City of Aurora- Phillips Park Zoo — Attraction in Aurora Township

We recently visited the Christmas lights display at Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora, and it was nothing short of enchanting! This free drive-through event is a wonderful tradition that captures the true magic of the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or simply a way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit, this is the place to be.

The moment we entered, we were greeted by an explosion of dazzling lights and vibrant displays. Each section of the zoo was adorned with unique light sculptures, from twinkling animals to classic Christmas themes. The detail in the designs was impressive, and it was clear how much effort went into creating such a stunning visual experience.

What truly sets this display apart is how well it caters to families. Our baby was mesmerized by the bright colors and moving light figures. It was heartwarming to see her little face light up with excitement. Since it’s a drive-through event, it’s also incredibly convenient for families with young children. No need to worry about strollers or bundling up in the cold—just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show from the comfort of your car.

The organization of the event was commendable. Traffic flowed smoothly, and volunteers helped guide cars, ensuring everyone had a stress-free experience. We appreciated the signage directing us through the park, making it easy to take in all the displays without missing a thing.

Another highlight was the music! They’ve done an excellent job syncing festive tunes to the lights, adding an extra layer of joy to the experience. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference.

What’s even more special is that the event is free, though donations are encouraged to support the zoo and the community. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give back while enjoying something truly memorable.

Overall, the Christmas lights at Phillips Park Zoo exceeded our expectations. It’s a magical way to celebrate the season, create lasting memories, and support a local gem. We’re already looking forward to making this an...

Great green space packed with things to do for people of all ages. The main feature of the park is Mastodon Lake with a running trail circling it. In the middle of the lake is a small island great for private picnics, fishing, and a brand new kiddie playground. The upper part of the park contains several pavilions great for events with electrical outlets available, another expansive kids playground, and a small zoo. On the other side of the zoo is the Sunken Gardens, great for photos, a small museum containing the mastodon bones found in the lake and history of the park. The museum and zoo have public restrooms. There is a small splash pad next to the garden and in the large playground. Another running path circles the entire upper park area. The outer park contains a wide variety of services. To the east is a golf course, the south has baseball diamonds, a skate park, and a water park, the west contains a small pavilion, playground, and a large dog park, finally the north side has at least a dozen tennis courts. Overall a great park for everyone, with lots of parking so you never have to walk too far to...

I feel like I already reviewed this, but here we go again: my wife and I had a wonderful time at the zoo. We held hands and walked leisurely around the park.

We saw several birds of prey super close-up. A couple of hairy, horned cows. The reptile house includes an enormous boa. One of the coolest animals I saw was a gar; not sure I've seen one like that before, and we have been to pretty much every aquarium. There was an elk that had such a large enclosure that it was able to get far enough away to avoid a detailed camera shot. There was an albino turkey; don't know if I've seen one of those before, either.

We had a nice time. Not too crowded. Some great people keep this place up and should feel proud of their achievements.

AND there is no admission fee. That's right...