Family-friendly Halloween: MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular

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Mark your calendars because the 2023 Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is back for the Halloween season in the Twin Cities. One of the best Halloween events and things to do, I highly recommend this family-friendly event. Tickets are now available online only for Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. This special Halloween event runs Sept. 30 through Nov. 4, 2023, in Apple Valley, Minn. While the Minnesota Zoo hosted my Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular experience, opinions are always my own. Spoiler alert: It’s spectacular! Updated 10.06.23; Originally published 10.28.19.

One of my favorite pumpkin carvings at the 2023 Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular in the Twin Cities.

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Guide to the 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular – best family-friendly Halloween event

If you’re looking for the best family-friendly Halloween event in the Twin Cities, then add the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular to your list. Tickets are only available online. This special Halloween event near Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN is set for Sept. 30 through Nov. 4, 2023.

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MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular pumpkin carving takes special talent

Pumpkin carving is not my specialty so am in awe of all the talent that we witnessed at the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. Case-in-point: Finally accepting that our decades-long family tradition of carving pumpkins is stressful for me, I purchased these jack-o-lanterns (pictured) for our family (see link below). And thankfully (and surprisingly) no objections from my two guys. I’ll leave that to the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular experts and enjoy their creative pumpkin carvings.

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Tips for a fun family-friendly event at the 2023 Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular

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Tickets for the Minnesota Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular are only sold online (and they do sell out). So make your reservation early for 2023. You will not be able to purchase tickets for this special event at the door. So order your tickets before you go and have it ready to scan when you arrive inside the Minnesota Zoo lobby. MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern tickets range from $18-$24 for adults and $14-$20 for children and seniors. Members receive $2 off general admission tickets. A change fee applies if you change to another available date.

Parking is included in your price for admission to the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.

See the Minnesota Zoo website for 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular dates, times, prices and additional details.

Special experience packages available at Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular

In addition to the regular tickets to tour the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular, you can reserve tickets for some extra special spectacular experiences.

• Carving & Cocktails (21+ event) unfortunately is sold out. Take note so you can book your tickets earlier next year.
• Costumes & Cocktails (another 21+ event) is also sold out for 2023.
• Personalized Pumpkins – Customize your own Jack-o-Lantern, place it on display and take it home at the end of the night. Make your request at least 10 business days prior to your visit.

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2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular FAQs

Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 2023 MN Zoo’s Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.

Where is the 2023 Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular located in the Twin Cities?

The 2023 Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is located at the Minnesota Zoo. The address for the MN Zoo is 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN 55124.

When is the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular? What are the dates for the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?

The 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular runs Sept. 30 through Nov. 4, 2023.

What are the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular hours?

Gates open 30 minutes before the first entrance time. The MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular closes 1.25 hours after the last entrance time.

Sept. 30-Oct. 17, 2013; Sunday through Thursday: The 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular gate opens at 6:30 p.m. and gate closes at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday: The 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular gate opens at 6:30 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m.

Oct. 18-Oct. 22, 2013 (MEA); Wednesday through Sunday: The 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular gate opens at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m.

Oct. 23-Oct. 29, 2013; Monday through Thursday: The 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular gate opens at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday: The 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular gate opens at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 11 p.m.

Oct. 30-Nov. 4, 2013; Monday through Thursday: The 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular gate opens at 5 p.m. and closes at 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday: The 2023 MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular gate opens at 5 p.m. and closes at 10:30 p.m.

A Night Access Time with reduced capacity and reduced music volume and fog is 5:30 to 7 p.m.

When should I arrive for the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?

The Minnesota Zoo advises arriving for the 2023 Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular event 30 minutes before your timed ticket. Gates open 30 minutes before your timed entry. Our entry time was 7 p.m. We arrived around 6:40 p.m. and left a little after 8 p.m. That included spending some time in the MN Zoo Discovery Bay area (where you can watch the sharks and the monk seal). Also me: Taking photos of every single one of the 5,000 carved pumpkins. Not really, but I took a lot.

Where can I purchase tickets for the 2023 Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?

You can purchase your tickets for the 2023 Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular online via the MN Zoo website.

How much are tickets for the 2023 Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?

MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern tickets range from $18-$24 for adults and $14-$20 for children and seniors. Members receive $2 off general admission tickets. A change fee applies if you change to another available date. Tickets are not refundable unless the event is closed for inclement weather. Additional discounts are applied to late-night tickets: $4 off for 9 p.m. tickets; $6 off for 10 p.m. tickets.

Can you take photos at the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?

Yes, you can take photos and videos at the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. But don’t use your flash. You’ll come away with better photos. And your fellow Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular spectators will appreciate it. That unexpected flash can be a little blinding. Additionally, tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted.

Mobile phone photo tip: Wait for the low-light timer to count down to avoid blurry pics.

What should I wear to the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular? Is the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular at the MN Zoo indoors or outdoors?

Dress warm as the entire Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular trail at the MN Zoo is outdoors. Temps were in the 30s when we experienced the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular the first time. I’m not a cold-weather fan, but was comfortable in my Under Armour shirt and socks, winter coat, stocking hat, and gloves. And wear comfortable shoes.

We saw a lot of strollers with blankets. If it looks like rain (or snow), dress for that weather.

Are MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular tickets refundable in the event of inclement weather? Can I change my tickets?

The Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is open rain or shine. The only exceptions are heavy rain, high winds, or other severe inclement weather. Ticket holders will be reimbursed for inclement weather. Or you may reschedule if another day and time is available.

Otherwise, tickets are not refundable. However, you can change your tickets if there is other availability. A $10 change fee is applied to any date or time changes per ticket. You must call the MN Zoo Box Office at least 24 hours in advance.

How long does it take to see the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo? How long is the walk?

The Minnesota Zoo estimates it takes 40 to 50 minutes to walk through the entire Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. The fully accessible Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular trail itself is only ¼ of a mile, but expect to be on your feet for some time. Consider that you’ll be walking from the parking lot (which can be a bit of a hike). And then a 10-minute walk from the Minnesota Zoo entrance to the start of the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. Also, you may need to spend some time in line at the queue. The line moved steadily when we attended the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.

What ages are appropriate for the Minnesota Zoo Spectacular? Is the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular scary?

The 2023 Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is fun for all ages. This family-friendly Halloween event is not scary.

And it’s not just for kids. The Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is also fun for the adults. And they serve adult beverages if you need a little Bailey’s to warm you up.

Do they serve refreshments at the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular? Is there a gift shop at the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?

Yes. You can find other refreshments (including funnel cakes and beverages). Outside food or beverages are not permitted (with the exception of water and baby bottles). You can also find a couple of gift shops at the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. This is where you can purchase light-up necklaces for children (or yourself) and other souvenirs.

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Are strollers allowed at the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?

Yes. Yield to strollers and children. The Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular pumpkin trail can get a little crowded at times so children in strollers may have a little harder time seeing some of the jack-o-lanterns. But don’t let that deter you. Stay to the right (or the far left) for the best views. And let the kids in front of you so they can view the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. They won’t block your view.

Is the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular wheelchair-accessible?

Yes. The MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is wheelchair-accessible. Please note that the trail has some elevation changes and an incline. Golf cart transportation to the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular Trail is first come, first-served during the Nightly Access Times (5 to 7 p.m.)

Can you rent strollers and wheelchairs at the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?

Yes. Strollers and wheelchairs are available to rent at the Minnesota Zoo on a first-come, first-served basis.

Are public restrooms available at the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?

Yes. Restrooms at the Minnesota Zoo during this special event are available in the Discovery Bay exhibit. You’ll find them to the left after you enter the zoo from the parking lot. Additionally, you’ll find a other restroom areas along the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular trail.

What’s the theme for the 2023 Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?

The 2023 theme for the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is Seasons of the Year. The path takes you through the year with lots of Minnesota-themed pumpkins. You’ll see Minnesota’s state bird (the mosquito), JJ doing the Griddy, curling, hot dishes, Boundary Waters, and more.

Are the animal exhibits open during the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?

Animal viewing at night during the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is available in Discovery Bay until 8 p.m. Other animal exhibits are only open until 4 p.m.

Is the Treetop Trail open during the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular?

No. The new Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail is only open until 3:30 p.m. Only exceptions are the two 21+ special events, which are sold out for 2023.

Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular photo gallery and fun facts

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I hope the following photo gallery inspires you to visit the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular event yourself in 2023. In the meantime, please enjoy a few of the more than 5,000 carved pumpkins from Passion for Pumpkins artists. This section also features a few fun facts about pumpkins and the MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.

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MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular fun fact: 5,000 jack-o-lanterns

More than 5,000 jack-o-lanterns are lit up by LED lights at the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.

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All 5,000 of the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular pumpkins are designed by an organization called Passion for Pumpkins from Oxford, Mass. They produce shows around the U.S. Half of the pumpkin carvers are located in Minnesota.

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MN Zoo Jack-o-Lantern fun fact: Zoo animals enjoy leftover pumpkins

Carvers go through ~20,000 pumpkins during the 33-night run. Pumpkins carved at the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular are composted. Any leftover pumpkins are given to zoo animals for enrichment.

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Proceed benefits

Proceeds from the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular support the Zoo’s animal care, environmental education, and local and global conservation efforts.

Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular fun fact: Pumpkins can weigh up to 2,000 lbs.

The big pumpkins carved for the Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular are called Big Macs and Prize Winners. They weigh 100 to 250 pounds. The really ginormous Atlantic Giant pumpkins weigh up to 2,000 lbs.

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Pin it for later – Best Family-friendly Halloween in the Twin Cities

The Minnesota Zoo Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is the best family-friendly Halloween event in the Twin Cities. If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing on your own social media platforms.

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