“All aboard!” cried the conductor of the KC Zoo Railroad on the evening of Thursday, November 14, at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium’s annual GloWild: Legends and Lore festival. Our family, bundled up on this brisk evening, squished closer together as the train took off. Once we reached the Christmas tree farm, however, our train came to an unexpected stop. Who was there to steal the train but the Grinch himself! He tricked our conductor and took over driving the train, much to the delight of our two young girls.
The train took us through the zoo, offering a fantastic view of the mile-long spectacle of intricate, lighted sculptures, including dinosaurs, Atlantis, an enchanted forest, and a fairy garden. During the holidays, Sheep Station is transformed into a winter wonderland reminiscent of the North Pole, and children have the opportunity to meet Old Saint Nick and his helper elves in Santa’s Cabin. Additionally, Mrs. Claus offers cookie decorating and s’mores in her kitchen, located across from the Australia Train Station. Photo opportunities, entertainment, and warm drinks are available around every corner.
GloWild is open in November and December, Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Mr. and Mrs. Claus are available from 5:30 to 9:00 PM on those same days. Included in admission are free rides on the carousel and the Grinch Express Railroad. Santa is available until Sunday, December 22, and GloWild will remain open until Sunday, December 29. While the zoo animals are sleeping soundly in their beds during these times, the Sobela Ocean Aquarium will stay open late each Wednesday evening during GloWild. Be sure to check the calendar for the full schedule!
As our train rounded the final bend and returned to the station, the kids were eager to meet the Grinch. Our girls quickly exited the train and met him at the front engine, where they chastised him for his sneaky tricks. He grinned, struck some playful poses for the cameras, and then sauntered off once more into the fairy garden of glowing sculptures, ready to play a trick on the next unsuspecting group of riders.
Allie Cole is a local writer and mom of two little girls who delights in celebrating the magic of the season and sharing Kansas City’s best holiday experiences.