This Year’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Brings Back a Trivia Twist

Courtesy of the Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Spooky Season is just around the corner, and you know what that means: Roger Williams Park Zoo will soon be covered in thousands of intricately carved pumpkins for the annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. This year the favorite fall pastime plans to bring back a fun twist to the trail for a second time.

“The trail will be divided into ‘skits,’” RWPZ Director of Marketing and Public Relations Vicki Scharfberg previews. “As visitors pass into each section, a sign with a question will be posted. Then, all the carved pumpkins in that area will be carved with wrong and right answers.”

For example, she says, if a sign reads, “What landmark did the French gift to the U.S.?”, you might look around to see one pumpkin sporting a depiction of the Empire State Building, one with the Washington Monument, and another with the Statue of Liberty. Or, locals might test their New England knowledge and try to identify the quarterback who has won the most Super Bowls. Kids will be able to get in on the fun too with references to pop culture and movie magic also thrown into the mix.

Courtesy of the Roger Williams Park Zoo.

The 2025 Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular season will officially kick off September 26 and run through November 2. Like in years’ past, all tickets will be timed and must be purchased in advance online (barring sensory nights). Prime Night tickets, which cover Friday through Sunday, are priced at $23 for adults and $19 for children (ages two to twelve, toddlers one and younger are free). Value Nights (Monday through Thursday), meanwhile, are $20 for adults and $16 for children. RWPZ members can save $2 off adult tickets and $1 off children tickets. Proceeds from the Spectacular support Roger Williams Park Zoo’s ongoing animal care, educational programs, and conservation initiatives.

Courtesy of the Roger Williams Park Zoo.

The Spectacular will also host a few special nights during the season. New this year, RWPZ members are invited to take advantage of a special preview night on Thursday, September 25, from 6–10:30 p.m, and be the first to experience the trail before it opens to the public. This night only, the zoo is offering a member-only price of $14 for adults and kids. *note: discounted tickets must be purchased in advance.) Additionally, patrons can indulge in an Adults Only Night on November 2, meaning no strollers in sight! But if you do have toddlers in tow, make it a point to stop by for Family Fun Night on October 8 or 9 and enjoy a meet-and-greet with costumed characters before starting on the pumpkin adventure. Sensory-Friendly Nights will take place on October 22–23 from 5-6 p.m., allowing for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences to experience Spectacular without music or special-effects.

For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit rwpzoo.org/jols.