Who doesn’t love a good family trip to see—even pet and feed—your favorite animals? Luckily, there are a variety of different zoos and aquariums in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. The following list includes zoos, aquariums, animal farms, and wildlife parks that you can visit in the Puget Sound region.
Keep in mind that zoos and aquariums accredited by Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) have met the associations standards for animal welfare to ensure the animals are properly cared for and humanely treated, as well as wildlife safety, conservation, and education
Panoramic view of Downtown Seattle and the Aquarium at Pier 62 – DepositPhotos.com
Seattle Zoos & Aquariums
Seattle Aquarium
Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101. The largest aquarium in the Seattle area, the Seattle Aquarium received a major expansion in 2007 that added 18,000 square feet to facility, including an impressive 120, 000-gallon exhibit, a gift shop, café, meeting space, and more. Adult admission varies by day, $28.95-35.95 (age 13+). More info: How to get free or low-cost tickets to Seattle Aquarium (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
- Why go: This AZA accredited aquarium is in the heart of the Seattle waterfront, offering an array of animals and some great hands-on educational experiences.
- When to go: The best time to avoid crowds are weekdays and weekends after 2pm
Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103. Founded in 1899, this is Seattle’s premiere zoo and the area’s most long-standing with hundreds of animal species for you to enjoy. Make a day of it with on-campus eateries, a one-of-a-kind gift shop, and a community access program. Adult admission is $27 (age 13-64).
- Why go: This AZA accredited zoo is comprehensive and offers access to some really rare and uncommon animals and insects. The butterfly exhibit, in which you get to walk through a greenhouse of thousands of butterflies, is reason enough for the entrance fee.
- When to go: The best time to visit is a rainy day. Summer is the zoo’s busiest times, as are other sunny days throughout the year, according to the Zoo’s visitor tips.
Mountain goats live on steep mountain slopes throughout the Pacific Northwest and can be seen close-up at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park – DepositPhotos.com
Tacoma and South Sound Zoos, Aquariums & Wildlife Parks
Highline College Aquarium
Highline College Marine Science and Technology Center (MaST), 28203 Redondo Beach Dr. S., Des Moines, WA 98198. Located four miles south of the Highline College Redondo Beach campus, the MaST Center is the marine biology and aquarium facility of the college.
- Why go: In their 2,500 square-foot facility there are classrooms, laboratories, and a state-of-the-art aquarium that’s open to the public. The aquarium’s 15 tanks display over 250 marine species native to the Puget Sound.
- When to go: Visit the MaST for FREE on Discovery Days, Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, 11610 Trek Drive East, Eatonville, WA 98328. Sister zoo to Point Defiance. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is about 30 miles southeast of Tacoma. This park is dedicated to showcasing, conserving, and teaching about the wildlife specific to the Pacific Northwest region. Adult admission $22 (age 13+).
- Why go: This AZA accredited park has a sizable amount of acreage. The park’s wildlife is kept in habitats that are as natural as possible. Guides bring you to the animals via tram tours and nature treks.
- When to go: If you want to see baby animals, late spring. If you want to hear the sounds of the bugling elk, late summer.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 North Pearl Street, Tacoma, WA 98407. This zoo and aquarium, operated by Metro Parks Tacoma, rests on a 700-acre plot, surrounded by vies of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and off in the distance, Mount Rainier. Adult admission $25 (age 13-64).
- Why go: Bang for your buck! This AZA accredited facility is the Northwest’s only accredited combined zoo and aquarium.
- When to go: Rainy days are less crowded.
One of the largest, naturalistic, and state-of-the-art wolf exhibits of any zoo in the country is found at the Cougar Mountain Zoo – DepositPhotos.com
Other Puget Sound Zoos & Animal Farms
(Listed alphabetically by city)
Outback Kangaroo Farm, 10030 State Rte 530 NE, Arlington, WA 98223. This park features all your favorite animals from down under, with 40 minute tours that feature kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos, tortoises, peacocks and other fabulous animals from Australia and New Zealand. Adult admission $25 (age 13-64).
- Why go: The tour gives you plenty of time to observe these unique animals and they have many experts on staff that provide great educational moments, particularly for kids and school groups.
- When to go: Outback Kangaroo Farm is open March through October.
Kelsey Creek Farm | City of Bellevue (bellevuewa.gov), 410 130th Place SE, Bellevue, WA 98005.The Farm includes the historic Twin Valley Dairy barns among 150 acres of forest, meadows, and wetlands in the heart of Bellevue. The Park features hiking and jogging trails, picnic areas, a playground, wetlands, open grassy areas, creeks and forests. Kelsey Creek Farm is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year, including holidays. Free admission and parking.
- Why go: Farm animals (ponies, goats, sheep, cows, pigs, chickens, rabbits) are out in the pastures or yards daily, usually 9AM-3PM (holiday hours may vary).
- When to go: Last Saturday in April is Sheep Shearing. First Saturday in October is the Kelsey Creek Farm Fair. During the summer there are several smaller events; check their website calendar for upcoming events.
Everett Forest Park Animal Farm, 802 E Mukilteo Boulevard, Everett, WA 98203. (Permanently closed.)
Cougar Mountain Zoo, 19525 SE 54th Street, Issaquah, Washington 98027. This zoo, about 15 minutes outside of Seattle, is known for its World of Wolves exhibits, one of the largest and most state-of-the-art wolf exhibits in the country. They also boast a popular reindeer festival in December. Adult admission $16 (age 13-61).
- Why go: Along with offering some particularly in depth looks at animals like wolves, tigers, macaws, and lemurs, they have the only Wildlife Tracks Library in the country. Also, you can visit each of the zoos ten “worlds” in a couple hours, making it ideal for small children.
- When to go: Mornings are a nice, quiet time to visit.
The Reptile Zoo, 22715 U.S. 2 Monroe, WA 98272. This reptile zoo, located about 30 miles northeast of Seattle, has an extensive collection of reptiles including turtles, alligators, lizards and many types of snakes. Adult admission $9.95 (age 18+).
- Why go: If you love reptiles, this is a great place to have a stellar hands-on experience with them. Visitors may have the chance to hold some reptiles, but also witness an albino alligator, a turtle with two heads, and the world’s deadliest snake, a black mamba.
- When to go: Any time of year is good for the reptile zoo, as they have both indoor and outdoor exhibits with coverings.
Puget Sound Estuarium, 309 State Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98501 is home to live estuary animals, exhibits, specimens, and more. Knowledge helps you and me take better care of our shared natural resources and act in ways that protect the ongoing health, conservation, and restoration of south Puget Sound. Adult admission: $5.
- Why go: Explore the animals and plants in Puget Sound estuaries (where freshwater and saltwater meet) and learn what is unique about this delicate, vibrant ecosystem so vital to our region.
- When to go: Open weekends. The Estuarium offers special events throughout the year, including free admission days—check their calendar before you go. More info: Puget Sound Estuarium in Olympia (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
Olympic Game Farm Park, 1423 Ward Rd Sequim, WA 98382. The Olympic Game Farm Park is a drive-through game exhibit about an hour south of Seattle, which also offers a seasonal petting zoo and freshwater aquarium. Adult admission $20 (age 15-54).
- Why go: This is the only game farm park in the area that allows you to drive-on and through the park yourself. This gives you a lot of freedom to explore at your own pace, (but do follow their safety requirements.)
- When to go: Year round for a driving tour.
- Summer Season free walking area weekends in summer. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day enjoy the petting farm, freshwater aquarium, duck pond, pheasant aviaries, and photo op areas. Donations are welcomed and greatly appreciated. Check operating hours on their website. Last entry is 15 minutes prior to closing.
Our calendar of free and cheap things to do
Listed below are all free and affordable events on our calendar for the next 30 days.
