Sensory Friendly Zoo Lights

Join the Autism Society of South Central WI for a Sensory-Friendly Experience at the Henry Vilas Zoo under the glow of over one million lights! 

 December 15 from 5:30 – 8:00

To help make the evening sensory-friendly, the zoo will reduce the attendance numbers by 50%, have staff and volunteers Kulture City Sensory Friendly trained to provide additional support as needed, and the carousel music will be off for the first hour and a half (5:30-7:00 pm) each night.

We are proud to share that the sensory-friendly Zoo Lights experience will be offered on 3 different evenings in December (12/15, 12/16, and 12/17).  If a small crowd size is important to you Monday and Tuesday nights will likely have fewer people in attendance.

Note that this is a TIMED-TICKET event! Tickets are required to enter. There are no ticket sales or ticket pickup at the gate this year! Entrance times will be from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Gates close at 9 pm. 

TICKET: Purchase your timed entry tickets directly from the Henry Vilas Zoo website. Select the 30 minute time window you’d like to arrive at. Sensory-friendly days are on Sunday, 12/15, Monday, 12/16, or Tuesday 12/17. If you have already purchased tickets for a different night but would now like to attend a sensory-friendly night, please email zoo@henryvilaszoo.gov and they will change your tickets to your preferred date.  Please read the Zoo’s ticket and cancelation policy information before purchasing tickets. 

General Admission Tickets $10

Children 3 and under FREE  Buy a 4-Pack of General Admission Tickets for $35!

Reminders for the night

Parking: Their parking lot fills up quickly! Please consider carpooling if you are able. There are two gates. There is usually more parking available for guests entering through their South gate located directly across the street from Vilas Park Beach. (1202 Vilas Park Drive). Click here for a map of the parking lots around Henry Vilas Zoo. 

Santa: Santa is available for photos. He will be located in the Giraffe House. Please watch for signs directing you to the location. You will need to bring your own camera or cell phone for photos.

Carousel: Your Zoo Lights ticket includes UNLIMITED carousel rides! The music will be turned off on the carousel from 5:30 to 7:00 pm each night of the sensory-friendly evenings. 

If you need assistance, please bring a support person with you.