Denver Zoo Lights, a popular winter event at the Denver Zoo, has specific rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. From general guidelines to event policies and accessibility considerations, this comprehensive guide covers the key rules and details you need to know before visiting the Denver Zoo Lights.
General Rules
- Pathways and Barriers: Guests must remain on designated pathways at all times. Climbing, crossing barriers, or entering restricted areas is strictly prohibited and may result in a criminal citation.
- Feeding and Teasing Animals: Feeding, chasing, or teasing the animals is not allowed. Additionally, do not tap on the glass or shout at animals, including those that are free roaming.
- Proper Attire: Proper attire, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times. Inappropriate attire may result in denial of admission or removal from the zoo.
- Supervision of Children: Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a person 16 or older at all times.
- Smoking: Smoking is prohibited on Denver Zoo grounds.
Prohibited Items
- Outside Alcoholic Beverages: Bringing outside alcoholic beverages, marijuana, or any illegal substance is not allowed.
- Recreational Devices: Recreational devices such as drones, remote control toys, skateboards, scooters, inline skates, or shoes with built-in wheels are prohibited.
Drone Policy
- General Policy: Denver Zoo prohibits the use or operation of drones or UAS on or above the zoo campus or parking facilities, except as otherwise stated within the policy or allowed by law.
- Purpose: The policy aims to maintain a safe and secure environment for guests, employees, volunteers, contractors, vendors, and the animals in the zoo’s care.
Accessibility and Sensory Considerations
- Low-Sensory Events: Denver Zoo offers Low-Sensory Zoo Lights experiences for guests with sensory sensitivities, featuring reduced crowds, no strobing effects, and low-volume music.
- Sensory Kits: Sensory Kits are available for checkout, containing tools such as ear defenders, sunglasses, and fidget tools to create a sensory-friendly visit.
- Quiet Spaces: Quiet spaces are available throughout the zoo, including the Wellness Room and other designated areas.
Event Policies
- Event Tickets: All guests must have an event ticket for entry. Children under the age of 16 must be supervised at all times.
- Payment and Cancellation: A signed contract and 100% deposit are required to guarantee an event. Cancellations incur fees based on the time prior to the event.
- Load-In/Load-Out: Client access to the event space for set-up is available 30 minutes prior to the contracted event start time. Additional time may be requested but is not guaranteed.
Zoo Lights Rentals
- Event Venues: Various event venues are available, including the Animal Hospital, Norgren Hall, Gates Education Center, and Zoo Lights Buyouts, each with specific capacities and amenities.
- Rental Time: Zoo Lights After Hours Event Rentals take place between 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM, with full zoo access included for guests.
Additional Details
- Hours and Admission: General admission opens at 10:00 a.m., and closing hours may vary by day but are typically 1 hour and 30 minutes after the last ticket time.
- Parking: Parking is complimentary and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bus parking requires prior notification.
By following these rules and guidelines, guests can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at Denver Zoo Lights.
References:
– Denver Zoo. (2023). Rules & Regulations. Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/rules-regulations/
– Denver Zoo. (n.d.). Accessibility at Denver Zoo. Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/accessibility/
– Denver Zoo. (n.d.). Zoo Lights Rentals. Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/zoo-lights-rentals/
– Denver Zoo. (n.d.). Event Policies & Guidelines. Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/event-policies-2/
– Denver Zoo. (n.d.). Hours + Admission. Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/hours-admission/