Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Guests stroll along The Great Pun-Kin Trail to view more than 5,000 illuminated, hand-carved pumpkins featuring pop culture references, witty wordplay, and playful characters. This family-friendly walk through the Zoo's Wetlands Trail is an artistic display designed to delight rather than scare. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal snacks, an optional virtual reality funfair adventure, or ride the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride gliding high above the ground.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Value Nights (Monday–Thursday): adults 20; children ages 2–12, 16; toddlers ages 1 and under, free. Prime Nights (Friday–Sunday): adults 23; children ages 2–12, 19; toddlers ages 1 and under, free. Current RWPZoo members receive $2 off adult tickets and $1 off child tickets, and on the October 1 member preview night tickets are $14 each for current members only. Teachers get $5 off one admission ticket on October 5; active-duty and retired military personnel get $5 off one admission ticket on October 6. Groups ordering at least 25 paid tickets get $1 off per ticket Sunday–Friday. Optional premium parking is $15 per car. Evening VR is extra: $8 per rider, or $6 for current RWP Zoo members; it does not include event admission. Soaring Eagle Zip Ride is extra: $15 per rider, or $13 for current RWP Zoo members. Family Fun Nights are included with the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular ticket.
Hours
Pumpkin trail nightly 6:00–10:30 pm; last entry 10:00 pm. Member Preview Night 6:00–10:30 pm. Family Fun Nights 6:00–8:00 pm. Citizens VIP Nights: standard 6:00 pm ticket slot with 5:30 pm early admission. Sensory-friendly hour October 20 and 21, 5:00–6:00 pm. Soaring Eagle Zip Ride nightly 6:00–9:30 pm, weather permitting.
Ages
All ages
Food & Drink
Seasonal snacks are available, and the adults-only night includes a welcome drink.
Parking
Free nightly on-site parking is first-come, first-served. Overflow parking is available throughout Roger Williams Park; shuttles run Thursday through Sunday evenings. Optional premium parking costs $15 per car nightly, first-come, first-served, in the lot closest to the Zoo entrance and exit gates. Handicap parking is in Lots A and B; if unavailable, drivers may drop passengers at the Zoo entrance. Bus groups may be asked to park off-site.
Accessibility
The trail is fully accessible, though it includes uneven or unpaved terrain; manual wheelchairs and ECVs are available for rent.
Pets
Only service dogs are allowed during the show. Pets, emotional support animals and therapy animals are not allowed inside the Zoo.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- All tickets are timed, available online only, and must be purchased in advance.
- Expect a wait of around 30 minutes from admissions to the start of the pumpkin trail on prime weekend nights.
- Flash photography, tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are strictly prohibited on the trail.
Special Events & Promotions
- This season brings an all-new trail celebrating the art of the pun.
- The October 1 member preview is exclusive to current RWPZoo members; tickets are $14 each for members.
- Family Fun Nights on October 6–7 include costumed-character meet-and-greets from 6:00–8:00 pm; guests must be in line by 7:45 pm.
- Sensory-friendly hours run October 20–21 from 5:00–6:00 pm without music or special effects; Adults Only Night on November 1 is for ages 21+ and includes a welcome drink, fire pits and live music.
Links & Contact
Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if it rains?
The event is open rain or shine. Closures only occur in the event of severe weather, in which case advance ticket holders are reimbursed or permitted to reschedule.
Are dogs or pets allowed?
Only service dogs meeting ADA standards are permitted; pets, therapy animals, and emotional support animals are not allowed.
What happens if you arrive late for your entry time?
You will be allowed entry during a later time slot by joining the line for the next available slot upon arrival, though early entry is not allowed.
Are strollers, wagons, or wheelchairs permitted on the trail?
Yes, strollers, wheelchairs, and wagons are permitted along the trail, and single strollers, double strollers, manual wheelchairs, and ECVs are available to rent at the main entrance.
Who creates and maintains the pumpkin carvings?
The displays are designed and carved by Passion for Pumpkins, whose carvers refresh the displays and go through around 20,000 pumpkins over the course of the run.
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We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.