Blank Park Zoo Wild Lights 2025 guide with dates, tickets, best nights, crowd tips, costs, accessibility, and what to expect before you go.
This guide is for one thing only. Helping you plan a smooth, stress-free visit to Blank Park Zoo Wild Lights 2025.
No hype. No filler. Just clear answers to the questions people actually have. When to go. What it costs. How long it takes. Where crowds build up. And what to do if you’re bringing kids, a stroller, or a camera.
If you’re deciding whether to go, or you already bought tickets and want to plan it right, start here.
What You'll Discover:
Quick facts (read this first)
- Dates: April 5 to May 26, 2025
- Time: 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm
- Location: Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines
- Average visit time: 60 to 90 minutes
- Tickets: Timed entry. Buy online in advance.
- Best nights: Weekdays, earlier time slots
If you only read one section, make it this one. Most planning mistakes come from skipping these basics.
What Wild Lights actually is
Wild Lights is an evening lantern festival inside Blank Park Zoo. You walk a set route through the zoo after dark. Along the path, you’ll see large illuminated lanterns shaped like animals, plants, and scenes.
They’re not small decorations. Most are taller than a person. Some fill entire open areas.
You’re there to walk, look, and take photos. A few food stands stay open. Some nights include extras like igloos or fire pits.
You’re not there to see animals. Most animals are off exhibit or sleeping.
That’s important to know before you go.
What’s new or different in 2025
The overall setup is similar to past years. The focus is still on large, handcrafted lanterns. Expect new designs mixed with returning favorites.
Ticket pricing uses peak and non-peak nights, which matters if you’re flexible. Earlier sales and flash deals tend to sell out fast.
Capacity is limited each night. Sold-out nights are common by mid-season.
If you want options, don’t wait.
Tickets and pricing explained simply
Tickets are sold by date and entry window.
Prices vary based on demand.
- Non-peak nights: cheaper, usually weekdays
- Peak nights: weekends and busy dates cost more
- Members: discounted pricing
- Kids: usually reduced rates
Flash sales sometimes happen early in the season. Those are limited and don’t last long.
Once a night sells out, that’s it. There’s no gate sales.
Should you buy early?
Yes. Even if you’re not 100 percent sure. Tickets usually allow date changes with notice, but sold-out nights don’t reopen.
Best time and day to go
This is where planning pays off.
Best overall experience
- Weekdays
- Early entry time
- Dry weather
You’ll walk faster, wait less, and get cleaner photos.
Worst times
- Saturday nights
- Near holidays
- After sunset on warm weekends
Crowds stack up at popular lantern zones. If you go late on a busy night, you’ll feel it.
Sunset timing tip
Arrive right at your entry time. You’ll catch the sky changing while the lights come on. Photos look better. Crowds haven’t fully built yet.
How long it takes
Most people spend one to one and a half hours.
That includes:
- Walking the full route
- Stopping for photos
- One food or drink stop
If you’re with kids, add 15 to 30 minutes.
If you’re focused on photography, plan closer to two hours.
Getting there and parking
Parking is on-site. It fills fastest on weekends.
Simple advice
- Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your entry time
- Follow zoo parking staff directions
- Lock your car and keep essentials light
There’s no shuttle from off-site lots unless announced for special nights. Check your ticket email before you go.
Entry, route, and flow
You’ll enter through the main gate. Staff scan tickets. From there, the route is clearly marked.
You don’t choose your own path. Everyone follows the same general loop.
That helps with flow but also means some spots bottleneck. Lantern tunnels and large animal displays are the busiest.
If you want photos without people:
- Stop briefly
- Let a group pass
- Then step back in
Patience helps.
Food, drinks, and extras
Food stands sell simple items.
Expect:
- Hot chocolate
- Snacks
- Basic meals
- Seasonal treats
Prices are similar to other zoo events. Bring a card. Cash isn’t always accepted.
Some nights include igloos or fire pit experiences. Those cost extra and sell out early.
If food matters to you, eat before you arrive and treat on-site food as optional.
Accessibility and strollers
Wild Lights is generally accessible, but there are things to know.
- Most paths are paved
- Wheelchairs and strollers are allowed
- Some areas get crowded and tight
- Lighting is low in places
If you use a wheelchair or have sensory concerns, go early on a weekday. Noise and crowd levels are lower.
Restrooms are open along the route, but not all are evenly spaced. Plan bathroom breaks when you see one.
Visiting with kids
Wild Lights works well for kids who:
- Like lights and colors
- Can walk most of the route
- Are okay with crowds
It’s harder for kids who:
- Need constant movement
- Get overwhelmed by noise
- Fall asleep early
Tips that help:
- Bring layers. Nights get cold.
- Set expectations. This is walking, not rides.
- Take breaks. Benches are limited but useful.
Strollers help younger kids, but maneuvering takes patience on busy nights.
A simple cost breakdown
Here’s a realistic estimate for a family of four.
- Tickets: varies by night
- Food/snacks: moderate
- Add-ons: optional
Plan for more than just ticket price. If you’re budgeting tightly, skip add-ons and eat beforehand.
Photography tips that actually work
You don’t need pro gear, but settings matter.
Phone users
- Clean your lens
- Hold steady
- Tap to focus on the lantern, not the dark
- Avoid zoom when possible
Camera users
- Use a wide aperture
- Raise ISO instead of flash
- Flash ruins the lantern effect and annoys others
Best photo spots are usually just past entry points and at large animal displays. Be patient. Wait for gaps.
Sample itineraries
Families with kids
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Enter at first time slot
- Walk half the route
- Snack break
- Finish and leave before 9 pm
Date night
- Eat before arriving
- Enter at sunset
- Take photos early
- Warm drink near the end
- Leave before closing crowds
Photography-focused visit
- Weekday only
- First entry window
- Slow walk
- Let groups pass
- Stay until lights are fully on
What to wear and bring
Wear comfortable shoes. The route is longer than it looks.
Bring:
- A light jacket
- Gloves on colder nights
- Phone battery pack
Skip:
- Large bags
- Tripods unless allowed
- Anything you don’t want to carry for 90 minutes
Common mistakes to avoid
- Arriving late and rushing
- Going on a Saturday without planning
- Expecting animal exhibits
- Wearing thin shoes
- Skipping the weather check
Most complaints come from mismatched expectations. Now you know what you’re getting.
Is it worth it?
If you like evening walks, lights, and photos, yes.
If you expect rides, shows, or animals, no.
Wild Lights is calm, visual, and slow-paced. Go in with that mindset and you’ll enjoy it.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dates for Blank Park Zoo Wild Lights 2025?
Wild Lights runs from April 5 through May 26, 2025.
What time does Wild Lights start and end?
The event runs from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Entry is timed, so arrive close to your ticket time.
Do you need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes. Tickets are sold online by date and time slot. Many nights sell out, and there are no gate sales.
How long does the walk take?
Most visitors spend 60 to 90 minutes walking the route. Families with kids may take a little longer.
Are animals on display during Wild Lights?
No. Wild Lights is a lantern event. Most animals are not on exhibit at night.
Is Wild Lights good for kids?
Yes, for kids who enjoy lights and walking. It may be difficult for very young children who get tired easily or are sensitive to crowds.
Are strollers allowed?
Yes. Strollers are allowed on the route, but busy nights can make maneuvering slow.
Is the event wheelchair accessible?
Most paths are paved and accessible. Some areas can get crowded, especially on weekends.
What should you wear?
Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Even warm days can turn cold at night.
Can you bring food or drinks?
Outside food is usually not allowed. Food and drinks are available for purchase inside the zoo.
Is parking available on-site?
Yes. On-site parking is available, but it fills quickly on busy nights. Arrive early.
Are tickets refundable or transferable?
Policies can change by season. Check the ticket confirmation email for current rules on exchanges or refunds.
Is Wild Lights worth it?
If you enjoy evening walks, light displays, and photography, it’s worth it. If you’re expecting rides, shows, or animal exhibits, it may not be a good fit.
Final planning checklist
- Buy tickets early
- Choose a weekday if possible
- Arrive before your entry time
- Dress for cold evenings
- Eat before arriving
- Set expectations
That’s it.
