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New England’s favorite tradition is back!

Thanks for a Spooktacular Season – See you in 2024!

Take a trip around the world at this year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular: Pumpkins Around the World, presented by Citizens. Thousands of artistically carved pumpkins illuminate the night during this walk-through spectacular. Be magically transported on a European vacation, wildlife safari, and a trip down Route 66! From the Pyramids of Giza to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, this spooktacular family event will satisfy your case of wanderlust – no passports required! ALL event tickets must be purchased online in advance. This event does not include animal exhibits. All animal exhibits close at end of daytime Zoo hours.

Pumpkin trail is open nightly from 6:00 – 10:30 pm, last entry at 10:00 pm. The Spectacular is open rain or shine. NO REFUNDS OR RESCHEDULING. Free nightly parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please remember to bring along your patience – the magical experience inside is worth every moment! We also offer optional premium parking.

See below for complete details on pricing, parking, membership discounts, FAQs and weather policies.

Proceeds from the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular support the Zoo’s ongoing animal care, education programs and conservation initiatives. Thank you for helping us save wildlife and wild places!

Event Pricing

Tickets are required and sold online only. No refunds or rescheduling.

  • Friday, Saturday & Sunday Adult $21, child $18 (ages 2-12)
  • Monday – Thursday Adult $18, child $15 (ages 2-12)
  • Toddlers 1 & under FREE

Zoo Member Discount: Active Roger Williams Park Zoo members save $2 off adult and $1 off child  Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular tickets.

(Military and Reciprocal discounts can NOT be used on special nighttime events)

Zoo Member Discount

Active Roger Williams Park Zoo members save $2 off adult and $1 off child tickets nightly for the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.

  • To receive member discount, all members must log into their online member account and the discount will automatically apply at checkout.
  • Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
  • Reciprocal memberships do not apply.
  • Member discounts are ONLY VALID for the number of people that are covered by the membership.

For questions, please contact membership@rwpzoo.org.

Family Fun Night Meet & Greets – October 10 & 11 (included with the price of admission)

Family Fun Nights have special themes for the whole family.  Enjoy meet & greets with your favorite costumed characters before hopping on the pumpkin trail.  All events are 6:00 – 8:00 pm and are included in the price of the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular ticket. Please note: Guests must be in line by 7:45 pm.

  • Tuesday, October 10 & Wednesday, October 11
      •  Theme: Dragons and Princesses
Sensory-Friendly Nights – October 23 & 24

Join us for a special sensory-friendly Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular an hour before the trail opens to the public: designed those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences and their families from 5:00 – 6:00 pm.

For maximum enjoyment, the over 5000 pumpkins will light up the Zoo’s Wetlands Trail, but there will be no music or special effects.

  • Dates: Monday, October 23 & Tuesday, October 24
  • Time: 5:00 – 6:00 pm

Pricing: Tickets are available for purchase in person ONLY at the Zoo’s admissions booth. Ticket prices are $16 for adults; $13 for children (ages 2-12); toddlers 1 and under are always free. Roger Williams Park Zoo members save $2 off adult and $1 off child tickets. Members must present a current Roger Williams Park Zoo membership card and another form of matching photo I.D. Reciprocal memberships are not eligible for this member discount. Please note: Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is open rain or shine. In the case of light to moderate rain, the show will be open.

Weather Policy – Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is open rain or shine!

Roger Williams Park Zoo (RWPZ) management will close the event if there is a threat of severe weather. Please call in advance, check the website or visit Facebook for updates.

Only when RWPZ cancels the show, patrons who purchased advance tickets will be reimbursed or may come another evening.  In this case, ticket holders will be able to change their reservation date by contacting Visitor Services at visitorservices@rwpzoo.org or by calling 401-785-3510 ext 316. Please call ahead to check time slot availability.

If the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is open during rain, and the trail is difficult to navigate we will NOT reimburse guests who purchase a timed entry ticket.

Please note: Refunds/changes to your order requested after the last day of the show (October 31, 2023) are not permitted.

Soaring Eagle Zip Ride
Soar through the night sky, gliding 115 feet above ground, in the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride!  This ride is exclusively open to same-night Jack-o-Lantern ticketholders!  Be prepared to show your same-night ticket at the window before you can buy ride admission.  Tickets sold at the Greenhouse and riders will participate after they finish exploring the pumpkin trail.

Pricing:

  • $15 per rider
  • $13 for current RWP Zoo members

Please Note:

  • Sold on-site, rides are first-come, first-served (no advanced registration)
  • Open nightly, (weather-permitting) from 6:00 – 9:30 pm, only 40 tickets sold each hour for this exciting ride.
  • Riding the Soaring Eagle is at the discretion of the ride operator. Soaring Eagle restrictions include:
    • Minimum height of 42 inches (3.5 feet).
    • Maximum combined weight of 450 lbs, single rider maximum weight of 300 lbs.
    • We strongly recommend that anyone with a heart condition, prosthetics, neck or back injuries or who is pregnant NOT ride the Soaring Eagle.
  • We remind patrons that you ride at your own risk. The employees, management, and owners of the Rhode Island Zoological Society/Roger Williams Park Zoo are not responsible for any accidents or injuries that may occur.
  • We expect all patrons to listen to instructions given by Soaring Eagle operator, and to read any posted instructions.
  • This ride has more specific weather limitations and may close even if the trail remains open.  For safety, this ride doesn’t operate in high winds, heavy rains, or thunderstorms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the wait time to get on the pumpkin trail?

PLEASE NOTE: We generally hold the line until it begins to get dark.

Prime Nights – Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Timed entry significantly reduces the time needed to get to the Zoo and Park on weekends. Once we scan tickets, visitors enter the line leading from admissions to the start of the pumpkin trail. Generally, this line takes about 30 minutes.

Value Nights – Monday through Thursday:  These nights are not as busy particularly after 7:30 pm.

How can I host an event during the Spectacular?

YES! We offer the opportunity for organizations to host private events Sunday through Friday nights during our Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.  No matter how big or small the event, we can provide you with an exciting evening. For more information, please contact: gsales@rwpzoo.org.

Do you offer any group discounts?

Guests can save $1 per ticket when they order at least 25 paid tickets in a single order!  The discount is available Sunday – Friday nights, but ticket supply is limited- popular nights will sell out quickly, so order ahead to lock in your place!

  • Ready to buy? Add at least 25 paid Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular tickets to your cart, then advance to the next screen.  The group discount will automatically apply!  Tickets are emailed shortly after purchase.
  • Be sure to use accurate counts – all sales are final.
  • NEW: Group e-tickets must be purchased in advance online (Please keep in mind that the group rate discount will automatically apply once you proceed to the checkout page).  Bulk orders of 100+ tickets will require mailing and may be subject to additional fees.  For more information, please contact gsales@rwpzoo.org.

Please note: We highly encourage any groups with buses contact the Zoo prior to your visit so we can plan parking in advance. Call 401-785-3510 ext.338 or email us at gsales@rwpzoo.org.

Is there a fee for parking?

The Zoo has FREE nightly parking, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional parking is available on the street in Roger Williams Park. Please make sure to take valuables with you when exiting your vehicles or store them out of sight.

We also offer OPTIONAL premium parking for $15 per car. This will be available nightly in the lot closest to the show entrance and exit gates. Available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note: We highly encourage any groups with buses contact the Zoo prior to your visit so we can plan parking in advance. Call 401-785-3510 ext.338 or email us at gsales@rwpzoo.org.

Is there handicap parking?

YES.  We offer handicap parking in Lots A and B.  If the spots are not available, drivers may drive up to the Zoo entrance and drop off passengers.  As always, please listen to the parking attendants who are throughout the parking lots.

Do you allow strollers, wheelchairs or wagons on the exhibit trail? Are stroller/wheelchair rentals available?

Guests may use strollers, wheelchairs, and wagons on the exhibit trail. The trail is fully accessible.

Need to rent a stroller/wheelchair? Rentals are available at the rental kiosk located at the main entrance or online in advance. One and two seat strollers are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $7 (single stroller) and $9 (double stroller). Manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $7.

An EZ Cart (automated wheelchair) is also available for rental by reservation. They are available for $27 each at rental area near the zoo’s main entrance on a first-come, first-served basis or with an online reservation.

Click HERE to reserve a stroller or wheelchair >

Is this show child-friendly?

This seasonal art show aims to delight and amaze, not to scare anyone. Children who are sensitive to a lot of visual and sound stimulus might not be comfortable. In addition, it is highly likely that you will spend some time in line getting to the start of the pumpkin trail. Only you know if this is suitable for your child.

Is food or drink available for purchase?

Yes! Enjoy a delicious variety of snacks and beverages.

We also accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.

Can I purchase a combination ticket for the Zoo and the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular?

No. Combination Zoo entry and Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular tickets are not available. However, we do offer a combination package offering guests one of our popular Insider Tours in addition to Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular admission. Visit https://www.rwpzoo.org/insider-tours for more information.

Can I take photos and/or videos of the Spectacular?

We do not allow flash photography, tripods, monopods or selfie sticks as a courtesy and safety measure. Otherwise, yes, you may take pictures as long as you do not impede viewing or the flow of traffic on the trail.

Can I bring my dog?

Only service dogs are allowed on grounds during the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular shows, as outlined by the ADA standards.

For the safety and well-being of our guests as well as our animals, pets, emotional support and therapy animals are not allowed inside the Zoo.

Can I smoke inside the Spectacular exhibit?

There is no smoking anywhere in the Zoo at any time. Further, per the City of Providence, the entire Roger Williams Park and Roger Williams Park Zoo are smoke free. We do not allow e-cigarettes.

I am a Roger Williams Park Zoo member but I forgot my card, can you look me up in the database?

No. We do not have access to the membership database during the evenings. Members must have their e-cards and another form of ID with them in order to receive the Member discount.

I am an RWP Zoo member. Can my guests, who are on my membership, also receive the Member discount?

The member discount applies to those on your membership and nobody else.

Who carves the pumpkins? How do they keep the pumpkins in good shape for this long of a show?

Passion for Pumpkins from Oxford, MA designs the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, and carves the over 5,000 illuminated pumpkins you see on the Wetlands Trail.   Founded by John Reckner, Passion for Pumpkins is a professional multi-media company run by the Reckner family and close friends.  Passion for Pumpkins produces shows around the country.

They keep carving and enhancing the displays throughout the life of the show. The carvers expect to go through about 20,000 pumpkins during the course of the 32-night run.

Can I receive a refund/change order after the show closes?

Refunds/changes to your order requested after the last day of the show (October 31, 2023) are not permitted.

DIRECTIONS to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Located just 50 minutes from Boston, 60 minutes from New London, CT and 90 minutes from Hartford with easy access off Interstate 95.  GPS users, enter address “1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence RI.”

Once inside the entrance of Roger Williams Park, follow signs for the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular to the Zoo.

An additional option is to enter the Park at Broad Street and Hawthorne Avenue in Providence. This may be a better option on busy nights. Use your GPS to determine the best route.

IMPORTANT – SOME OF THE ROADWAYS INSIDE ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ARE ONE-WAY.  PLEASE OBSERVE ALL TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND SIGNS.

If you have additional questions about the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, please contact info@rwpzoo.org.  We look forward to seeing you!!

Volunteer

Volunteer opportunities (ages 16+) for Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular are OPEN for the season. Each year we ask for volunteers to play a vital role in this month-long event. This fundraising event could not be successful without our volunteers! Volunteers support the event by providing a great customer service experience for the guests enjoying the trail. Volunteer duties may include directing visitors, answering frequently asked questions, and monitoring the trail.

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