Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Discover diverse wildlife and marine life at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, a hub for conservation and family fun in Tacoma.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover diverse wildlife and marine life at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, a hub for conservation and family fun in Tacoma.
"Absolutely amazing experience at this Zoo & Aquarium! We liked it so much, we converted our day tickets to a membership!"
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and skip the line by purchasing your tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is hilly; prepare for inclines and declines.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sumatran Tigers
Tiger Enclosure
Witness these majestic endangered cats, known for their playful cooling-off moments.
Malayan Tapir Calf
Tapir Habitat
See the rare and adorable tapir calves, a testament to the zoo's conservation efforts.
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Aquarium Wonders
Aquarium
Explore diverse marine life, from playful penguins to singing walruses.
Red Wolf Habitat
Red Wolf Enclosure
Learn about the vital conservation program to reintroduce red wolves into the wild.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Comfortable Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and skip the line by purchasing your tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is hilly; prepare for inclines and declines.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Refillable water bottles are recommended; water can be pricey.
🐾 Check Animal Feeding Times
Plan your visit around feeding schedules for more active animal viewing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and skip the line by purchasing your tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is hilly; prepare for inclines and declines.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Refillable water bottles are recommended; water can be pricey.
🐾 Check Animal Feeding Times
Plan your visit around feeding schedules for more active animal viewing.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy the convenience of free parking at the zoo.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally enjoy Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, praising its clean facilities, friendly staff, and well-themed exhibits. The aquarium and conservation efforts, particularly for red wolves and tapirs, are highlights. Some find the zoo a bit small, with animals sometimes sleeping during the day, and note that food and carousel rides can be expensive.
"One of the best zoos in the United States. It is a small local zoo with a big international impact. The conservation work they do here is incredible. The exhibits here feel more like habitats, and you can tell the animals benefit tremendously as a result. The autonomy of the animals is respected- they aren't forcibly paraded around for visitors' amusement. Their privacy is respected. You can tell the staff are so passionate about these animals, and put a tremendous amount of effort into animal welfare and enrichment. My partner is a zoologist and a professor studying animal persecution, and even he was impressed! This is also a great zoo for the kiddos - lots of places to learn and play. If I lived in the area, I would definitely have a yearly membership! It isn't a super gimmicky or touristy place - there is one small gift shop. It doesn't feel like visitors are being milked for their dollars. In my mind, this is the standard that all small zoos should be striving for. Thank you to the staff who are providing such a wonderful experience for both visitors and animals. I recommend buying tickets in advance online, because you can shave $5 off each ticket that way."
Miriam Brundage
"We had an amazing time at the zoo and aquarium! The lights were being put up and were beautiful. The play area for kiddos was top notch and the animals all seemed very well taken care of, which is always something I consider. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable! We will definitely be returning!"
Laura Katona
"We had a wonderful experience here. Although its definitely a smaller facility, I was pleased to know that they rotate the animals periodically so they dont get bored in the same enclosures. Most of the stops had an employee giving fun facts and answering questions which was nice too. This is a great zoo to take kids since it took about 2 hours for us to get through the whole thing eith 2 younger children and 4 adults. Definitely enjoyed this experience."
Shalini Bakshi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is located at 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407. It's easily accessible by car, with free parking available. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the Point Defiance Park area.
Yes, there is free parking available at the zoo. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on busy days.
The zoo is located within Point Defiance Park, which offers many trails and is near Owen Beach and other attractions. You can explore the park on foot after your zoo visit.
From I-5, take exit 132 for WA-16 West towards Gig Harbor. Take the exit for Pearl Street and turn right. Continue on Pearl Street, and the zoo will be on your left.
While specific routes can vary, public transit options often serve the Point Defiance Park area. It's best to check with Pierce Transit for the most current bus routes and schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but purchasing online in advance may offer savings. Check the official Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Yes, you can typically buy tickets at the gate, but buying online in advance is recommended to save time and potentially money.
Look for online discounts or consider purchasing a membership if you plan to visit multiple times. Check the zoo's website for any current promotions or coupon offers.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium website for the most current operating hours before your visit.
While not always required, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended to secure your entry and potentially avoid long queues, especially during peak times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Sumatran tigers, Malayan tapirs (especially the calves!), penguins, and the red wolves. The aquarium also features a variety of fascinating marine life. +3
Absolutely! Kids will love the carousel, seeing the baby animals, and the interactive aquarium exhibits. The zoo offers a great family day out.
Yes, the zoo often has animal feeding demonstrations and keeper talks. Check the daily schedule upon arrival for times and locations.
Most visitors can see all the exhibits in about 2.5 to 3 hours, though you might want to spend longer if you enjoy leisurely exploration or attend multiple talks.
The zoo is designed with accessibility in mind, offering good pathways and viewing options for all ages, though some areas are hilly.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are typically food trucks and market stands on-site, but they may not always be open. Bringing your own snacks and water is a good idea. +1
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. This is a great way to save money.
The zoo is located within Point Defiance Park, and there are restaurants and dining options in the surrounding Tacoma area.
Food prices can be on the higher side, with items like a can of water costing around $5. Bringing your own is more budget-friendly.
While not explicitly mentioned, the park setting suggests potential picnic spots. It's advisable to check with the zoo directly or look for designated areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The Sumatran tigers, tapir calves, and the diverse aquarium exhibits offer great photo opportunities. Look for well-lit areas and try to capture animals in natural poses.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb the animals.
While personal photography is fine, commercial photography or videography may require special permits. Always be mindful of signage and staff instructions.
A camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing animals from a distance. However, even a smartphone can capture great shots, especially in good lighting.
The rare tapir births and the conservation efforts for species like the red wolf offer unique storytelling opportunities for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing a family membership if you anticipate frequent visits, as it can be a cost-effective option. Bringing your own snacks and water is also a smart move to manage costs and keep little ones happy.
💰 Budget Travelers
Purchasing tickets online in advance can sometimes offer a slight discount compared to buying at the gate. While the carousel has a per-ride fee, focusing on the animal exhibits and free keeper talks can provide a full day of entertainment without additional costs. Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially avoid peak pricing or special event surcharges.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
A telephoto lens can be beneficial for capturing close-ups of animals from a distance, but even a smartphone can yield great results, especially in good lighting conditions.
Look for moments of animal interaction or unique behaviors, like the tigers cooling off or the tapirs resting, for truly memorable photos. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conservation Efforts at PDZA
The zoo is also a key player in the red wolf reintroduction program, working to bring this critically endangered species back into the wild. These initiatives highlight the zoo's dedication beyond just exhibition. By supporting Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, visitors contribute to these crucial conservation efforts, helping to protect vulnerable wildlife for future generations. The birth of rare Malayan tapir calves, only the second in the zoo's 120-year history, is a significant achievement in their breeding programs.
Exploring the Aquarium
Beyond the penguins, the aquarium showcases diverse marine life, with opportunities to witness animal feeding sessions, such as the walrus singing during a feeding.
Navigating the Zoo's Terrain
Despite the hilly terrain, the zoo has excellent people-pathing options and ensures accessibility for all ages. Many viewing areas are strategically placed to offer great vantage points without excessive climbing.
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