By: Robin Ruehrwein
One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to head down to Providence, RI to the Roger Williams Zoo to take in the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. There are literally thousands of carved & lighted pumpkins that are all set up along a trail in the zoo. It’s absolutely amazing and if you’ve never been, I highly recommend you stop by if you get the chance.
Here’s what it says on their website:
Experience the glow of thousands of pumpkins, set in a magical display of artistry during this night-time Spectacular and feast your eyes on hundreds of artfully carved jack-o-lanterns depicting people, places, and scenes from popular culture to old-time favorites and everything in between – all with painstaking detail and amazing intricacy! Don’t miss this unique, family-friendly, evening event, commended by the U.S. Library of Congress, featured by The Early Show, CNN and the Associated Press and hailed by USA Today as “extraordinary.”
People come from all over New England to see it and I think it’s totally worth the drive (and the 30 minutes plus we had to wait in line to see it). I remember a few years back , this display was moved from the zoo and set up at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, RI and I personally think that it was better when the display was set up there. There was better parking and the line seemed to move WAY faster at McCoy, but this whole idea started at the zoo, so I suppose it’s appropriate that it’s back there.
The kids have a blast going every year! If you do go, plan on a late night, but it’s well worth it (well, at least I think so). The wait can be lengthy, so I usually try to get there right when it opens. I think we are heading down one night next week and I’m really excited about it.
Here are a few pics of the Jack-O-Lanters that I took last year:
Community Voices for Health 
I’ve never been to this one b/c I have not felt my children could handle the lines/wait yet. However, my dad used to take my nieces and nephews to it and raves about it.
Anyone know other smaller venues in the area?
Indeed jack-o-lantern spectacular is one of the most fave stops every October. The lights, artistry is simply amazing and beautifully inspiring.