel. There's a nominal charge and the horses are beautifully restored, good old fashioned holiday fun.
5) Get a hot chocolate. It is so delicious. I swear they already melt marsh mellows in it. It's not too expensive, and if you want to splurge and spend $11 you can get the huge light up mug.
6) See Santa and Mrs. Claus. You might have to wait in a line, but Santa is one of the best around. And when you get into Santa's workshop, you can make cookies with Mrs. Claus.
It's great to go with the kids or even for a date night. So go take a stroll through the zoo, enjoy the crisp air, sparkling lights, hot chocolate and the spirit of the season.