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Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

This fall, Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular: Trivia – 2nd Edition returns with a brand-new batch of brain busters carved into the glow of thousands of pumpkins. It’s chapter two of the ultimate fall challenge.  From pop culture to historical legends, each twist in the trail brings questions that spark curiosity and fun for all ages. Don’t miss New England’s “must-see” family-friendly event of the Halloween season at Roger Williams Park Zoo. All tickets must be purchased online in advance. Tickets are required and sold online only. No refunds or rescheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Value Nights (Monday – Thursday):

  • Adults $20
  • Children (2-12) $16
  • Toddlers (1 and under) FREE

Prime Nights (Friday, Saturday & Sunday):

  • Adults $23
  • Children (2-12) $19
  • Toddlers (1 and under) FREE

Current RWPZoo members receive a special discount of $2 off adult tickets and $1 off child tickets – see below for details. You must be logged into your Zoo membership account to receive the member discount.

Group Discount: Save $1 per ticket when your order at least 25 paid tickets in a single order!  The discount is available Sunday – Friday nights. Ready to buy? Add at least 25 paid Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular tickets to your cart.  The group discount will automatically apply at checkout!  Tickets are emailed shortly after purchase.

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 Guest Services at info@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 not 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 (November 2, 2026) are not permitted.

NEW! Evening Virtual Reality Experience

Step into a VR action-packed adventure through the world’s creepiest funfair – only available during the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular! (Recommended for ages 12 and up!)

Purchase Evening VR Experience Tickets >

Pricing:

  • $12 per rider
  • $10 for current RWP Zoo members

Please Note: VR experience tickets are available online only and do not include admission to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, a separate ticket is required. The ride is open nightly during the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, weather permitting, with the last ride at 10pm. The experience lasts for approximately 5 minutes.

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 on-site 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.
What is the wait time to get on the pumpkin trail?

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 do I receive my RWPZoo member discount online?

Current RWPZoo members receive a special discount of $2 off adult tickets and $1 off child tickets. You must be logged into your Zoo membership account to receive the member discount. The discount only applies to the number of guests covered under your membership benefits.

1. Sign in to your member account at the top-right of this page.

2. If registering for the first time, enter the information EXACTLY as it appears on your Zoo member record, or you may not receive your discount.

3. Proceed with the transaction and add to cart. If the discount doesn’t apply, please contact  Membership@rwpzoo.org  (Please note: the Membership Department is open Monday-Friday 9 AM – 4 PM, so please plan your purchases accordingly.)

Where should I park? Is there handicap parking?

The Zoo has FREE nightly on-site parking, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please make sure to take valuables with you when exiting your vehicles or store them out of sight. Overflow parking will be made available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

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

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 located throughout the parking lots.

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.

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

Guests may use strollers, wheelchairs, and wagons on the exhibit trail. The trail is fully accessible, though it does include uneven or unpaved terrain.

Need to rent a stroller/wheelchair? Rentals are available at Basecamp located at the main entrance. One and two seat strollers are available for $7 (single stroller) and $9 (double stroller). Manual wheelchairs are available for $7. ECVs (electronic conveyance vehicles) are also available for $27 each.

If you have any questions about stroller, wheelchair and ECV rentals, please contact our team at 401-785-3510 ext. 391.

Is food or drink available for purchase?

Yes! Enjoy a delicious variety of snacks and beverages. We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.

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.

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.

Do you offer refunds?

We do not offer refunds unless the event is closed due to hazardous weather conditions. Refund requests for event nights that are canceled are not permitted after the last night of the show, November 2, 2025.

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!!

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