From the beginning of August until Oct. 29, the Franklin Park Zoo is hosting a lantern experience that spans across its 72 acres. Utilizing energy-saving lights, Boston Lights attracts all kinds of visitors, from families to tourists to students.
An array of delighted squeals, tears and laughter sound upon entrance to the zoo. Guests are able to wander to the zoo’s themed light areas, enjoy refreshments and participate in interactive games.
Guests follow a trail to see a mythological grotto, an Egyptian landscape, a coral-reef haven and finally a Chinese garden. Highlights of each zone include an ice-breathing dragon, sphinxes, jellyfish and a peacock.
Accompanying each area are not only lights, but games, photo booths and vendors. Guests can interact with drums, a timed button-press and color-changing star jump pads. Vendors sold food like fried dough and empanadas, along with Chinese wire animals and keychains.
Animals remain in indoor facilities, unable to be seen during this time because the blinding lights could be hazardous to their rest. However, animals graze outdoors during daytime hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., before the zoo transforms into the Boston Lights exhibit from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
In order to make the lights sustainable, Franklin Park Zoo collaborated with Tianyu Arts & Culture. To create the lanterns, the team utilized energy-saving LEDs, steel frames and hand-painted details.
Tickets can be purchased on the Franklin Park Zoo website or at the admission stands. Tickets for non-members go for around $26. Prices typically increase to $27 or $28 during weekends and decrease during weekdays. Members receive a discounted price. The zoo, however, has started College Nights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. When presenting a valid student ID, students receive a $7 discount.
The Boston Lights is a whimsical autumn experience. With an array of creations from gifts to lanterns, it’s impossible to not admire and enjoy the time, effort and passion put into the event.
