Woodland Park Zoo Seattle
A 92-acre urban oasis in Seattle, Woodland Park Zoo boasts nearly 300 species in naturalistic habitats, plus a carousel and seasonal events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance to see cubs
Woodland Park Zoo Seattle
Best Time
Best chance to see cubs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 92-acre urban oasis in Seattle, Woodland Park Zoo boasts nearly 300 species in naturalistic habitats, plus a carousel and seasonal events.
"Fantastic Day at the Zoo! Clean, well-organized, and full of incredible animals."
🎟️ Membership Value
Consider a membership for frequent visits; it's cost-effective and allows for a relaxed pace.
📱 Interactive Map
Use the interactive map to navigate and avoid getting lost. Essential for exploring the grounds!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Snow Leopard Cubs
Snow Leopard Exhibit
Adorable cubs Lenny, Phyllis, and Raya are a must-see, best spotted in the morning.
Penguin Feeding
Penguin Exhibit
Catch the lively penguin feeding sessions for an entertaining and educational experience.
Dinosaur Experience
Special Exhibit Area
Roar into fun with the seasonal dinosaur exhibit, a hit for all ages.
Wild Lanterns
Zoo Grounds (Seasonal)
Experience the magic of the holiday season with dazzling light displays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Membership Magic
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Membership Value
Consider a membership for frequent visits; it's cost-effective and allows for a relaxed pace.
📱 Interactive Map
Use the interactive map to navigate and avoid getting lost. Essential for exploring the grounds!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
The grounds are huge! Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
🧺 Picnic Friendly
Bring your own food and drinks to save money; many families enjoy brown bag lunches on the grounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Membership Value
Consider a membership for frequent visits; it's cost-effective and allows for a relaxed pace.
📱 Interactive Map
Use the interactive map to navigate and avoid getting lost. Essential for exploring the grounds!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
The grounds are huge! Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
🧺 Picnic Friendly
Bring your own food and drinks to save money; many families enjoy brown bag lunches on the grounds.
📅 Special Events
Check for unique events like 'All You Can Zoo' for adults or seasonal exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Woodland Park Zoo for its well-maintained exhibits, healthy and happy animals, and educational programming. The spacious grounds and thoughtful enclosures are frequently highlighted as positives. While generally well-received, some guests note that food and gift shop prices can be high, and occasional issues with staff helpfulness or exhibit accessibility have been mentioned.
"I love this zoo. It's constantly striving to build better exhibits for its animals, and more educational content for the people. It's always clean when I go, and the animals look healthy. If you want to see animals, don't go on bad weather days. There's great variety and beautiful walking paths. I love the extra exhibits they do, like the dinosaur one they had earlier this summer."
Renita Orellana
"Fantastic Day at the Zoo!
The zoo was an absolute delight—clean, well-organized, and full of incredible animals. From majestic lions to playful otters, every exhibit was thoughtfully designed and educational. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the interactive areas made it fun for all ages. A perfect mix of entertainment and learning. Highly recommend for families or anyone who loves wildlife!"
Zohaib Khan
"Of all my more recent zoo experiences, Woodland Park Zoo is top notch! Love how well cared for the animals appear. Each enclosure seems to have enough space and provides a habitat suitable to each animals needs for a realistic living environment.
The grounds are huge! We easily spent over 4 hours visiting each area. I noticed many families having brown bag lunches on the grounds too. Much appreciated to be able to bring your own food/drinks!
They were setting up for zoo tunes when we visited so they had the lawn area roped off as they were setting up.
The Brown Bear was the highlight! He was so playful when we visited. Excellent family friendly activity and if you don’t have an annual pass, get one!"
Kristen Abt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Woodland Park Zoo is located at 5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103. It's accessible by car, with parking available, and also served by public transportation. Many visitors recommend using the zoo's interactive map to navigate once you arrive.
Yes, there is parking available at the zoo. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on busy days. Arriving early or considering public transport is advisable.
Public transportation is a viable option. Several bus routes serve the area around Woodland Park Zoo. Check local transit schedules for the most convenient routes from your location in Seattle.
Yes, the zoo is stroller friendly, making it easy for families with young children to explore the grounds.
Arriving early in the morning, especially on weekdays, is your best bet to avoid the largest crowds and get the most out of your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official Woodland Park Zoo website for the most current pricing. They sometimes offer special promotions, like child pricing for everyone on select dates.
Yes, purchasing Woodland Park Zoo tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special events, to secure your entry and potentially save time.
Keep an eye out for special discount days, like the 'Child Pricing for Everyone' event mentioned on social media. Memberships also offer significant value if you plan to visit multiple times.
Zoo hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Woodland Park Zoo website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times before your visit.
Yes, special exhibits like the dinosaur experience often require an additional ticket on top of general zoo admission. Check the zoo's website or the exhibit entrance for pricing and details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about the well-cared-for animals, with highlights including the snow leopard cubs, playful brown bears, and the penguins. The zoo features nearly 300 species, so there's plenty to discover.
Absolutely! Beyond the animal exhibits, the zoo offers an indoor play space and a vintage carousel. Special seasonal exhibits like the dinosaur experience are also a huge hit with children.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the zoo grounds, which is a great way to save money.
'All You Can Zoo' is an adults-only event featuring unlimited food, drinks, music, and access to the entire zoo for a unique evening experience.
The zoo has various dining options, including The Grove, and many areas with seating for picnickers. The grounds are spacious, offering opportunities to relax between exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for opportunities at the snow leopard exhibit, the penguin feeding, and any special seasonal displays like Wild Lanterns. The diverse habitats offer many scenic backdrops. +1
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals.
A versatile zoom lens is helpful for capturing animals from a distance. For events like Wild Lanterns, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can be beneficial.
While personal use is fine, commercial photography or videography may require special permits. Always check the zoo's official guidelines if you plan on extensive filming.
Early mornings often provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing clear, engaging photos. Late afternoons can also offer beautiful lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the indoor play space and the vintage carousel for added fun. The 'Dinosaur Experience' is a seasonal highlight that kids absolutely love, offering an exciting prehistoric adventure. To make the most of your family visit, consider packing snacks and drinks, as bringing your own food is permitted and can help keep costs down. Arriving early is also a good strategy to avoid meltdowns caused by long lines or tired legs. For frequent visitors, a membership can be a worthwhile investment, allowing for multiple relaxed visits without the pressure of seeing everything in one go.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting on weekdays when crowds are typically smaller and you might have a more relaxed experience without paying extra. If you plan on visiting multiple times a year, purchasing a membership can be more economical than buying individual tickets for each visit.
🥂 Adults & Couples
Even during regular hours, the zoo's beautiful grounds and diverse animal exhibits offer a pleasant outing for couples. Exploring the various habitats, enjoying a picnic, or simply taking a leisurely stroll can make for a memorable date.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Woodland Park Zoo: A Visitor's Guide
Beyond the incredible array of animals, the zoo offers a variety of attractions to enhance your visit. Families will appreciate the indoor play space and the charming vintage carousel. For a truly unique experience, keep an eye out for seasonal events like the popular 'Wild Lanterns' during the holidays or the 'Dinosaur Experience' in the summer, which adds an extra layer of excitement for all ages.
Navigating the expansive grounds is made easier with an interactive map, a feature highly recommended by visitors to avoid getting lost and to maximize your exploration time. Whether you're a seasoned zoo-goer or a first-time visitor, Woodland Park Zoo offers a rich and engaging experience that blends entertainment with education, making it a top attraction in the Seattle area.
Making the Most of Your Zoo Visit: Tips from the Community
Practical tips from seasoned visitors include wearing comfortable shoes, as the zoo is quite large and involves a significant amount of walking.
Woodland Park Zoo also hosts special events throughout the year. From the family-friendly 'Dinosaur Experience' to the adults-only 'All You Can Zoo' for a more sophisticated evening out, there's often something unique happening.
Checking the zoo's schedule in advance can help you plan your visit around these exciting opportunities.
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