Dream Night at the Minnesota Zoo
Dream Night at the Minnesota Zoo is my most favorite event ever.
Every year I leave feeling humbled, thankful and so happy to see so many families just like ours.
There is no walking on eggshells. There is no worrying that people are judging us. There is no panicking when our kid runs or flaps or melts down.
Instead, it’s beautiful children and amazing parents, caregivers, grandparents, therapists and others who live in our world.
The boys each had a blast. Cooper spent his time running and looking for penguins! Which we eventually found.
If you saw him you’d probably be fascinated by his amazing leggings and smile at how fast he was moving. That kid was on a mission.
I was so impressed how he stayed on the path this year and actually walked the WHOLE ENTIRE ZOO and didn’t lie down or demand a piggy back ride.
Last year was a bit more challenging.
Sawyer loved the tigers and the gift shop. And also met so many cool kids.
He even asked lots of questions and learned quite a bit about kiddos like his brother.
What most people don’t understand is that events like these ones, with sensory friendly accommodations, are just as much for the siblings as they are the kiddos with additional needs.
We are so thankful that we get to all go as a family. Together.
Harbor smiled and flirted and everyone loved his hair.
He is by far my easiest, most relaxed, laid back baby. He just smiles and coos and is so happy to be out and about.
And Jamie and I put on 15,000 steps and sweated out all of our calories for the day. We were exhausted after. But we did the whole zoo without one meltdown.
It was a wonderful evening for our family.
I also wanted to share this photo from last night. I was honored to meet these two.
Nick’s eyes are underdeveloped and Sawyer was very, very concerned. He asked lots of questions and talked to him like the cool person he is.
Made my heart proud and happy.
When we walked away Sawyer yelled out…I hope you find your eyes.’ And Nick cheered.
We are lucky to be in this secret world. We get to meet the best people ever.
A little bit about DreamNight
Since 2009, The Minnesota Zoo has hosted “DreamNight” for special guests who have special healthcare needs or who are chronically ill.
This annual event is an exclusive evening for these guests to experience an exclusive VIP experience that includes admission, parking, dinner, entertainment, and more.
Currently, there are over 300 institutions in 35 countries that participate by hosting DreamNight at the Zoo.
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