Open since 1909, the Kansas City Zoo has drawn millions of visitors each year. Filled with exotic animals, kid-friendly experiences, state-of-the-art exhibits and friendly staff, the KC Zoo offers so much to the public and continues to showcase new events and enclosures.
Multiple options for ticket purchasing are provided; online ticket kiosks, physical ticket booths and QR codes for online website purchasing. This system definitely helps to filter guests into the park quicker. There was hardly a line to get in.
There’s so much more they provide in and outside the showing and viewing of animals, many events, festivals, fundraisers and young adult programs are available year-round. “GloWild” includes different loops of walkways showing well-lit statues and a night of lights. The “VolunTEEN” program provides unique learning experiences for teenagers interested in the biology and wellness of Zoo animals, and there are opportunities for overnight stays at the Kansas City Zoo.
Starting at the front of the zoo to the very back, “GloWild” presents decorations of fantasy characters and beings wrapped in lights lined the walkways. From princesses and princes, to fairies, to castles, abstract animals, butterflies, archways and statues are some of the many GloWild specialties people see. Even though all species of animals are secured and unavailable for viewing during this event, access to the Sobela Ocean Aquarium (the zoo’s newest edition to the park) is allowed to guests on Wednesdays when the event occurs.
The activities GloWild features go by the seasons. Starting Sept. 6-Oct. 31, open 6 pm to 9 pm Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and 6 pm to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. Then from Nov. 1 – Dec. 29, they offer winter-themed activities. Nights start from 5 pm to 9 pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and 5 pm to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. GloWild opens at 6 p.m. each evening for shows and activities, and the lantern paths open at 6:30 p.m.
Food and drink options are available at the “Beastro Café” and near “Helzberg Penguin Plaza.” The event also showcases “Circus Scorpius” as they perform “The Search for Atlantis” in the Beastro lobby auditorium Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday at both 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, there are three shows at 6:15 p.m., 8 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.
Around 6-8 p.m. guests can enjoy activities such as a hayride, swings, pedal tractors and yard games. Kids also decorate mini pumpkins or other holiday-themed goodies at the gazebo near Polar Bear Passage and ride the Endangered Species Carousel.
Overall, “GloWild” has features for all ages and can definitely involve the whole family. It has unique sights and fun things to do. Even as a nighttime event, the decor still looked stunning in the daytime. They did a fantastic job at maintaining the theme in every area and loop and brought together a new tradition I believe will catch on.
As many kids grow up loving the Kansas City Zoo, they often say they wish to be a Zookeeper when they grow up. And the Kansas City Zoo made it so that when they reach those teenage years they can be involved at the Zoo. The “VolunTEEN” program allows students in grades 8th to 11th to be a part of what happens at the zoo.
The year-long program is split up into three seasons: Summer: May to August; Fall: September to December; and Spring: January to April.
Teens apply for the pathway they wish to be in at the beginning of each year. First year volunTEENs apply to be a Trailblazer or DigiTeen. After their first year, teens may apply for other pathways.
Trailblazers spend most of their time inside the Zoo, talking to guests about the animals. This pathway introduces teens to zoological careers and enhances their communication and public speaking skills. The time required for this pathway is 60 hours in the Summer, 18 hours in Fall and 18 hours in Winter.
DigiTeens spend most of their time working technically on online matters. This pathway builds teens skills based on their unique interests in the industry of graphic design, data analysis and writing. DigiTeens must also participate in their local community in line with the Zoo’s mission. Community service examples include volunteering at an animal shelter, cleaning a park, or other environmentally beneficial acts. The time required is 40 hours in the Summer, 10 hours in Fall and 10 hours in Winter.
Junior Interpreters build on their communication skills learned from completing the Trailblazer pathway. These teens pose as mentors to new Trailblazers and lead conversation at new animal areas. This pathway continues embellishing communication skills and establishes leadership in the program. The time required is 60 hours in the Summer, 18 hours in Fall and 18 hours in Winter.
Junior Counselors use their knowledge learned from completing the Trailblazer pathway. These teens assist zoo camp counselors with tours, activities, and lessons. This pathway continues to teach teens more about career opportunities and gives teens experience in the education industry. The time required is a minimum of one five-day week during the summer, 18 hours in Fall and 18 hours in Winter.
EnviroTeens build on their experiences from completing the DigiTeen pathway. These teens continue to work technically with a greater focus on their career choice. They also serve as mentors to new DigiTeens and help in the creation of assignments and virtual options for the program. The time required is 40 hours in the Summer, 10 hours in Fall, and 10 hours in Winter.
An “Open House” is available for teens interested in the program Saturday, Jan. 11 at 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Zoo Learning Center. Applications for the program open in November. Find more out about this program here: https://kansascityzoo.org/volunteer/volunteen/
Last but not least, overnight options have been talked about amongst Kansas City, and they are real. The Kansas City Zoo has four available overnight options including Indoor and Outdoor stays. Allowing you to live out your dreams to spend the night next to wild animals, they have brought it to life.
For those wishing to stay outdoors, they can experience a night under the stars at the Zoo. First, their choice of the African Campground or the Outback Campground. They can stay overnight Friday and Saturday nights from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. The cost is $650 base price, including admission of 10 people. For every extra person the cost goes up $65 each.
For those more interested in indoor overnights, there are three options. Starting with the Zoo MakerSpace Learning Center on Friday and Saturday nights, they can get a night filled with STEM activities and zoology. Prices start at $550 base price and include 10 people, costing $55 each for extras.
Another option is the newly-added Sobela Ocean Aquarium on Fridays and Saturdays. This overnight is extra special, as the aquarium is filled with many fish in every area. Getting to sleep next to swimming tropical fish is a bucket list item for many people. This experience starts at $1,000 base price for ages 3 and up and admits 10. It will cost $100 each for any extra people for this overnight, and the capacity is 30.
The last overnight option is the Helzberg Penguin Plaza on Fridays and Saturdays also. This option is also inside the exhibit, featuring unique sights. Prices start at $550 base price and includes 10 people ages 3 and over.
Overall, the Kansas City Zoo offers not only amazing habitats and exhibits to visit, but fun-filled events and educational opportunities. This Zoo involves young minds, adulthood, and teenagers all in one and has proven to bring multiple dreams to life. There’s something there for all of us at the Kansas City Zoo, and they will continue to surprise us with more come 2025.
All info from https://kansascityzoo.org/
