Where can you blast off to the moon, watch dragon dances and dig for fossils in the Outback—all in one night? Wildwood Park for the Arts in west Little Rock, that's where! The park's annual Lanterns! festival, Feb. 19-21, highlights six vibrant cultures (and the moon, too) in celebration of the first full moon of the lunar year. 

If your family has never experienced the park's woodlands lit with thousands of luminaries, it's a sight to see. Nestled along the twinkling walkways, visitors will find cultural vignettes that feature popular traditions from locales like Hawaii, Greece and China. Here's what your globe-trotting clan will find along your journey!

  • Australia: Visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Sydney Opera House, and dig for opals and dinosaurs in the Outback. Plus, presenters from Pinnacle Mountain State Park will show why insects are a delicacy in some parts of the world. You see, aborigines in the Australian outback consider Witchetty grubs to be quite tasty!
  • Brazil: By the lake, guests can channel their inner Olympian and try out archery and Zumba. Hungry after all that activity? Brazil is the second largest market for popcorn, so pipoca will be on the menu along with some delicious native fare. And, the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society will bring telescopes for moon gazing and star watching.
  • China: Hosted by the Arkansas Chinese American Association (ACAA), in China you'll be mesmerized by dragon dances performed by Central High School and presentations by the American Taekwondo Association (ATA). Participate in kids activities with Pulaski Academy, from face painting to chopsticks lessons. Warm up with jasmine tea and Sake (for adults!), as well as egg rolls and dumplings.

  • Greece: Zeus and Athena will be joined by the chefs of Little Greek Restaurant who will be serving up gyros! The Greek vista will have an element of Asian tradition, too; guests can launch wishing water lanterns from the lakeside Gazebo and marvel at the constellations.
  • Hawaii: Festival-goers trek to the peak of a volcano where they can be wowed by science from the Museum of Discovery and hear Episcopal Collegiate School's Steel Drum Band. Parents can sip on pina coladas, while tots gulp down Hawaiian Punch.
  • United Kingdom: Bangers and mash lead the fare in the UK, where you'll also experience pub games, refreshments from Stone's Throw Brewery, music by Len Holton and performances by Arkansas Circus Arts (formerly ReCreation Arts).

Lastly, you can venture out of this world and to the moon! Though NASA probably didn't find s'mores, photo opps and beverages on their moon landing, that's exactly what awaits your kiddos at this bright spot of the festival.

Lanterns! will be held at Wildwood Park for the Arts 6-10 p.m. Feb. 19 & 20, 6-9 p.m. Feb. 21. Shuttles run from the Kroger on Chenal Pkwy. beginning at 6 p.m. nightly until 30 minutes past the festival’s closing.

Advance tickets are $8, children ages 6-12 $4, children ages 5 and younger free. Tickets at the door increase to $10, children ages 6-12 $5.

For more info, visit WildwoodPark.org.