*Updated 3/2021 most of the zoos and aquariums are open during this time but have special regulations(mask, food, ect) and require a timed ticket. Please be sure to check out each individual website to check out all the information.
Penguins, tigers, and polar bears oh my! Washington State has many zoos and aquariums to offer and 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!
My family and I love to visit zoos/aquariums, whether we’re going for a couple hours or spending the entire day. We love how quiet and relaxing it is, entertainment for all ages, even if you’ve been numerous times there’s always something different.
We currently have a membership to the Point Defiance Zoo and we visit at least every other week.
LIST OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS IN WASHINGTON STATE
There are over six zoos and aquariums across Washington state, something for everyone. The animal lover will be happy at any of the locations, maybe science is your thing, or maybe you’re looking for something to do with your family or friends.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Located: Tacoma
Hours: varies by season
Prices: varies go online to check out discounts, adult general admission at gate $18
Note: Aquariums open 3/5
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: adult general admission at the gate $25, check online for discounts
Note: Tram Tours are currently closed to comply with Covid-19 regulations
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 children’s playground, and picnic area.
Seattle Aquarium
Located: Seattle
Hours: daily 9:30am-5pm
Prices: varies, adult general admission starting at $21.95
Note: THEY’RE OPEN
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: changes with the season
Prices: $14-17 per person, 5 and under free
Note: No outside bread, must buy it there
This unique experience drive through safari you get to feed the animals from your car, the game farm has worked exclusively for Walt Disney Studios for 28 years, visit filming locations 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 $15.50
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)
Blue Zoo Aquarium
Located: Spokane
Hours: Sunday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM
Monday-Saturday 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
Prices: adult general admission $15.95
Note: NOW OPEN
Educate and inspire in a fun, hands-on environment! Touch and feed stingrays, birds and reptiles! Experience sharks, an octopus, clownfish, seahorses, jellyfish and angelfish! Play on multiple water tables and a pirate ship!
(photo credit: Blue Zoo)
SEA Discovery Center
Located: Poulsbo
Hours: Temporarily Closed
Prices: FREE
Note: Temporarily Closed, Anticipated re-opening in fall 2021
At the SEA Discovery Center, we are dedicated to inspiring a deeper sense of understanding and stewardship of the marine environment.
Marine Life Center
Located: Bellingham
Hours: varies
Prices: Free
Note: Re-opening on March 1, by appointments
Free-admission educational center featuring local marine animals & an interactive touch pool.
Bug & Reptile Museum
Located: Bremerton
Hours: Temporarily Closed, daily from 10am-5pm
Prices: Free
Note: Currently Closed until Phase 3 is approved, anticipating a June 2021 reopening
See our cool LIVE bugs, explore bizarre bugs under the microscope, look through glasses that let you see like a bug, and even watch busy ants in our giant 8 foot long Ant Farm! We have the weirdest and most interesting bugs on display for you to see up close. Over 15 kid friendly exhibits to explore.
(photo credit: Bug Museum)
Wolf Haven International
Located: Tenino
Hours: Temporarily Closed
Prices:
Note: Due to covid, their wolf sanctuary is temporarily closed to the public
See some wolves while enjoying a 50-minute guided walking visit of our sanctuary.
(photo credit: Wolf Haven)
Have you visited any of the zoos or aquariums here in Washington or is there one you plan on visiting this year? Let me know in the comments below. We’ve got a few we’ll be visiting this summer with my animal lover!
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John "Jack" Regan
Wednesday 7th of October 2020
Don't forget to visit The Reptile Zoo in Monroe, WA Tabitha. You and your family will love the fascinating place. I wrote a review of it and posted some photos on my website.
Rachel Teodoro
Wednesday 4th of April 2018
I've been to all of them and they are fabulous!