Chasing Summer –

The temperature was in the double digits yesterday, 16.8C, so my brother Bradley and I decided to see the zoo lights at the Calgary Zoo with my niece and nephews. The doors open at 5 and close at 9, but my brother is a volunteer fireman and was attending a huge grassfire outside of town and couldn’t get away right away.

Grassfire northwest of Airdrie extinguished, ‘no significant losses’: officials (msn.com) Luckily no one was hurt and it was under control by late afternoon.

We got there at 6:30 and it was busy. On warmer nights a lot of families decided to check out the outdoor lights. The last time I went to the zoo lights was 2 years ago and the temperatures were in the -20s with plenty of snow. That was good for pictures, but not great for walking around.

The cost is $14.95 for kids aged 3-15 and $21.95 for general admission.

My nephew, Jaxson, was greatly disappointed to discover that the animals were all in bed and we couldn’t visit them. Polar bears have just arrived, and he wanted to see them, but we weren’t able to.

Polar bears played a big part in the decorations at the zoo. So even though we didn’t see the real ones, there were plenty of others.

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With all the sights and sounds, the zoo was careful to put up signs warning parents when sensory overload might happen. Signs told of sections that had music and moving or strobing lights.

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The lights were nice and mostly animal-focused. Even the holiday trees had animal themes.

Animals from all around the world made appearances as lights.

As well as all the animals, Christmas themes popped up, including a selfie 🎅.

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The zoo also had a skating rink with free skate rentals, axe throwing for the older kids, and firepits to warm up at. We didn’t do these as time was limited.

Of course, our trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit with Santa himself. The poor man was tired. We were there at the end of the evening and in the short time we saw him there were at least 3 screaming babies/kids being thrust into his lap. I can’t even imagine having his job.

The zoo closes at 9, and we were out by 8:45. Unfortunately, the kids live another 20 minutes away. I’m sure they are going to be tired kids in school. Sorry, teachers.