Hey guys! Guess where we went last weekend!?! My family and I had the pleasure of attending opening weekend of the Jack O’ Lantern Journey as VIP guests of the Franklin Park Zoo! Have I seen anything like this before? No. No way. It was like nothing I'd ever experienced and I hope you all have a chance to check it out before it ends on Nov 4th. Thinking about it? Let me set the scene for you...
You probably know by now that we live right near the zoo, maybe a 5 min ride or so. Upon pulling up and finding a spot right out front (SCORE!), we were super excited to see the turnout. There is FREE ample parking for all! Parking can be found on the street at the front entrance, at the roundabout parking lot (also by the entrance), free street parking on Franklin Park Rd (one side only) and a bigger lot further down on Franklin Park Rd on the right after the golf course entrance (on left).
Ever see a line wrapped around the zoo parking lot? Me neither. You know what though? The line moved quickly and allowed large groups of folks to enter every 15 min or less so, it was not a long wait at all. The staff working the lines and inside the zoo were so friendly and helpful and surely made us feel welcome at this festive event.
Once inside, you're free to walk around, pick out a pumpkin to carve (extra cost) from the pumpkin patch, get on some little rides (extra cost) or maybe watch the art of ice sculpting or live pumpkin carvings. The Jack O'Lantern Journey is the main attraction so to enter that area, there is a line way over on the right but again, it moves quickly and staff ensure that everyone makes it in. If you have VIP tickets, you can skip the line by walking on the left, past the pumpkin patch on the right to were the lion entrance is. If you're familiar with the layout of the zoo, go towards the life size ostrich replica and the VIP section is right there (you're welcome!). I've gotta tell you though, the event crew did an incredible job of creating this space into something magical because even though we are seasoned visitors, we couldn't tell where in the zoo we were during the journey. It was like being in a whole new place! It was dark, though. Lit enough for viewing, but dark. Also, I am getting old 😂 so it takes a while for my eyes to adjust. My kid was running around like it was daytime. Here are some of the captivating sights we saw...
Just look a this! Such a wonder but the photo does NOT do it justice. You must see it for yourself. Not SP👀KY in the least bit so if you were thinking of taking the kids, get your tickets in advance at https://jackolanternjourney.com and head over any evening in October at sunset.
There is music playing all along the path! All genres of tunes. There were so many pumpkins carved with logos of different colleges and universities from all around! We spotted one from our alma mater, Wheelock College :) We were so excited that we failed to take photos of the other carvings 😂!
💕Love is love❤ I say it all the time! Surrounding this LOVE-ly pumpkin attraction were some carvings of famous couples. I'll let you see for yourself when you make your own trip--don't want to give it ALL away!
There is a really fun carnival scene towards the end of the journey! Again, there is nothing scary or spooky on this path-- no crazy carnival clowns or anything of the sort. There is however, a pumpkin-riding ferris wheel that looks like something you can ride but it is just for display. HOW FUN!
After the actual journey comes to an end, you'll see a carousel and a few other rides that may be in operation during your visit. The carousel is $3 pp and it was the only ride in operation during our visit. Parents can ride for free only if they're holding a small child. Everyone pays, VIP included. We saw a mini zipper ride and some coin-operated rides. There was also a live demonstration of ice sculpting using different tools and live pumpkin carving at the pumpkin patch. You can find food/snacks and beverages at the Giddy Up Grill (near the rides) and here is where you'll also find restrooms.
So what do you think? Will you take the family down and head over? Grab a date or a loved one and take a stroll? Go by yourself (I see you 👀) because that's what you like? We had a blast (clearly) and love, love, love that this event took place so close to home. A special thanks to the folks over at Zoo New England and Jack O'Lantern Journey for having us! MK families, please check it out for yourselves running all through October and into the first weekend in November! Tickets range from $12-$35 and all ages are welcome! Thanks for stopping by!
Gaitre Lakhan, Publisher Mom
Macaroni Kid Dorchester
Macaroni Kid Dorchester is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and information in 9 towns of Boston and surrounding towns. We gather together all kinds of local family events and activities each week and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts and more. We 💕 PROUDLY serve families in Dorchester, South Boston, Quincy, Milton, Readville, Hyde Park, Roslindale, Mattapan and Roxbury!
Want to be the first to know about great local events for families?
Find Your Family Fun & Subscribe Today - https://dorchester.macaronikid.com/subscribe
