Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Returning To Roger Williams Park Zoo

PROVIDENCE, RI — One of Rhode Island's most beloved fall traditions is returning to the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Starting October 3, the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular will light up the zoo's Wetlands Trail at night.

This year's theme celebrates the beauty of New England, with hundreds of pumpkins intricately carved with the region's seasonal beauty.

The trail opens to the public every night at 6 p.m., running until 10:30 p.m. The last tickets will be sold at 10 p.m. On prime nights, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, all tickets must be purchased online for timed entry. Adult tickets cost $18, children $15. Children under one are free.

Monday through Thursday nights are value nights, when tickets costs just $15 for adults and $12 for children ages two through 12. Tickets can be purchased online or at the admissions booth.

Wednesday and Thursday evenings are family fun nights from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring fun themes. The schedule will be as follows:

• October 9 and 10: Fairy Tale Nights. Meet fairy tale characters and princes and princesses. Come dressed as your favorite character!
• October 16 and 17: Video Game Nights. Meet popular video game characters and have a chance to take a picture next to the Bat Mobile. Come dressed as your favorite character!
• October 23 and 24: Superhero Nights. The Spectacular will feature a display of superhero-themed pumpkins in honor of the late Stan Lee. Meet Black Panther, Iron Man, Captain American, Spider Man and more.

Every night during the Spectacular, visitors can ride the Soaring Eagle zip line at the end of the trail. Tickets must be purchased separately at the admission booth and cost $15 per rider or $13 for active zoo members. All riders must also purchase a ticket to the Spectacular.

From October 31 to November 3, the zoo will hold sensory-friendly nights to allow those with sensory processing differences to enjoy the event. From 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., there will be no special effects and no music. Tickets can only be purchased in person and cost $15 for adults or $12 for children ages two through 12. Zoo members save $2 off adult tickets or $1 off child tickets.

Families with small children are encouraged to attend the Spectacular on non-peak days, when the crowds are lower and there is more time to enjoy the pumpkins along the trail.

The trail opens to the public once the sun has gone down, as the pumpkins are best enjoyed in the dark. Throughout the evening, the crowds go down, with the least congestion towards the end of the night. The zoo and trail are both completely accessible.

The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular runs every night, rain or shine. No refunds will be given for inclement weather and tickets cannot be rescheduled. Daily updates will appear on the zoo's Facebook page.