Bright lights, cheerful music, and boisterous crowds are a part of holiday festivities, but for those with sensory issues, the onslaught of visual and auditory stimuli can be overwhelming. For the second year, OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS presented by OG&E will include a Sensory-Friendly Night at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden on Wednesday, November 15, from 6 to 10 p.m. with the last entry at 9 p.m. This designated night is designed to provide a more comfortable experience for guests with sensory sensitivities to enjoy OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, its light displays and activities.
“Little changes can make a huge difference for guests dealing with sensory issues,” said Jenna Dodson, OKC Zoo’s events manager. “OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is one of the Zoo's most magical experiences and we want to share it with as many people as possible. Sensory-Friendly Night is just one of the ways our teams are working to make the Zoo inclusive for everyone.”
During the Sensory-Friendly Night, guests will discover a less sensory stimulating environment with lower crowd attendance, limited flashing lights, quieter music and a specified quiet area inside the OKC Zoo’s Canopy Restaurant for anyone that needs to take a break from the event trail. Advance reservations are required for the Sensory-Friendly Night and capacity is limited so book now at www.okczoo.org/safari-lights.
Discover OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS and go wild for all that sparkles and shines! Reservations are now open for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS occurring nightly Saturday, November 11 through New Year’s Day, Monday, January 1, 2024 with drive-thru and walk-thru experiences from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with the last check-in at 10 p.m. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS will be open on holiday nights including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Online reservations are required for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS and can be made at www.okczoo.org/safari-lights. Drive-up purchases will not be accepted. Tickets are limited to ensure optimal guest experience. Admission for the drive-thru experience is $70 per vehicle ($60 for members) and includes up to 4 walk-thru admission tickets. Admission for the walk-thru only is $16 per guest ages 3 and older ($14 for members). Supporting OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS sponsors include Devon, MidFirst Bank and Magic 104.1
The Oklahoma City Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry at 4 p.m. The Zoo will be closed to the public during the daytime on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Tuesdays and Wednesdays between December 5 and February 7, 2024. Purchase advance Zoo admission tickets at okczoo.org/tickets and avoid the entry lines. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Regular daytime admission is $16 for adults and $13 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free.
Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. Take a wild approach with your gift-giving this holiday season and consider a 12-month, ZOOfriends Membership Passport to the OKC Zoo. Membership Passports provide general admission year-round and exclusive offers while supporting the Zoo’s ongoing animal care and conservation programs. Now through January 1, 2024, those who buy a new membership will receive a coupon good for one plush animal, regularly priced at $24.99, for FREE from the Zoo’s Safari Gift shop! View all Passport options and purchase online at okczoo.org/membership