The Route

GloWild: Legends & Lore presented by Saint Luke's is back at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium once again this fall, featuring a new “Legends & Lore” theme. Visitors will be treated to an enchanting nighttime journey through two distinct loops: the adventure loop, with elements like Atlantis and dinosaurs, and the fantasy loop, which includes an enchanted forest and a fairy garden. The festival, in collaboration with LEKTRIK ART, promises a mile-long spectacle of intricate lighted sculptures.

FOTZ Member Discounts

Friends of the Zoo members are eligible for ticket discounts on the Tickets page. 

Food

Food and beverages will be available for purchase in the Zoo.

• Beastro Café – hot cholcoate, coffee, snacks Tuxedo Grill – hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers
• GloWild Grill (near Polar Bear Passage) – speciality grill items and specialty cocktails
• Carousel Treats- funnel cakes, pretzels, nachos
• Please note that GloWild is a cashless event so please bring a debit or credit card for purchases.

Activities

Santa is here… Visit Old Saint Nick and his helper elves at Santa’s Cabin (located in the Sheep Station) 5:30 – 9:00 pm each night GloWild is open through December 22. Visiting Santa is free and you are welcome to use your own camera to take pictures, but professional photos will also be available for purchase.

He’s a mean one… Take a free ride on the KCZoo Railroad from Australia train station and you might just see the Grinch himself as you travel through the Christmas tree farm! Available 5:30 – 9 pm through December 22.

Visit Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen… Meeting and photo ops with Mrs. Clause are free, and cookie decorating and smores are also available to purchase. Available across from the Australia train station 5:30 – 9:00 pm through December 22.

Plus, more goodies!

• Ride the Endangered Species Carousel free 5-9 pm (weather permitting).
• Wednesday night guests will have access to Sobela Ocean Aquarium during their visit.
• Local bands and choirs will be performing nightly near Helzberg Penguin Plaza.

Accessibility

All of our regular Zoo accessibility amenities will be available to rent upon entry. This includes ECV scooters, strollers, wheelchairs, and wagons, as well as our ScooterPal Fur-Wheeler animal-themed electronic scooters. We ask that you reserve your ECV scooters online at least 24 hours in advance.

Cashless Event

GloWild is a cashless event so please bring a debit or credit card for concessions and merchandise.

Parking

As always, parking at the Zoo is free and available in any of the lots near the Zoo's front entrance.

Animal Availability

This event takes place after most of the animals have gone to bed, so they will not be available for viewing. However, the Sobela Ocean Aquarium will be open on Wednesday evenings, and you can enjoy viewing the aquatic animals as part of your GloWild admission.

Gift Shop

Deja Zoo gift shop open each night 5-9 pm, plus carts with souvenir light-up items will be available along the pathway. Artisans selling authentic Asian goods are available near Carousel Treats.

Weather

GloWild will be held rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. Tickets are nonrefundable but may be used on another night or by another person.

Operating Calendar

Check our GloWild operating calendar to view blackout dates and holiday schedules.

Postcard to Adventure

Postcard to Adventure tickets are only valid for daily Zoo admission and are not redeemable for GloWild admission.