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Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon-Thu. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
5 reviews for Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
This winter was the first time I'd ever braved the cold to go see the Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo. I really despise cold weather, and as much as I love animals and going to the zoo and Christmas lights, I just didn't like the idea of walking around in the cold to see it all.
But my boyfriend's family was all in town and I decide to go with all of them. There were several very small children going, so I figured that if they could handle it, so could I. It turned out to be a very nice time. I was cold, but it wasn't too bad.
We all piled in a few cars and drove there and it was snowing but the roads weren't too bad. When we got there we had to pay for parking - like $5? That sucked. Plus it was $10 a person to get in! I can't even begin to understand why they need to charge that much. But luckily, we had some half price tickets or something of the like from Wendy's or something like that so we didn't all end up paying a fortune. I think we also went on a very good night. It was cold but not very windy and it was snowing and there was a fine layer of snow on the ground. Christmas lights always look so much prettier with snow to reflect the lights. The snowflakes that were falling were also big and fluffy and if you looked closely at them you could see the design of the snowflake. So beautiful!
As soon as we all got into the park we headed straight for the gift shop so we could be warm! We didn't stay long or buy anything because it was all ridiculously expensive! When we went back outside we noticed that there was a little concession building across from the gift shop. We went in and they were selling hot chocolate! All of us got some to warm us up. They were served in these travel mugs that had a picture of Jack Hanna on the side and you could keep them. That was pretty cool. And the hot chocolate was warm (not quite as hot as I would have liked, but that's probably because they don't want to serve it steaming hot to kids) and helped to keep my hands from freezing when we ventured back outside.
We proceeded to walk around the zoo and when we came to the main area with the little pond it was so pretty! The lights that decorated the trees were reflecting off the water and it was just such a pretty sight, especially with the falling snow.
We walked all around the zoo, and saw a few animals outside. I think the first things we saw were the reindeer. They were so cute! Used to the cold, they were just laying down and walking around outside. We got pretty close to them - I'd never been that close to a reindeer before!
Then when we walked on we saw a bobcat. He was also outside and was just sort of pacing back and forth in front if us in his outdoor cage. He was so cute! But he looked like he was upset and wanted out to play with everyone. Or attack them or something. Aside from that, we really didn't see many more animals outside. We saw a few buffalo/bison, but they were sort of far away up on this hill. I'm not exactly sure that the Wildlights at the Zoo is a good time to go and see some animals, because some of the exhibits aren't even open and the animals aren't outside because it is too cold. So you're not really even seeing much. I think what you're really paying for is the lights, and you're lucky if you do see an animal outside walking around.
Most of the animals we saw were indoors. It was nice to go in some of the buildings to get out of the cold, but it was so warm in all of them that suddenly you had to shed your gloves, hats and coats. The first building we went in had some rhinos and elephants. We stayed in there for long enough for the kids to see everything, but it didn't smell very good in there!
We also decided to go in the aquarium and ended up staying in there for a long time. It was warm in there and the fish were so pretty. We all felt like we could watch them for hours. They were such bright colors and it was fun to watch them swim right past you. There were also turtles and little sharks! And right when you went into the aquarium area, there was a shallow little pool area where you had to first wash your hands and then you could touch some sea creatures, like urchins and starfish. There were zoo employees on hand to teach you a bit about the animals and make sure no one hurt them. That part was really cool.
By the time we got out of the aquarium we didn't stay much longer because it was getting colder out and we were getting tired of walking. So we headed back towards the entrance and went home. I think we were there for about 2 hours, but you could spend longer there.
I really think it's neat that the zoo holds something like this, but it's pretty pricey and I wish that there was a way for them to let you stay in your car and drive through. I know that that won't happen, but it's kind of hard to enjoy everything when you're so cold. And you're outside most of the time. It was a fun time, though. But I'm not really sure that I would want to go back. We'll see next year.
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I am not a cold weather girl. I cringe as the mercury plummets each year. I cannot layer enough. I hibernate. So you can imagine there are few winter weather activities that can lure me out from in front of the fireplace. I can, however, think of three off the top of my head: sledding, snowman building and Wildlights.
It was, in fact, my idea to venture out to the Columbus Zoo on a particularly damp, chilly night, because A) You don't go to Wildlights on a weekend unless you either have no choice or you get sick pleasure out of standing in long lines while your toes go numb (in that case, have at it), and B) I figured the imperfect weather conditions were do-able but would keep the crowds down as well.
Fortunately, I was right. The park was fairly empty, so we had the run of the place. They've made the transition from incandescent to LCD bulbs and the change is STUNNING. The lights are much more intense, the colors more varied and the atmosphere whimsical. While it's appropriate for a spectrum of demographics, Wildlights is ideal for two types of visitors: small children and couples. The kids find it fascinating, and parents can rest assured there are plenty of indoor stops for warming up. And, of course, there are pics with Santa, decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus, ice skating for the older kiddos and a carousel.
Then there's me. I'm 27, and I dig it as much (if not more) than the giggling toddler in the stroller next to me. I took my boyfriend as part of his Christmas gift, and the two of us strolled through the park (often completely alone), skated on the ice that had formed on some of the paths, spent some serene moments with the manatees (you should note there won't be a lot of animals involved in this zoo trip - they're mostly asleep and inside at this point) and eventually discovered the hot chocolate at the end of our trip. (It's located at the front end of the park, so if you're jonesing for something toasty to drink during your walk, hit this up first).
Warming our hands over a barrel fire and sipping marshmallow froth off the top of our cocoa while watching the animated light show that erupts around the pond every half hour = Priceless
Granted, we're not exactly old, but Wildlights made us feel like at least a decade younger. Just be prepared to wear every clothing item you own at once. Accept the cold as part of the experience. Prepare for it, and you'll avoid misery AND get to appreciate everything that Wildlights is.
Bring cash for extra activities throughout the park.
Leave all seriousness at home.
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Oh, Wildlights. You sounded like such a good idea. Your light displays and gardens were semi-impressive, but having to endure Ohio winter temperatures and my extended family for hours while we meandered your scope - to put it nicely, it was dreadful. It wasn't really your fault. The circumstances were against you.
Who knew that my uncle would have a broken ankle and that my cousin would have just had surgery on her leg? Who knew that both relatives would be wheelchair bound during our excursion? Who knew that my aunt would've taken my injured uncle out to the bar before the outing where they both obliterated themselves? Who knew that to achieve a few moments of warmth in the indoor sections, we would have to maneuver thresholds with wheelchairs and that my injured, drunken uncle's flask would fall out from under the blanket that was warming his legs each time we breached the entrance and exit?
I'm not saying every trip to Wildlights is like this, but I consider my family to be a typical American family, and I consider this event to be a typical Columbus event. So, it could happen to someone else.
But in all honesty, these are the moments we remember the best. Though the wind was fierce and my family was embarrassing, the lights did put us all in the holiday spirit. So, if you're feeling brave, bundle up this winter (with a good scarf so no one can see your face thus your reputation won't be ruined), and head out to see the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's Wildlights exhibit.
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My favorite Holiday activity is driving around in my warm car listening to holiday music looking at Christmas lights. No joke. Wildlights is essentially the same thing, just in thirty degree weather and on foot. I thought the lights were spetacular and enjoyed the display. Any time we were near an indoor facility we went through to warm up. I could have done without the cold. Unfortunately, you can't have one without the other so bundle up and have a good time!
Since I have lived in Columbus I have frequented the zoo and at Christmas time, seeing the Wildlights for me is a tradition that should not be broken. The zoo is an awesome Columbus destination to visit in the first place, but it's even better with the Wildlights because it's like Clark Griswold has taken over for Jack Hanna! Typically the Wildlights go from November to early January, so if you can't make it one night, don't fret. The zoo, in its 90 acres, is turned into an enormous and majestic light show. I highly recommend the Wildlights because it's not just a display of Christmas lights; the lights are zoo themed. It was cool to see the pond lit up when you first come in through the entrance. The trees rimming the pond were highlighted with white, green, blue or any other color wrapped tightly around the trunks and branches. In the middle of the water there were swan displays using racing lights that made it look like the swans were moving their necks and swimming. And that was just one display. I believe the light displays change each year, so what you really liked the year before may not be there the next year. You may find something else you like even better.
You may not be able to see most of the non-electric animals since, well, it's dark. Because of the Wildlights, the sidewalk lights aren't on. However, do keep an eye out as you walk by the habitats as the nocturnal animals, such as the pumas, are active. Normally when I go during the day, they're just asleep in their little log.
Now, in the north Christmas is synonymous with snow. But, in Columbus, it would be more accurate to make that the cold instead of snow. Yes, it can get bitter cold here in the Capital City but it hasn't stopped the residents yet. It simply means that you must bundle up before you go. If not, you may end up like me the first time I went to the Wildlights. My friends and I were heading to a Christmas party afterward, so I was dressed up to look festive with not so much the concern of keeping warm. Halfway through I could no longer feel my feet and one of the guys was joking that he'd have to carry me out because I was turning into a human icicle.
It's not cheap to see the Wildlights. The entrance fee and parking prices are the same as they are year-round. General admission price is about $10, but there are specials such as on Wednesdays Franklin County residents receive half price. Be sure to bring a valid ID as proof of residency, though. There are also group discounts. If you go with a group of 15 or more people you can get in for $8. Parking is about $5 per car, so carpooling is a smart way to go. If you can rent a bus, bus parking is free. Although it's pricey, I feel the trip is worth it!
