Travel the World at This Year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

The one good thing about summer entering its final stretch? Spooky Season is just around the corner, and with it comes one of New England’s favorite fall events. Presented by Citizens, the annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is returning to Roger Williams Park Zoo starting Thursday, September 28, through Tuesday, October 31. This year, however, its reach extends far beyond our little corner of the country. The thousands of artistically carved pumpkins displayed throughout the zoo’s grounds will satisfy guests’ wanderlust by transporting them from Route 66 to the Pyramids of Giza to the Tower of Piza and everywhere in between. (Psst, you can get the skinny on how to optimize your Spectacular experience here).

While no passport is required for this magical experience, you will need to purchase tickets in advance online and pre-register for your timed entry here.

Prime night (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) prices are $21 for adults and $18 for children ages two to twelve. Value night (Monday through Thursday) prices are $18 for adults and $15 for children ages two to twelve. In both instances, toddlers one and under are admitted for free.

Speaking of, the Spectacular season will also feature two family fun nights (included with the price of admission) on October 10 and 11 from 6-8 p.m. There you and the fam can enjoy a special Dragons and Princesses theme complete with meet and greets with favorite costumed characters before hitting the trail.

Additionally, special sensory-friendly tours will take place an hour before the trail opens to the public on Monday, October 23, and Tuesday, October 24. Designed for those with autism spectrum disorders and sensory processing differences, the trail’s 5,000 pumpkins will still light up spectacularly along the trail, but will not feature any music or special effects. Tickets are available in person at the Zoo’s admission booth.

Proceeds from the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular go towards supporting the Zoo’s animal residents, education programs and conservation initiatives. For more information about this year’s event, rwpzoo.org/jols.