More than a million lights will dazzle visitors at Akron Zoo's Wild Lights
AKRON − The Akron Zoo turns into a Christmas extravaganza through Dec. 29 with Wild Lights every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. At this time of the year, there are many activities to help you enjoy one of the wildest holiday displays in Northeastern Ohio.
Almost the entire zoo is decorated with more than a million holiday lights in a fresh design this year. Visit Holly Jolly Hillside where sparkling, lighted trees move to synchronized music and watch some of your favorite zoo animals in their winter habitat as you and your family catch that wild Christmas spirit. If you need to get out of the cold wintry air, step inside one of the many indoor exhibits that are open.
Walk through this Winter Wonderland surrounded by the sounds of the holiday season and lighted displays of everything from Christmas trees and snowmen to angels and zoo animals. Make sure you are dressed warm for a ride on their animal carousel or perhaps you'd rather try ice skating.
It's a great place to visit Santa Claus each open evening until Dec. 23, when he has to return to the North Pole. Once Santa leaves, the Grinch, Snowman, Snow Princess, and Snow Queen will make special appearances. The Grinch will be causing problems at Wild Lights for the entire month of December. Enjoy his wild antics as he twists and turns throughout the zoo.
Perhaps you would also like to visit Mrs. Claus' Sweets. Enjoy tasty sweet treats and her specialty, s'mores. It's a great place to have your picture taken. You'll find photo ops throughout the zoo.
Adults can purchase a glass of beer or add an adult jolt to their hot chocolate or coffee to get a cozy feeling. Special performances include holiday carols performed by local groups and many holiday characters roaming the grounds.
Zoo history
Akron Zoo began in the early 1900s when Perkins Woods Park was given to the City of Akron for the enjoyment of children. Two brown bears were donated to begin the facility.
In 1950, a small museum of natural history was developed and just three years later expanded to include the Akron Children's Zoo, which at that time was based on Mother Goose themes.
The Akron Zoo received accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 1989. Since that time constant expansion has made it a popular place while it remains a small zoo, which can be easily explored, yet large enough to be interesting.
Currently, the zoo occupies 77 acres, which includes animal habitats, guest amenities, and support facilities. Travel around the world while visiting themed parts of the zoo with nearly 1,000 animals. You might enjoy Pride of Africa or Wild Asia as well as Grizzly Ridge or Curious Creatures.
Go diving with sharks
Children and adults enjoy riding on the Conservation Carousel, which features 33 one-of-a-kind, hand-carved wooden animals from around the world. Here you can enjoy the sounds of the carousel as you ride a giraffe, tiger, ladybug, or bear just to name a few of the delightful animals. Rides are $2, and sometimes you'll even find the Grinch is riding the carousel.
When visiting Pride of Africa, stop by the Train Depot to enjoy a ride on the A&K Wilber Express or the Considine Express. You not only get a fun train ride but also can enjoy a look at the African lions.
If you enjoy virtual reality, go diving with the sharks in Undersea Explorer located in the Curious Creatures section. It's the safest way to swim with the sharks.
Wild Lights at Akron Zoo is sponsored by Akron Children's Hospital. This is a weekend affair open from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Dec. 29. Walk-up adult admission is $18 while admission for children ages 2 to14 is $14.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Akron Zoo's Wild Lights display features more than a millions lights
