The Route

GloWild: Hidden Treasure presented by Saint Luke’s will take visitors along a journey where they will encounter scenes inspired by ancient shipwrecks, buried treasure sites, rugged expedition camps, and overgrown jungle landscapes—each brought to life through intricate, larger-than-life light sculptures. The festival, in collaboration with LEKTRIK ART, promises a mile-long spectacle of intricate lighted sculptures. Grab a

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. Please note that GloWild is a cashless event, so please bring a debit or credit card for purchases.

• Beastro Café – hot chocolate, coffee, snacks
• Tuxedo Grill – hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers
• Carousel Treats- funnel cakes, pretzels, nachos
• Dippin' Dots ice cream located near Stingray Bay
• Troll House - cotton candy, popcorn, specialty beverages and packaged beverages

Activities

• Ride the Endangered Species Carousel free 6-9 pm (weather permitting).
• Ride the KCZoo Railroad free 6-9 pm and see Halloween-themed lanterns through October 31!
• Autumn Fest - Bring even more seasonal fun to your GloWild experience during September and October! Included with admission, families can enjoy classic games like checkers, tic tac toe, cornhole, and Candy Corn Toss, pedal tractors, festive photo opportunities, and a creative leaf-rubbing activity. Gather under the gazebo, take in the cozy fall atmosphere, and savor seasonal treats from vendor carts, including apple cider, caramel apple slices with toppings, and donuts with fruit compote. It's the perfect way to add a little autumn magic to your GloWild adventure.
• Flying Flamingo Zipline Rides available for$8, 6 - 9 pm (weather permitting).
• Guests will have access to Sobela Ocean Aquarium on Wednesday nights!
• Explorer Experience - New this year, kids can set off on a special expedition with the Explorer Pass! For an additional$10, your child will receive a treasure map, loot bag, and six special experiences along the GloWild route. They may even meet a mermaid or a pirate as they collect stamps, gather treasures, and make memories at each outpost. Explorer Passes will be available for purchase at the event, so look for the booth near the gazebo. It's also only here through October, so don't miss out!
• A Pirate's Feast - Make your GloWild experience even more memorable with A Pirate's Feast, an exclusive family-friendly dining package at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Join a lively crew of pirates as they bring the Boathouse to life with laughter, entertainment, and swashbuckling surprises. Learn More.

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 is open each night 6-10 pm, plus carts with souvenir light-up items will be available along the GloWild pathway.

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.