Some nights stand out long after you’ve driven home, and that’s exactly how Glow Wild at Brookfield Zoo Chicago felt to me. I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but walking back to the car afterward, I realized it was one of the most memorable nighttime events I’d been to in a while. The lights, the details, and the way everything is crafted with such care make Glow Wild truly special. I’ll definitely be going back and I think it deserves a spot on everyone’s spring must‑do list.
What Is Glow Wild at Brookfield Zoo Chicago?
Glow Wild is an after-hours lantern festival that transforms Brookfield Zoo Chicago into a glowing, walkable work of art. Oversize handcrafted lanterns inspired by wildlife and cultures from around the world illuminate the pathways, so that you feel as if you’re moving through an art exhibit come to life.
Because Glow Wild is a special evening event, it requires its own ticket separate from daytime zoo admission. Glow Wild tickets also include free unlimited rides on both the Carousel and Ferris Wheel, adding even more to do between lantern scenes. The animal habitats are closed at night for the comfort and well-being of the animals, so think of this as a dedicated nighttime experience instead of a traditional zoo visit.
Arriving as the Sun Sets
I highly recommend arriving right before sunset. It gives you a little bit of time to see the lanterns in the remaining daylight and notice the intricate details and textures. Then you get to watch them come alive as the sky deepens into darkness.
To me, there’s a special feeling that settles in as the sun sets. Everyone from friend groups to families pushing strollers thrums with a collective sense of excitement, waiting for the lights to turn on. You can see heads turning around to look at each other, as if someone might have an inside scoop. At the same time, once you’re on the path and the lanterns start to take over, you can easily slip into your own little world. It felt as if we were all connected in the same shared experience but also free to get lost in the glow.
The Lanterns
The lanterns are made of delicate silk, combining historical craftsmanship with modern technology. Their patterns and details are incredibly intricate—things you don’t fully catch until you’re standing right in front of them. Some are inspired by animals you might associate with a zoo visit, while others draw from cultural motifs and mythical creatures. The craftsmanship really struck me. Sure, they’re light displays, but they feel more like illuminated sculptures.
The variety keeps you engaged the entire walk. One moment you’re standing in front of a scene that’s like a wild landscape, and the next you’re surrounded by art that reflects traditions and stories from around the world. As beautiful as the festival is in photos, it’s even better in person, because you can sense the scale of the tableaux and the care that went into each piece.
Standout Favorites
Every lantern at Glow Wild is stunning in its own way, but two scenes stood out most to me: the dragon and the umbrellas.
At 200 feet long, the dragon is one of the largest installations on the trail, and it stops you in your tracks. The colors are bold and saturated, and the level of detail is incredible: From the scales to the curve of its body, it feels as if it could move at any second. As people approach it, they grow quiet for a moment as they take it in.
The umbrella display is special in a completely different way. It’s ornate and delicate, a canopy of lantern umbrellas that seem to be twirling right in front of you. The way the light filters through the patterns makes this section feel dreamy and surreal. You want to slow down, look up, and just soak in the color and the illusion of motion.
Culture in the Spotlight
Glow Wild isn’t only about the lanterns. At the Hub of Hope, located within The Pavilions, Brookfield Zoo Chicago weaves in performances and programming that connect culture and conservation. On select evenings, you can catch performances and demonstrations from a rotating lineup of nearly 20 local cultural organizations representing traditions and communities from around the world.
The idea is to highlight the relationships between the beauty you’re seeing in the lanterns, the people and cultures that inspired them, and the zoo’s broader conservation mission. It turns Glow Wild into a chance to learn and reflect as well as enjoy.
The performance schedule changes over the course of the event’s run, with different groups featured on different weekends. Check Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s website before you go to plan your visit around particular performers or cultural themes.
Food and the Glow Wild Menu
The food at Glow Wild deserves its own shout-out. Instead of the typical event menu, offerings include dim sum, almond cookies, and other globally inspired options. It fits perfectly with the theme of exploring cultures and traditions through light and art, and it’s genuinely fun to have something a little different to eat while you’re wandering the grounds.
Warm, comforting, and flavorful, the food is easy to eat as you walk. You could easily make a light dinner out of what’s available on-site, or treat it as snacks and pair the event with dinner in nearby Brookfield, La Grange, or Oak Park before or after.
Who Glow Wild Is Great For
One of my favorite things about Glow Wild is how truly multi-generational it feels. I saw:
-
Families with wide-eyed kids pointing at every new lantern
-
Couples strolling slowly, taking it all in as a unique date night
-
Friend groups and extended families, stopping for group photos and laughing together
The pathways felt stroller-friendly, and the pace is really up to you. You can move through steadily or linger at your favorite scenes. The overall vibe is whimsical and calm, with plenty of wonder but not a lot of chaos or overstimulation.
If you love immersive nighttime events or cultural experiences, Glow Wild hits all the notes. It’s also just a refreshing way to experience Brookfield Zoo in a completely new light—literally. Buy Tickets here.
Sensory-Friendly Nights
Brookfield Zoo Chicago also offers designated sensory-friendly nights at Glow Wild. On these evenings, the zoo turns down the music and reduces certain movement-based visual effects to create a more comfortable experience for guests with sensory sensitivities.
The zoo has partnered with organizations and resources dedicated to making experiences more inclusive and supportive for individuals and families who benefit from a sensory-friendly environment. If that’s important for your group, seek out these specific dates and review the sensory resources highlighted on the zoo’s website before you go.
Practical Details and Pro Tips
A few key things to know as you plan:
-
Glow Wild is a special after-hours event that requires its own ticket; regular daytime admission and many standard passes or discount programs do not apply for entry to Glow Wild.
-
Brookfield Zoo Chicago operates on its regular daytime schedule during the Glow Wild season, then closes before reopening in the evening for the event, so you’ll want to double-check current hours and ticket options online.
-
Parking for Glow Wild is included with your event ticket, which makes arrival and departure much simpler.
From my visit, here are some personal tips I’d share with a friend:
-
Arrive just before sunset so you can see the lanterns in the light and then watch them glow brighter as night falls.
-
Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be on your feet walking and stopping to look for at least an hour.
-
Give yourself time to pause at your favorite scenes instead of rushing through. This is something to savor.
-
If you’re visiting with kids, plan for snacks or a stop at the Glow Wild food options to break up the walk and keep everyone happy.
-
Take advantage of the free, unlimited Ferris wheel rides for an aerial view of the lanterns.
Make It a Full Night Out
Because Brookfield Zoo Chicago is surrounded by so many great communities, Glow Wild fits perfectly into a bigger evening plan. You can:
-
Grab dinner beforehand in Brookfield, La Grange, or Riverside
-
Head to the zoo for sunset and the lanterns
-
Then finish with a dessert or hot drink afterward and talk about your favorite parts of the night
The Perfect Calendar Addition
Glow Wild at Brookfield Zoo Chicago is one of those experiences that’s difficult to fully capture in photos or a quick description. But if you’re looking for a unique night out, whether with kids, a partner, friends, or your family, Glow Wild is absolutely worth adding to your calendar.