Illuminate Adelaide: Universal Kingdom: The Next Era

Dinosaur fans, get ready — Adelaide Zoo is going Jurassic for 2025 Illuminate Adelaide

Step back in time and into Universal Kingdom: The Next Era, the latest dino-filled adventure lighting up Adelaide Zoo after dark. These prehistoric party animals are taking over in the most roar-some way!

You’ll meet all your dino faves – from the mighty Triceratops and flying Pterodactyl, to the king of the Cretaceous himself, the towering Tyrannosaurus Rex. And it’s not just about looking – get hands-on in the dedicated kid’s zone where little adventurers can pat baby dinos, race raptors, and dig up ancient fossils like real-life paleontologists.

Expect jaw-dropping puppetry, incredible light displays, and heaps of interactive fun, all brought to life by the creative legends at Erth and A Blanck Canvas.

Proudly presented by Adelaide Zoo, Illuminate Adelaide, and SA Power Networks, this is one prehistoric party you don’t want to miss!

WHERE: Adelaide Zoo
WHEN: Thu 03 July – Sun 20 July 2025 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday only)

STANDARD TICKETS $36pp
Three session times are available with a 5:30pm, 6:30pm or 7:30pm entry. We recommend allowing 60 minutes to explore Universal Kingdom: The Next Era.
Under 4s require a free Under 4 (Cub 0-3 years) ticket, book yours now to save time at the gate.

RELAXED TICKETS $29pp
Relaxed session includes; a twilight start time, reduced capacity, lowered volume on installations and reduced human noises. Visitors attending the 5:30pm Relaxed sessions are welcome to stay and explore for the evening but should be aware that the 6.30pm sessions will be at standard event capacity.

Book Tickets Here

Things You Might Want to Know – Tips from KiA

1. Most animals are asleep – We caught the pelicans being fed and saw a few goats. Apart from a snoozing tiger, don’t expect much animal action. It’s more about the lights and atmosphere, which is totally worth it!
2. A few glowing extras on offer – There’s a small stall with face paint, glow tattoos, hair extensions and accessories. It’s easy to miss but your kids probably won’t.
3. The dino puppets come up close – They walk right up to the kids. Ours were a bit spooked at first but loved it after a few pats on the tail. Worth knowing in case your child is unsure. Check the times for this.
4. Great for sensory-sensitive kids – It’s not noisy or overwhelming. The soundtrack is gentle, the lighting is moody and there’s plenty of space to move.
5. Pram-friendly but dark – The paths are smooth and well lit, but it’s still quite dark in spots. Hold hands or bring a little torch for peace of mind.
6. Playground is a must-do – The children’s nature playground is open and beautifully lit. Definitely plan time for a play at the end. Ours didn’t want to leave.
7. Allow about 2 hours – We took our time and it felt just right. We parked on Plane Tree Drive about 15 minutes before our session and got a spot. Busy, but manageable.