Top 10 Zoos & Aquariums in Washington, United States

October 19, 2021 Tonie Szymanski

Discover the best top things to do in Washington, United States including Puget Sound Estuarium, Point Defiance Park, Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington, Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, Oak Creek Wildlife Viewing Are, Feiro Marine Life Center, Woodland Park Zoo, Port Townsend Marine Science Center, Outback Kangaroo Farm, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
Restaurants in Washington

1. Puget Sound Estuarium

309 State Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98501-1133 +1 360-915-0773 [email protected] http://www.sseacenter.org
Excellent
91%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 11 reviews

Puget Sound Estuarium

2. Point Defiance Park

5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407-3224 +1 253-305-1030 http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/point-defiance-park
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,228 reviews

Point Defiance Park

Scenic park offering more than 700 acres of woodland trails, gardens and waterfront views, along with a zoo and aquarium.

Reviewed By Ldcvsi - Tacoma, United States

I live within a mile of Pt. Defiance Park and it is one of the best urban parks you will find in the United States. Central Park in New York City is amazing for the surrounding museums, but you will never see more beautiful views of the water front, islands, and mountains than you will see from Pt. Defiance Park on a clear day. And did I mention I the world class zoo, the amazing fuchsia gardens, the miles of hiking trails through the forest, beaches to hang out on, sea lions and harbor seals hanging out in the kelp beds? And, if so inclined, you can take a ferry boat ride over to Vashon Island and back, right from the edge of Pt. Defiance Park. And the new addition to the park, the Dunes, is a beautiful walk along the waterfront that is ADA accessible, and has to die for views. There is something for everyone in this park. Drive the five mile drive if you don’t have much time (but please drive slowly as there is lots to see, and there are bikers and pedestrians); but make sure to stop at all the view points for a view of Vashon Island and the Cascade Mountain Range at one view point, the Olympic Mountain Range at another view point, and a great view of the Narrows Bridges at the other.

3. Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington

3111 E Harstine Island Rd N, Shelton, WA 98584-9465 +1 360-427-4466 [email protected] http://www.wildfelids.org
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 37 reviews

Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington

The Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington is a non-profit organization. It's mission is to provide safe haven/sanctuary for species of wild cats and their hybrids, education relating to wild cats, and conservation support. We also care for turtles/tortoises and various amphibians. Visiting the Center is by appointment only and pre-booked online via our website.

Reviewed By bbkarpenko

My 12 year old son and I loved our experience. It was a beautiful drive on the peninsula. The volunteers explained that the sanctuary used to be a plant nursery and it shows; so wooded, gorgeous grounds. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and as we were on the "behind the scenes" tour - which I highly recommend - they had food, treats and "enrichment" items that brought the beautiful and engaging cats right in front of us. Even though it was mid-day (naptime!), the cats were active and happy to see their caretakers. The sounds of the purrs and sounds of especially the big cats - Turbo the leopard, is still with me. We could gaze into their eyes almost endlessly. I miss them and can't wait to go back! Beautiful big bobcats of different kinds, lynx, snow leopard, tigers, cervils, savannahs, caracals, hybrids, gordon's cats, and by the end of the trip, we felt close to them all. I'm so grateful that this caring organization is giving a loving, caring home to these gorgeous animals that need protection and care. My son's passion for wild cats was already huge and his passion and sense of mission to join a similar path went exponential. Thank you so much for this precious experience.

4. Leavenworth Reindeer Farm

10395 Chumstick Hwy, Leavenworth, WA 98826-9285 +1 509-885-3021 [email protected] http://www.leavenworthreindeer.com
Excellent
92%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 403 reviews

Leavenworth Reindeer Farm

Leavenworth Reindeer Farm is a USDA licensed farm located less than 1/2 mile from downtown Leavenworth. We provide farm tours for the whole family by appointment only. Come meet our friendly reindeer, feed them and take photos of a magical experience on the farm.

Reviewed By eshaynes - Portland, United States

Make reservations on their website. We got there about 25 minutes early to check in and there were good photo opportunities. After checking in, you can feed the chickens and turkeys, have a refreshment that is provided (cookies and coca), take pictures in/around the barn. When it is your time to go, everyone meets by the fire pit for a lesson on reindeer. After that, your group goes into the pen area with the reindeer. You are given food and the reindeer come up and eat. After that they help you get a picture with one reindeer. Absolutely fantastic time!

5. Oak Creek Wildlife Viewing Are

16601 Us-12, Yakima, WA 98937-9728 +1 509-653-2390 http://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/wildlife-areas/oak-creek-wildlife-area
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Oak Creek Wildlife Viewing Are

6. Feiro Marine Life Center

315 N Lincoln St Port Angeles City Pier, Port Angeles, WA 98362-2924 +1 360-417-6254 http://feiromarinelifecenter.org
Excellent
51%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 119 reviews

Feiro Marine Life Center

The Feiro Marine Life Center is a non-profit organization that runs a Public Aquarium on the Port Angeles City Pier and provides educational programs in the community. Our exhibits are currently closed to the public due to Covid-19. Please join us digitally on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.

Reviewed By russellsranch

this is A GREAT place for kids to touch and fell sea life the information is great it would be a perfect visit for dry land visits

7. Woodland Park Zoo

5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103-5897 +1 206-548-2500 [email protected] http://www.zoo.org/
Excellent
55%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,042 reviews

Woodland Park Zoo

Nationally award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is a 92-acre zoological garden dedicated to the conservation of wildlife. Featuring more than 1,000 animals representing nearly 300 species from around the world, a visit to Woodland Park Zoo will make your day and a difference.

Reviewed By BrooklynRider

I visited the Zoo pre-COVID and post-COVID. My "pre" visit was on a damp day and the park was empty. I visited alone, so I was able to spend all the time I wanted virtually alone at exhibits I found particularly interesting. I have visited many zoos in the United States and this is one of the best in the country. The exhibits are state-of-the-art and offer great viewing of the animals in enclosures that recreate the natural environments of each animal. Stand out exhibits were Penguins, Gorillas, Orangutans, Grizzly Bears, Hippos, Serengeti Plain, Komodo Dragons, and Rhinos. The grounds are lush and landscaped in a way that creates a wilderness setting along pedestrian paths with animal exhibits tucked along trails off the main path. On my pre-COVID visit, I wandered at my own pace and in any direction I wanted. Post-COVID the park has a set path direction for walking and controlled entry into exhibits to avoid crowding. The limited timed-tickets and directional flow actually allowed for a very enjoyable experience. This is the third zoo I visited post-COVID. All employed timed-entry, limited attendance, and strict path directions and I find that this works very well. It might create challenges for parents of children under six, otherwise it is quite enjoyable. The park does have a few restaurants, only one was open this last visit. It also has a decent gift show. The carousel and children's zoo area were closed. The Woodland Zoo is renowned and only the Bronx Zoo in NYC has won more awards. I encourage visitors to buy a Woodland Zoo membership as it is an investment in the conservation and endangered species projects they operate world wide.

8. Port Townsend Marine Science Center

Fort Worden State Park 532 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368 +1 360-385-5582 [email protected] http://www.ptmsc.org
Excellent
73%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 139 reviews

Port Townsend Marine Science Center

Inspiring conservation of the Salish Sea. Founded in 1982, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to inspire conservation of the Salish Sea. We provide place-based, people powered, hands-on learning for all ages including youth camps, exhibits of marine flora and fauna, educational and historical displays, citizen science programs and community-based lecture series. Located at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend, Wash., we offer two public exhibits: the Museum and the Aquarium.

Reviewed By Oaroche

Wonderful selection of local marine species in the aquarium and interesting historical exhibit in the Natural History building.

9. Outback Kangaroo Farm

10030 State Route 530 NE, Arlington, WA 98223-8126 +1 360-403-7474 [email protected] http://www.wildlifeparkarlingtonwa.com
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 113 reviews

Outback Kangaroo Farm

Outback Kangaroo Farm is a petting farm. Guided Public Tour Times are at 10, 12, 2, and 4, Thurs thru Sun. Tour length is approximate 45 min long. Please show up 10 min before tour time begin. Group rates apply to 15+ people. Call for Private tour information. Groups and Private Tours need to make appointment

Reviewed By LiveAGr8Story - Seattle, United States

What a fun surprise! Bucket list checked off. - Quaint farm in Arlington that offers three daily tours around the animals. - I suggest you hit the 10am tour as the 2pm and 4pm are often more crowded. They do not turn anyone away if you are there 15 minutes before the tour start time. - Bring your mud boots and a bag to put them in before getting back into your car. - Kids are welcome but may NOT run as it spooks the animals. - Highlights were feeding the llamas and kissing the alpacas, as well as petting so many kangaroos, wallabies and wallaroos! - They allow you to take plenty of pictures and provide feed for the animals.

10. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407-3224 +1 253-404-3800 [email protected] http://www.pdza.org
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 989 reviews

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Currently closed through March 31, 2020. Treat your family to a special day at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Where else can you see sea lions and sharks, peacocks and penguins, wolves and walrus, all in one place? The 29-acre Zoo is large enough to offer an awesome array of animals yet small enough to let you get really close to them. Who knows? You might run into a lynx on your way to see the polar bears! Be sure to visit Kids Zone. This fanciful exhibit engages children in active learning through play. The focus is on fun, movement and learning what animals need to thrive. The breathtaking views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains are free - and so is the parking. So what are you waiting for? Bring your family to see ours. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is open at 9:30 a.m. daily. Closing times vary. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is just minutes off of I-5 in beautiful Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, WA.

Reviewed By sabra557x - Santa Cruz, United States

Visited here with our 7 year old and a 15 year old grandkids.11They both enjoyed it! Fun that it is is a zoo and aquarium all in one. They don't have "everything " a stand alone zoo or aquarium would have but a very nice mix of each and enough to make you feel like you got your monies worth. Laid out nicely. There is a couple of play areas for the little ones. Didn't take many pictures except of the kids and these solo shots of the musk ox. Nice views on the drive there as well!

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