Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

About

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium sits on a stunning peninsula in Tacoma, Washington, surrounded by old-growth forest and views of Puget Sound. It's one of the Pacific Northwest's most beloved wildlife destinations, home to over 9,000 animals representing species from the Arctic tundra to the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific.

The zoo's exhibits bring you remarkably close to the animals. The Pacific Seas Aquarium features a floor-to-ceiling window where sharks, rays, and thousands of fish glide past. The Asian Forest Sanctuary is home to Sumatran tigers and clouded leopards, while the Rocky Shores exhibit lets you watch polar bears dive and play. Kids especially love the budgie aviary and the seasonal tide pool touch tanks.

Beyond the animal exhibits, Point Defiance offers a full day of experiences. The Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater hosts live animal presentations, and seasonal events like Zoolights in winter and Boo at the Zoo in fall draw big crowds. A carousel, playground, and several dining spots round out the visit.

The zoo is compact enough to explore in a few hours but rich enough to fill a whole day. It's set within the larger Point Defiance Park, which adds trails, gardens, and waterfront beaches if you want to extend your adventure. Parking is available on-site, and the zoo is also reachable by Metro bus.

Plan to arrive early on weekends, as the parking lot can fill up during peak seasons. Admission is reasonably priced, and discount days are offered throughout the year. Check the zoo's website for current hours, as they vary by season.

Accessibility

All exhibit areas, restaurants, the gift shop, and main restrooms at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium are ADA accessible. The main entrance is ADA-compliant, and accessible parking is available near the entrance.

Mobility equipment is available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Manual wheelchairs rent for $10 per day, and powered chairs are available for $35 per day (minimum age 18). Single strollers are $10 and doubles are $12. Be aware that some areas involve hills and elevation changes, and while elevators are present, visitor reviews note that not all may be operational at all times. Calling ahead to confirm elevator status is a good idea.

The zoo welcomes service animals as defined by the ADA and Washington Administrative Code. Staff can provide guidance on which areas are best suited for service animals and answer questions about accommodations.

While the main pathways are paved and generally accessible, some sections may be steep. Visitors with mobility concerns may want to plan their route to minimize hill climbing, and the rental powerchairs can help with this. The surrounding Point Defiance Park has paved waterfront paths at Owen Beach that are wheelchair friendly.

For the most current information on sensory accommodations, quiet spaces, or other specific accessibility needs, contact Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium directly before your visit.

More accessible places in Washington

• LeMay – America’s Car Museum (Tacoma)
• Olympic National Park (Port Angeles)
• Mount Rainier National Park (Ashford)
• North Cascades National Park (Sedro-Woolley)
• Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park (Seattle)
• The Museum of Flight (Seattle)