GloWild: Hidden Treasure

GloWild: Hidden Treasure opens at The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium on Friday, October 9, and runs daily through December 19. It's a nighttime light trail that takes over the Zoo grounds, turning the familiar paths into a mile-long walk of illuminated sculptures.

The whole thing is a collaboration with LEKTRIK ART, and the theme is a treasure hunt. The sculptures follow a specific sequence: you start with ancient shipwrecks, move through buried treasure sites, pass by rugged expedition camps, and end up in overgrown jungle landscapes. It's a one-way route, so you're moving forward through those scenes rather than looping back. The walk takes about an hour from start to finish.

There's a fair amount of work behind the scenes here. The displays were crafted by 151 artisans using more than 34 tons of steel and 89,000 feet of fabric, so these aren't just a few strings of lights—they're full-scale structures. Along the path, you'll find photo spots, concessions, and entertainment, with clues and artifacts scattered throughout to keep the treasure hunt theme going as you walk.

If you're planning a visit, a mid-week trip gets you access to the Sobela Ocean Aquarium on top of the trail. The event runs daily from October 9 through December 19, starting at 6 PM, at The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO 64132.