The Zoo is giving families plenty of reasons to stay out after sunset
PARTNER CONTENT: The UAE’s much-loved wildlife destination Al Ain Zoo is switching things up with this September with Glow After Dark, transforming the Zoo into a colourful nighttime experience packed with lights, entertainment, wildlife and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Taking place from 5 September to 4 October, the Zoo is inviting visitors to stick around as the sun goes down and discover a completely different side to the attraction.
Open from 2pm to 10pm, the Glow After Dark festivities get underway from 5pm, making it a brilliant option for an evening out with the family.
As daylight fades, the paths and spaces around the Zoo will begin to glow, with illuminated animal displays, colourful installations and larger-than-life performers creating a vibrant atmosphere.
It’s the kind of experience that gives you a reason to slow down, explore at your own pace, and see the Zoo from a completely different perspective.
Let there be light
One of the highlights of Glow After Dark is the line-up of LED performers, bringing plenty of energy to the evening with vibrant costumes, movement, and music.
You can expect dazzling lights and high-energy performances as the characters make their way around the Zoo.
You’ll also spot LED stilt walkers roaming through the grounds. Towering above the crowds in their glowing costumes, these larger-than-life characters are guaranteed to catch the attention of younger visitors and make for some seriously fun photo opportunities.
Then there are the animal lanterns and glowing decorations, which add even more atmosphere to the experience. Illuminated animal figures and glowing installations are dotted throughout the Zoo, turning the pathways into colourful trails as night falls.
For younger visitors, there’s also the chance to get involved with glow-in-the-dark face painting.
Little ones can choose colourful designs inspired by nature and wildlife before watching their faces light up under the evening glow. It’s a small addition, but one that is sure to become part of the fun.
Meet the animals after sunset
Of course, the lights and entertainment are only part of the experience. Al Ain Zoo remains all about getting closer to the natural world, with plenty of opportunities to discover and learn about wildlife during your visit.
The Zoo’s popular safari is a must for families, offering close-up views of African wildlife in a setting designed to make you feel much closer to the action.
One of the most memorable highlights is the chance to feed giraffes, giving visitors an opportunity to get up close to these remarkable animals.
There’s also the Lemur Walk, where you can observe these playful and social primates from a much more immersive perspective. It’s a great addition to a family day out and another chance to experience wildlife beyond simply looking at animals from behind a barrier.
A new story after dark
Glow After Dark is also introducing something new for families to enjoy, with the debut of the Nature Venture show.
Designed for children and parents, the immersive storytelling experience brings fascinating tales from the animal kingdom to life once the sun has gone down.
It adds another layer to the evening, combining storytelling and entertainment with the Zoo’s focus on wildlife and nature.
For families with younger children, it’s a chance to sit down, take a breather from exploring, and settle in for a story together.
Come hungry
An evening at the Zoo can work up quite an appetite, and thankfully there are plenty of options when it’s time to stop for a bite.
Zarafa Restaurant is set among the Zoo’s greenery and serves a varied selection of international cuisine, making it a good choice if you want to sit down for a proper meal during your visit.
Short on time? Oasis Café and Bites Corner offer quicker options when you want to grab something and get back to exploring.
There’s also plenty of choice if you fancy something different. Mexican Fiesta serves up hearty burritos, while Asia Express offers Indian dishes, Wild Burger takes care of those burger cravings, and Taste of Arabia brings traditional Arabic flavours to the table.
With so much happening, you can easily make an entire evening of it rather than simply popping in for a quick visit.
A different side of Al Ain Zoo
There’s something particularly appealing about seeing a familiar family attraction after dark.
The cooler evening hours, glowing installations and illuminated animals give Al Ain Zoo a completely different feel, while the combination of entertainment and wildlife means there’s plenty to keep different ages interested.
And because Glow After Dark runs from 5 September until 4 October, there’s a good stretch of time to plan a visit, whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids, a weekend activity for visiting family, or simply a change of scenery.
So, put the usual daytime plans aside and head to Al Ain Zoo after sunset.
With glowing animal displays, LED dancers, stilt walkers, face painting, immersive storytelling and some of the Zoo’s signature wildlife experiences all on the menu, Glow After Dark is bringing a whole new energy to one of the UAE’s best-loved wildlife destinations.
5 September to 4 October, 2pm to 10pm with festival activities starting from 5pm, Al Ain Zoo. For further information, visit alainzoo.com
