The annual Denver Zoo Lights is a destination for people looking for an electrifying holiday night with dazzling colors and whatever dazzling animals are still up and about. But the event can be noisy, crowded and visually overwhelming for people with autism and sensory-processing disorders.
So the Zoo is offering a fix: a low sensory night on Dec. 31.
"Zoo Lights is an annual tradition for countless Colorado families, but we recognize that Zoo Lights and other holiday festivities around town aren't accessible or enjoyable for those with autism or SPD," said Amber Christopher,
Chief Operating Officer for Denver Zoo, in a statement. "We're proud to create a special experience for those individuals and their families, and make Zoo Lights more inclusive of the neurodiverse."
The event will take place on New Year's Eve, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Here's how the zoo plans to ensure a good experience.
Attendance will be capped so participants can have more personal space. The campus will also provide quiet rooms so guests can take a break.
Strobe lights will be reduced. The volume will be lowered on the Conservation Carousel. And the Denver Zoo Railroad will be closed since the loud whistle is a necessity for guest safety.
A limited number of free sensory kits will also be available for some guests.
Sound fun? Tickets are still available for many slots at the Denver Zoo website.
