🇺🇸 Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival is Totally Worth Bringing the Kids

Since my two kids had never seen Chinese lanterns before, I took them to this event as soon as I heard about it. The festival starts at 7:30 PM. As soon as we entered, we noticed the usual zoo background music was replaced by traditional Chinese instrumental music 🎵 (I recognized one song from the movie Painted Heart, others were unfamiliar). Near the entrance at the sea lion and seal exhibit, staff were handing out free jelly cups for feeding them! 🦭🍮 There were three consecutive performances — all classic Chinese acts that were totally new to the kids. They were especially mesmerized by the bowl-balancing act 🤹‍♀️ — they covered their eyes nervously but cheered excitedly every time the performer succeeded! After the show, we explored the lantern displays. There were so many huge, moving lit-up sculptures paired with that traditional music… it almost felt like walking right into a Chinese Fantasy game world! 🐉🎋 We also saw many animals like flamingos, elephants, bears, and bats 🦇🐘 — moving or resting quietly in the intentionally dim lighting. The atmosphere was completely different from daytime: mysterious, awe-inspiring, and strangely romantic. I bought the kids bubble-blowing light sabers 🪄💫. They absolutely loved them and said, “It’s the best day ever!” ❤️ #LifeInNorthAmerica #ColumbusZoo #Ohio #USATravel #FamilyFun #LanternFestival #ChineseCulture #KidsDayOut #ZooLights 🎡🌙