Penguins, tigers, and polar bears oh my. Zoos and aquariums are always a favorite for families. Including my own; we love seeing and learning all about the animals, the activities, the scenery, the walking. It’s all fun! Are you aware of all the zoos and aquariums our area has? We’ve been to many of the below but not all, would love to visit them all within the next couple years.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Located: Tacoma
Hours: varies by season
Prices: varies go online to check out discounts, adult general admission at gate $17.95

The only zoo and aquarium in the area, you can easily spend a full day here checking out all the animals and sea life. Picnic areas, great children play area, petting zoo, carousel and they’re opening up a new aquarium this summer that’s going to be amazing.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Located: Eatonville
Hours: varies by season
Prices: general admission at the gate $23, check online for discounts

NW Trek is an amazing walk through zoo with amazing animals to see, a fun tram ride look for animals see the scenery about an hour long, an amazing fairly new children’s play area, and picnic area.

Seattle Aquarium
Located: Seattle
Hours: daily 9:30am-5pm
Prices: varies, adult general admission $29.95

Perfect location right on the water downtown Seattle, great aquarium, family activities, great way to spend a couple hours while in downtown Seattle.

(photo credit: Seattle Aquarium)

Woodland Park Zoo
Located: Seattle
Hours: vary with the season
Prices: general admission adult $20

We love this zoo and could easily spend an entire day here exploring. There’s so much to see and do. All sorts of different animals, interactive fun, wonderful indoor and outdoor children’s area.

(Photo credit: Woodland Park Zoo)

Olympic Game Farm
Located: Sequim
Hours: change with the season, open daily
Prices: off season $12-14 per person

This unique experience drive through safari you get to feed the animals from your car, the game farm has qorked exclusively for Walt Disney Studios for 28 years, visit filming lcoations and meet some animals actors, seasonal walking tour, and petting zoo, picnic area.

(photo credit: Olympic Game Farm)

Cougar Mountain Zoo
Located: Issaquah
Hours: varies by season
Prices: general admission $14.95

We have yet to visit this zoo, but will be soon. This zoo has amazing animals and exhibits, interactive fun, encounters, and enjoy your lunch here. Easily spend a whole day at this zoo.

(photo credit: Cougar Mt Zoo)

Have you visited any of the zoo in Washington state or is there one you plan on visiting this year?