I am sure you have heard about it by now but if you haven’t let me tell you about IllumiZoo at John Ball Zoo! From their website – At John Ball Zoo a tale of illuminating connections between wildlife and wild places is ready to be told. The illuminating tale of how we are all connected to each other, to the land, the water, the air, the trees, and all animals big and small with the power to make a positive change in our world. You are invited to take a journey through IllumiZoo – A Glenlore Tale at John Ball Zoo.

I have been seeing a lot of pictures and posts from people going and it looked so cool and fun that I had to check it out myself. It did not disappoint! It was so pretty and presented a calmness between the lights and sounds, at least for me. It is a mile long trail and took us about 45 minutes to walk through. We went on a Saturday/Halloween night so it was pretty busy, we still got the full effect but I would recommend going during the week if you can, to avoid the crowds. Added bonus – tickets are cheaper during the week. I highly recommend checking it out though and it is fun and safe for all ages, and a perfect event to attend during the COVID-19 season so you can still have fun with the family or have a date/friends night!

They have a theme night as well! On November 12, between 9pm to midnight the theme is Tropical Calypso Music Night. From their website – Caribbean island-inspired music of Calypso with its highly rhythmic and harmonic vocals will get your body groovin’ for this special evening of IllumiZoo. Enjoy a wide array of music from Rodrigo y Gabriella to Bob Marley and the Wailers. You will make your way through the illuminated journey to the blissful rhythm of the steel pan drums swirling among marimbas and horns, while shakers complement the upbeat percussion and brassy tambourine. 

This event is going until November 15 so make sure you plan to visit before all of the pretty lights get packed up! I would say go this week because the weather has been gorgeous! It’s nice that Michigan is actually getting a nice fall this year. I will link their site here for more information and ticket prices. If you check it out send me a message letting me know what you think and tag @GrandRapidsLife in your photos! I love to see all of the fun that is being had in our awesome city. Also My Grand Rapids Life has a TikTok now so make sure to follow and see fun tours and highlights of places in Grand Rapids!

Cheers!