girldad
Holiday Lights

Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo

Denver Zoo, Denver, Colorado, USA

68Dad Score
23 Nov to 31 Dec 2026Annual, late November to 31 December

A good shared evening walk let down by cold outdoor exposure and online-only, sell-out ticketing.

How the Dad Score breaks down

Scored August 2026
Together time18/20
Over a million lights across 80 acres to walk and take in together.
Low faff12/20
Online-only tickets, five-ticket limit, gates close 3.30pm then reopen 5pm.
Value14/20
Kids 3+ from $10-$15, adults $20-$25, for a full evening event.
Age span15/20
Described as all ages, with pricing set from age 3 upward.
Weatherproof9/20
An outdoor winter evening walk with no indoor cover mentioned.

Editorial, never paid. How the Dad Score works

Best age3+
Price$$
CityDenver, Colorado
TypeHoliday Lights

Zoo Lights turns Denver Zoo into an after-dark trail of more than a million lights spread across 80 acres. Daytime gates shut at 3.30pm and reopen at 5pm for the lights session, running from 23 November to 31 December, closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Tickets are online only, capped at five per order, and separate from daytime admission.

Why it works for a dad and child

You walk the whole lit trail side by side, stopping to point things out, rather than her doing an activity while you watch from a bench.

When is Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo?

Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo runs 23 Nov to 31 Dec 2026 in Denver, Colorado, USA.

Is Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo worth it with kids?

girl.dad gives Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo a Dad Score of 68/100. A good shared evening walk let down by cold outdoor exposure and online-only, sell-out ticketing.

What should we plan for at Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo?

It is a holiday lights event at Denver Zoo in Denver, Colorado. Best age on the listing is 3+, and the price band is $$.

Visit the official site