ZooLights at the Oregon Zoo

Each year the Oregon Zoo goes all out for Christmas and decorates everywhere. Everywhere you look are beautiful lights and it is the perfect place to take fun pictures with your family. 

 In past years there has been a train to take you around to see the lights, but this year the train was closed so we walked around. The zoo has it set up so you walk through certain parts ensuring you see all the lights. I found this to be a much better way to see the lights. I doubt we even ride the train next year. Even though it was 30 degrees outside we stayed warm walking around, much warmer then we ever did riding on the train! 

Even though most of the animals are put up they still keep open the viewing areas. Which means you can go see the baby elephant, Lily. When we got there she was sleeping, but the other elephants kept tapping her until she got up.

For the first time we ate at the Cascade Grill, which is the restaurant that you can go to without paying for zoo admission. Normally this restaurant closes at 2 PM during the winter, but stays up for ZooLights. They have soup, salads, Sheppard's pie, and kid's meals. You order food at the counter and then find a seat and they bring your food to you. The food was great and my kids think they have the best french fries in Portland and I would have to agree. You can get a coupon at the gate for a free kid's meal.

Cascade Grill at the Oregon Zoo

Zoo members get free admission to ZooLights for everyone else it is $10 for adults and $7 for children. Seniors get a discount as do groups of 20 or more.

Disclosure - I was offered free tickets by the zoo in exchange for this review, but opinions are my own, and we would have gone anyway.