Frequently Asked Questions
ZooLights is open November 27 - January 3, closed December 24 - 25.
Hours are from 5 - 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 - 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Guests may stay on the zoo grounds for one hour after gate closing.
Can I use my Zoo membership to see ZooLights?
ZooLights admission is included in memberships at the Plus level and higher. It is not included in the basic zoo membership. Simply put, if your membership allows you to bring a guest, it includes ZooLights.
There is a member preview night on Wednesday, November 25. This is the only night that is free for ALL membership levels.
Can I use my ZooLights ticket any time?
ZooLights tickets are valid only after 4 p.m. To enter the zoo earlier than 4 p.m., a regular admission ticket must be purchased.
Can I come earlier in the day and stay for ZooLights?
Daytime visitors to the zoo are welcome to stay for ZooLights in the evening. However, there is no re-entry to the zoo after 4 p.m.
Can I come earlier in the day, leave and return for ZooLights?
If you leave the park before 4 p.m. and wish to return, you will need to purchase ZooLights admission.
Is there a reduced-admission day for ZooLights?
Yes. The second Tuesday of the month is $2 Tuesday. ZooLights admission is $2 each for all visitors over the age of two.
What time do the lights come on?
The lights start coming on at 4 p.m., and are fully lit between 5 and 5:30 p.m.
Do the tickets include the zoo train?
We offer ZooLights admission and a discount package that features the train. The train package is the best value. You can purchase just admission and walk through the zoo, without purchasing the train ticket. If you decide after entering that you do want to ride, train tickets are available at full price at the ticket booth near the train station.
Do I really need to ride the train?
ZooLights is a truly immersive experience, with lights and displays throughout the zoo grounds. Some light displays are viewable only from the train making it a special part of ZooLights experience. There is plenty to see and experience without the train, should you choose not to ride it.
When is the best time to ride the train?
The ZooLights train is popular. Often, from 5 - 6 p.m. and during the last half hour, the lines are shorter.
Can I eat there? What food options are available?
Food options are available nightly. It is weather dependent. At least one indoor restaurant will be open. The Cascade Grill, Grill-to-Go, BearWalk Café and AfriCafe are all open most nights, as are numerous carts featuring popcorn, elephant ears and hot chocolate.
Can I get an Elephant Ear during ZooLights?
Absolutely - it wouldn't be a trip to the zoo without an elephant ear! Also, snacks will be available at various food cart locations throughout the zoo. All food carts will stay open as long as business dictates - so get your snacks and cocoa early.
Will the animals be out during ZooLights?
The majority of the zoo's animals will not be visible during the evening. However, some animals may be viewable, including mountain goats, leopard, tigers, sea lions, sea otters, polar bears, penguins, and elephants. The Family Farm will be open weekends until 8 p.m.
Is it very crowded?
Arrive early to avoid lines at the gate and the train. Peak times from 7 - 8 p.m. will be the most crowded on weekends. Lines can appear long, but most often do not take more than 45 minutes.
Is parking a problem?
On busy nights the zoo parking lot does fill up rather early. We will run shuttle buses from overflow parking lots off the Sylvan exit one mile west of the zoo on Highway 26. Metro and the zoo encourage you to use MAX for a stress-free journey to ZooLights. Show your MAX transit receipt for $1.50 off admission.
Might ZooLights close for inclement weather?
Oregon Zoo is open as long as we can assure the safety of our visitors, staff and animals. If the decision is made to close the zoo, an announcement will be made to local news outlets and on our website.
Are there wheelchairs available?
Strollers, wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for rent through the zoo gift shop. Information is located at www.oregonzoo.org/VisitorInfo/rentals
How late is the Zoo Store open?
The store, located at the exit of the zoo, is open as long as the zoo grounds are open.
