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This Rhode Island Zoo Is Decorated With Thousands of Pumpkins in October

This family-friendly event is perfect for everyone who loves the spooky season!

By Keith Langston

Evenings get spooky at the Providence Zoo during the autumn season. Image courtesy Keith Langston
Evenings get spooky at the Providence Zoo during the autumn season. Image courtesy Keith Langston / Evenings get spooky at the Providence Zoo during the autumn season. Image courtesy Keith Langston
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Nowadays, it seems like every zoo and botanical garden around America is decorated with Christmas lights during the holiday season…but how many zoos deck themselves out with thousands of intricately carved jack-o-lanterns? That’s exactly what the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island does every autumn.

Running from late September through Halloween, the annual Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular transforms the zoo into a spooky jack-o-lantern-filled dreamland. They line the sidewalk, hang from trees, are perched upon pedestals, and sometimes are even in themed areas.

Jack-o-lanterns fill the Providence zoo at Halloween
Jack-o-lanterns fill the Providence zoo at Halloween. Image courtesy Keith Langston / Jack-o-lanterns fill the Providence zoo at Halloween. Image courtesy Keith Langston

I’m originally from Toledo, Ohio, and the zoo there does its annual Light Before Christmas celebration each year. In fact, the Toledo Zoo’s massive Christmas tree is regularly featured as one of the biggest in the country.  But trust me, even as someone who grew up exploring my zoo’s winter wonderland…it doesn’t compare at all to Providence’s Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. 

Each pumpkin is real and uniquely carved. No two are the same. Some even have unbelievably intricate carvings, turning the zoo into a living art museum. You can literally spend hours strolling through the zoo, being amazed at the incredible jack-o-lanterns. I spoke to some of the workers when I visited and they said they actually have a team of carvers who work nonstop throughout October carving new jack-o-lanterns to replace older, wilting ones each day. And don’t worry, the older pumpkins don’t go to waste. They become snacks for the zoo’s many animals during the day.

An intricately carved pumpkin at the Rhode Island Zoo
An intricately carved pumpkin at the Rhode Island Zoo. Image courtesy Keith Langston / An intricately carved pumpkin at the Rhode Island Zoo. Image courtesy Keith Langston

The zoo also plays music, which really adds to the experience. Some sections will play music from around the world, others will play classic rock, and some will play Halloween favorites like the ‘Monster Mash’. You can also get some great autumnal drinks and snacks like apple cider, hot chocolate, and caramel apples.

For anyone with a true sense of adventure, you can even soar through the air on the night-time zip line. The zoo also hosts special nights and events throughout the Halloween season including family fun nights and pumpkin carving classes.

There are thousands of carved pumpkins at the Providence Zoo every autumn
There are thousands of carved pumpkins at the Providence Zoo every autumn. Image courtesy Keith Langston / There are thousands of carved pumpkins at the Providence Zoo every autumn. Image courtesy Keith Langston

The coolest part about the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is that it really is perfect for the whole family. Little kids, big kids, and adults alike will absolutely love exploring the Roger Williams Park Zoo. The sight of all the jack-o-lanterns is incredible and beautiful, and it’s an awesome and unique way to get into the spooky spirit. 

The Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular runs nightly from late September through Halloween – with the standard hours being 6 pm to 10:30 pm nightly (but check the website on the day of your visit since weather can sometimes have an impact). Tickets can be purchased online.

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