Last week Grand Rapids exploded with things to do. 

To Kill a Mockingbird at DeVos Hall. 

The Grand Rapids Ballet performed  a Twyla Tharp Classic. 

Grand Rapids Art Museum,  Forest Hills Performing Art Center and Civic theater all had offerings. 

 I’m sure there were many more in the vibrant city  in which I live. 

But I’d like to highlight the Lantern Festival at the John Ball Zoo.  What fun for all ages. 

This festival happens from  April to June on selected nights. The zoo closes down at normal times and then reopens at 7:30 with an explosion of color. It stays open until 11 pm. 

Lanterns, lights, interactive opportunities, performances. Wow.  It was great for all ages.  I, of course, loved the photography opportunities. 

We went right at 7:30 giving us a chance to see everything in the light and then in the dark.  The Lantern Festival has a route to follow which we did. I can’t possibly  show everything but here are a few things I particularly enjoyed. . 

 I liked the idea of seeing the exhibits in both light and dark.

I was particularly  impressed with the clear and readable signs explaining to visitors a bit about the Chinese culture. Here is an example.   

Many of the exhibits were interactive. My grandson loved the talking Parrot and spent a lot of time with the bubbles under the sea.  

He pretended to swim as we went through the underwater tunnels. They were quite magical especially when night fell. 

And at the top of the hill, I was surprised he wasn’t more enthralled with the huge whale. Most people thought it was cool and even a little scary.   

My grandson enjoyed the 30 minute performance highlighting Chinese acrobatics, hula hooping and juggling. I did too. 

Experiencing the lanterns and Chinese culture was perfect for a warm spring night in Grand Rapids, MI. 

For more information and to secure tickets for the John Ball Zoo Lantern festival go to their web site. https://jbzoo.org