Been There: Zoo Lights

One of our favorite Portland Moms, Kate Webber, is telling us about Zoo Lights today! What exactly is it? Is it worth the trip? She's got the info!

Name of the place you visited
Oregon Zoo : Zoo Lights

How did you hear about it?
It is advertised widely and we are Zoo members so we get notifications ahead of time. 

What made you want to check it out?
We LOVE Christmas lights and the zoo. Win Win! It is an iconic Portland experience around Christmas so we knew it would be worth going. 

Best things about it
THE LIGHTS! There are over a million lights and they really are magical. Around every turn there is a different display of lights. Some are story book characters others are moving animals, some times it is a tunnel or  wall of lights. The creativity is impressive. Also, our family loves the opportunity to see the amazing lights together in a safe and very kid friendly environment. 

Not so great things about it
It's usually really cold or rainy, or both. It is best to bundle up and then add a layer. It is also crowded the closer you get to Christmas and on weekends. It also can be fairly expensive for a large family.  

I'd totally tell _________________ to go here
EVERYONE and I do...I tell everyone to go! 

Here's what I really think:
I love it! It is the main reason we keep our Zoo membership even as our kids get older. We go a minimum of twice each year and I invite friends to join us whenever we can. We have learned a few tricks to avoid the crowds like going in the first week it's open, going on a weekday and going early and seeing the animals and then hanging out until the lights come on.  

Parking situation:
It is pay to park and it fills up. They have off site parking and bus people in but even that will fill up. Take the max or get there really early to avoid driving in circles. 

Cost:
Adult: $14.95, Child (3-11) $9.95, Child under 2 Free, Senior $12.95, Member Free

Age recommendation: EVERYONE!!

Indoor or Outdoor? Ourdoor 

Name & Address of place, what's it near? 
4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland
It is near the Portland Children's Museum

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Thanks, Kate! It sounds like it's totally worth the trip!