Sensory-Friendly Nights Coming to Providence’s Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular

Spooky season is here, and it's for everyone.

Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence announced the return of its annual Jack-O'-Lantern Spectacular earlier this week, where a trail of more than five thousand intricately carved and beautifully lit pumpkins will be abuzz with amazed visitors. Guests will also be treated to a soundtrack of some of the best American music from the past 150 years.

For many, the experience sounds magical, with something to excite all of the senses. But for others with Autism or sensory processing differences, this can all be a little overwhelming. Luckily, for these folks and their families, the zoo is offering a set of sensory-friendly events, which will allow guests to experience the spellbinding spooks of the jack-o'-lantern trail without the special effects and music.

Roger Williams Park Zoo's Manager of Digital Communications Corrie Ignagni said this is the third year the zoo has offered sensory-friendly nights during the Jack-O'-Lantern Spectacular, and that the option allows the zoo "to create an amazing experience that is welcoming to all families."

"This means promoting an accommodating and positive experience for every individual that visits," Ignagni said. "Our zoo is committed to accessibility for all and offers many accommodations for visitors with cognitive disabilities to help guests fully enjoy their Zoo experience. Thanks to a partnership with Kulture City, we can provide better resources and support so every person can experience all the zoo has to offer."

Sensory-friendly nights at Jack-O'-Lantern Spectacular will run between 5 and 6 p.m. on October 26 and 27. Tickets will cost $16 for adults and $13 for children aged 2 to 12, and additional discounts will be available for zoo members. Read more about dates, hours and admission prices for the rest of Jack-O'-Lantern Spectacular here.

Inclusion is so important, and luckily, when it comes to Halloween, Roger Williams Park Zoo isn't the only one focused on awareness and acceptance. Blue trick-or-treating buckets have become a more popular way over the past few years to signify that a child – or adult, for that matter – is Autistic or has a disability, and that folks handing out Halloween goodies should be more understanding and practice patience.