Search
Close this search box.

Woodland Park Zoo

Toddlers right against the glass at the penguin exhibit at Woodland Park Zoo, with four curious penguins swimming next to the kids.

Location

Seattle, WA 98103
Facebook
Twitter
Email

360 Virtual Tour of Woodland Park Zoo

Description

Looking for a family-friendly activity to spend the day with the kids? Look no further than the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle! With over 1,000 animals representing 300 species from around the world, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss the chance to get up close and personal with the orangutans, giraffes, penguins and more. And for the little ones, the Zoomazium and outdoor play area are the perfect spots to let loose and have some fun. Take a leisurely stroll through the park-like setting and witness the wonder of these majestic creatures with your own eyes. With over 120 years of experience in wildlife care and protection, you’re guaranteed to come away with unforgettable memories. Come visit the Woodland Park Zoo and reconnect with nature today!

Get the City Pass and save on admission at Seattle’s top attractions (including the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Museum of Pop Culture, Woodland Park Zoo, Chihuly Garden, and Pacific Science Center).

Table of Contents

Woodland Park Zoo Family-Friendly Day Out Video

Meet the Animals at Woodland Park Zoo

The Woodland Zoo has many amazing exhibits you won’t want to miss. The African Savanna exhibit showcasing a variety of incredible animals that call the vast grasslands of East Africa home like lions, giraffe and hippos.

The Australasia exhibit, you can explore the wide swath of Pacific Ocean that includes Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and more. With pouched mammals like wallabies and wallaroos, colorful parrots, raucous kookaburras, and stately emus will amaze you.

For a peaceful experience (seasonal during the summer), take a stroll through our Molbak’s Butterfly Garden. Witness the butterfly’s life cycle up close and personal as hundreds of butterflies native to North America fly around you.

360 Virtual View of Molbak's Butterfly Garden

And let’s not forget about our Peruvian penguins! Don’t be fooled by their name, these birds thrive in hot, arid coastal regions and we have an award-winning exhibit that allows you to witness firsthand just how playful and fun they can be.

And we can’t forget about the home we share in the Pacific Northwest. Discover the Living Northwest Trail where they highlight conservation successes and actions that can be taken to ensure the Northwest is healthy for wildlife and people. Come learn about the Canada lynx, western pond turtles, gray wolves, river otters, brown bears, and more. We can’t wait to see you!

Woodland Park Zoo Kid Photos

Zoomazium - A nature inspired play area for kids

Welcome to Zoomazium! Here, Woodland Zoo offer’s an amazing indoor play space for kids 8 years and younger. Whether it’s sunshine or rain, kids can come and explore our fabulous facility any day* from 9.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. They are closed on Tuesdays, but open every other day. We thought it was cool to find the kid sized door on the left as you enter the Zoomazium!

Take a 360 Virtual Tour of Zoomazium

The fantastic indoor facility features multimedia exhibits that make learning about nature fascinating and fun. They have areas for active play, storytelling, puppet shows, and guided learning. With their nature-themed exhibits, kids can explore a mountain cave, climb a 20-foot tree, cross a rope bridge in the tree canopy, and discover what lies beneath a savanna water hole. There is something for everyone!

The Zoomazium make every effort to ensure a welcoming experience for all ages and abilities, including children with sensory sensitivities and their families. Every Friday, they provide a Sensory-Friendly experience that includes a quieter and comfortable environment, by reducing background noise, adjusting exhibit lights, and sensory activities that support language, motor skill, problem-solving, and social interactions.

Visit Zoomazium and discover the magic of nature play today!

Woodland Park Zoo - Zoomazium Photos

Ride on the Historic Carousel

Did you know that the Woodland Park Zoo has a beautiful historic carousel that just turned 100 years old in 2018? This classic piece features stunning hand-carved wooden horses and chariots that are sure to amaze you. It was made in 1918 by the renowned Philadelphia Toboggan Company, making it one of only 45 of its kind ever produced! The carousel has had quite a journey, having operated previously at the Cincinnati Zoo and the Great America Theme Park in Santa Clara, California.

What’s even more impressive is that in 2011, they installed solar panels on the pavilion roof with the help of Seattle City Light. These panels power the carousel, contributing to Woodland Park Zoo’s sustainability goal of reducing their carbon emissions to 25% below their 2009 levels by the year 2022. You can enjoy rides on this historic masterpiece while also being a part of something that’s helping to make a positive impact on the environment. Be sure to check it out!

Wild Lanterns - Winter Holiday Lights

November 10, 2023 – January 14, 2024

Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit with WildLanterns presented by BECU! This immersive and interactive experience is like no other in the Northwest and is guaranteed to leave you in awe. With brand new lanterns and themed zones, as well as returning favorites, there’s something for everyone regardless of age! 

Your adventure begins in the Land of Winter Wonders where you’ll be transported to a magical snow world with glistening ice. The Interactive Zone is a family favorite, with illusions and games that will get your adrenaline pumping. Birds are the theme in the Fine Feathered Friends zone, featuring giant illuminated species like parrots and toucans. Bugs and Blooms will leave you in awe with its giant spiders and a corridor of vibrant flowers. Don’t miss the Giant Panda Parkway where you’ll witness numerous lanterns featuring the iconic Chinese species amidst stunning cherry blossoms. And last but not least, be sure to explore the Fantastical Folklore Realm, where you’ll be awed by mythical creatures like the White Dragon or the Pegasus.

Join us for this unforgettable experience!

Wild Lanterns Photos from previous years

Seasonal larger-than-life exhibits

Have you heard about the amazing immersive exhibit at Woodland Park Zoo? It’s perfect for families and especially for children! The exhibit changes seasonally and is always interactive. There is an additional cost for this, in addition to your general admission.
In the past, they had a really cool dinosaur exhibit, and the last one in 2023 was a bug exhibit featuring 15 giant critters. Where you got up close and personal with the Emperor Scorpion, Madagascan Sunset Moth, and the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula. The bugs are so huge, you won’t be able to miss them! Bring your family and friends and explore this awesome Woodland Park Zoo exhibit.

Note to Self

Welcome to That Sounds Awesome

Four cousins on their journey to enjoy life. We spend our days exploring Seattle, Washington, surrounding areas, and the world to find the best things to do, eat, and see.
Disclosure

If you like what you see, please consider supporting us by using our affiliate links (if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission with no additional cost to you).

Advertisement

Nearby Outings

Recent Posts

Get Curated Post Updates!

Sign up for my newsletter to see new photos, tips, and blog posts.