Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
add photosA excellent zoo in the Tacoma area. In addition to all the animals and wonderful aquariums have fun riding the FREE carousel and playing in the new kids play area exhibit!
Admission discounts for Pierce County residents, military and AAA members!
The Zoo offers wheelchairs (non-motorized), electric scooters, strollers and umbrellas for rent, on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors may be asked to leave a piece of I.D. that will be returned when the rental item is turned in. Find out more about Zoo Accessibility.
Wheelchairs: $6 a day.
Strollers: $6 a day; $8 for a double stroller
Umbrellas: $2 a day
Lockers: $1 a day for a small; $1.50 for a large
Electric Scooters: $25
13 Reviews for Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
10
00 families found this helpful
"very spacious Zoo"
My family has been there several times, and we really like the place. One thing I really like is the space and the view to the ocean they have. Comparing to the Woodland Park Zoo, Point Defiance seems to have less animals but not crowded at all. They also have animal shows so make sure to check out the schedule on those. Also, I'd recommend to walk around the Point Defiance Park after you're done with Zoo and Aquarium.
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1 family found this helpful
"LOTS of bang for your BUCK!"
I had been to Pt. Defiance before they redid everything and we were totally bummed. But now, WOW!! We went with a 5 year old boy, 3 year old girl, and 10 month old boy (walking) and had a BLAST!! Of course, the animals are fun and fascinating, from the tigers, monkeys, they had some sort of baby tiger when we went (VERY cute!). My older boy rode a camel (extra charge), but how cool is that?! They had a wildlife show in their outdoor theatre that was very entertaining (real, big birds in their act fly over the audience!) and a great place to take a break and eat lunch. But, when the kids are tired of just watching animals there is a FANTASTIC play area. Similar to the ones in the "monkey" area, really! There was a huge spider web (big boy loved this)The kids loved it, I loved it. There is a spray area where water squirts out onto the kiddos. This area had my baby just giggling! There was a little cabana for changing clothes. I would go here JUST for the play area, that is how much fun we had. My advice, bring extra clothes and SPF, a camera, snacks, and if you have a stroller you will walk A LOT!! The stroller pathes are much longer than just taking the stairs, so wear good shoes!!! Definitely worth the trip!
1 family found this helpful
"Kids and parents alike!"
I love going to the zoo. This one is a bit smaller, and doesn't get as much traffic, it seems. About half the animals weren't "out" but such as it goes, right? I don't really remember the aquarium, but we had a good time, and it's on our list of places to visit again.
Prepare for rain, as you are on the coast. It rained while we were there and we weren't prepared. A stroller is a must for children under 3, in my opinion. Their little legs just get so tired of walking.
My kids loved the bears the best, but would have enjoyed the elephant more if he would have come out of his hiding place.
Kid friendly, yes!
0 families found this helpful
"A fun day for the kids."
This zoo is not overfilled with awesome animals but it does have a medium sized variety. It's organized well into sections of habitat, like most zoos, which works wonderfully for teaching children the basics about the animals. They also have a new playground area that is great for wearing out the kids before the ride home.
0 families found this helpful
"Nice but small."
We went there instead of the Seattle zoo because of a suggestion from a friend. I have to say I was a little disappointed. They have a few nice exhibits but it is rather small and really doesn't have that many exhibits. You do get a good walk in between them though!
0 families found this helpful
"full of adventures "
very fun place, my dad went there for more than 12 years for me and my 3 brothers, we all loved it, it is a good place to have exercise and fun at the same time, time passes by very quickly, i sometimes saw kid who were crying because they did not want to leave the zoo, this place is just pure joy for they whole family.
0 families found this helpful
"Upgraded, Good Destination"
Having grown up as a kid near the Pt Defiance Zoo, I had a perception of it as a small, aging zoo. I have been pleasantly surprised over the years as it has improved. The flow of the zoo is interesting, with different "destinations" like the polar bear and walrus area vs the reptiles, elephants, etc. It makes the zoo seem larger. Also, they've added several play areas that are great for the little ones, probably best-suited to 2 years and older. There's been a good investment in making the zoo more educational, and there is a good variety of animals, ranging from musk oxen to meerkats to native fish in the aquarium. The aquarium truly is ancient--it hasn't changed much in 30 years, but it's clean and the exhibits are clear and updated. The Zoo is a great destination in conjunction with a day trip to Pt Defiance Park.
1 family found this helpful
"Not your San Diego zoo, but fun!"
I moved to WA as a teenager and I remember my first visit to the Pt. Deifiance zoo and as a CA kid having been to the LA ZOO AND San Diego Zoo, I was less than impressed with Pt. Defiance. But now that I'm older with children of my own and the zoo has grown in the past decade it's definately a fun activity for the family and I try to go once every couple years. I have many friends with yearly passes who love to go monthly. There is a fun play area at the end of the zoo that I think is the highlight for my kids. Around the Zoo is a wonderful Drive tour you can take and the Parks surrounding the zoo are beautiful. Pack a lunch and spend the afternoon at Pt. Defiance on a nice day.
0 families found this helpful
"A Sure Bet"
We have been to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium many times. The first time I went I thought it was a disappointing for a zoo... but when I had a kid to bring I quickly realized that the size is just right for young kids! We get to see everything and still have energy to play at the end. Being right next to live sharks at the aquarium is always a favorite, but they have added several kid-friendly exhibits!
1 family found this helpful
"This was a nice surprise"
We went to this zoo for a change of scenery. We were pleasantly surprised! I love the fact that it is a zoo AND aquarium. Thanks to one of the other contributors on trekaroo, now I know there are camel rides! I will be watching to see when that opens. The kids play area is nice and I think you get some exercise there due to the hilly terrain. I liked it so much that I might even concider a membership even though I live over an hour away.
0 families found this helpful
"The New Zoo Review"
No Ganews is Good Ganews... Pt. Defience is by far becoming more and more competitive with Big City Zoos around the nation. In the summer the amphiteater is more than entertaining and the new Kid Zones is worth even the shortest visit. My 2 year old loves the Meer Cats. Well worth becoming season's pass holder.
0 families found this helpful
"Tons of Fun!"
They have made some huge improvements to the zoo! They now have a fantastic kids play area and a bunch of new animals including camels, meerkats and penguins. My kids couldn't get enough of the meerkats! Although the camel rides were closed for the season, we could see the camels and really look forward to riding them. IThe aquarium is a fantastic bonus as well. We bought a membership even though they are about 20 miles away. I would really recommend this if you are a family of four or more. Great place. You will have a blast.
1 family found this helpful
"Battles Seattle Zoo!!"
If you are looking for a great day at a zoo and you are in the Tacoma area do not miss the Point Defiance Zoo. Great exhibits...our favorites are the Budgies, Elephants and Shark tank! The new kids play area is wonderful. My kids would just be happy there for hours!!! Tip....if the lines are long look for the computerized ticket stations!
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