Woodland Park Zoo: Local Mom’s Tips & Favorite Things to Do
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If there is one place my family visits more than anywhere else in Seattle, it is Woodland Park Zoo. My son and I go almost every week. It is one of his favorite places in the world. We have fed giraffes and rhinos, watched gorillas enjoy their snacks, and spent many afternoons just wandering and seeing what surprises we could find.
We keep thinking we have explored every corner, yet we still discover new paths and animals we had not seen before.
Seattle is lucky to have a zoo that is so thoughtfully managed. Woodland Park Zoo is nationally recognized for its conservation work and commitment to animal welfare. The staff and volunteers are some of the kindest people we meet on our outings, and it shows in the way the animals are cared for and how welcoming the zoo feels for families.
I have collected here my best tips and insights as a local mom who knows this zoo well. From why a family membership is worth it, to the seasonal events we never miss, to the gear that makes our trips easier, these are the things that make our zoo days special. I hope your family enjoys the magic and wholesomeness of Woodland Park Zoo as much as we do.
Is a Woodland Park Zoo Membership Worth It?
If your family plans to visit Woodland Park Zoo more than twice in a year, the family membership is absolutely worth it. Admission for a single day adds up quickly, especially with kids in tow. The membership usually pays for itself in just two visits.
Our membership has made zoo trips feel easy and low pressure. We can drop by for an hour after school or spend a full Saturday exploring every corner without feeling like we have to “get our money’s worth” all in one day. That flexibility has been a game changer for us.
Membership also comes with great perks:
- Unlimited free admission for a year
- Discounts on zoo store purchases, food, and special events
- Reciprocal benefits at other zoos around the country, which is a fun bonus when traveling
- Vouchers for fun extras: Our family membership included five free carousel rides and two animal experience tickets. We used ours to feed the rhino, which was one of the most memorable things we have done at the zoo.
If you live in Seattle or nearby, this is one of the best investments you can make for regular, family-friendly outings. You can see current pricing and perks on the Woodland Park Zoo membership page.
What Are the Best Seasonal Events at the Zoo?
One of the best things about Woodland Park Zoo is that it is always changing. In 2025, we have been lucky to see some exciting new arrivals: two new tapirs, a pack of wolves, a rhinoceros hornbill, African crested porcupines, and several other animals that joined the zoo this year. Watching the zoo grow and evolve has been such a joy.
The zoo hosts special events all year that make every season feel unique:
- Summer Exhibits (May – August): Each summer brings something fresh! In 2025 it was a Dinosaur Discovery exhibit with life-sized, moving dinosaurs along one path. That exhibit is now closed, and we eagerly await what will take its place in 2026.
- Pumpkin Bash (October): This is one of our favorite fall traditions. Families wear costumes, animals get pumpkins to enjoy, and there are carving displays and other fall-themed activities across the grounds.
- WildLanterns (November – January): The zoo transforms into a glowing winter wonderland with larger-than-ever lantern displays. It’s such a magical nighttime experience and a great reason to visit in the off-season.
- Other Seasonal Favorites: Look for ZooTunes concerts, after-hours events, and occasional special experiences for members.
I always recommend checking the Woodland Park Zoo events calendar before you visit. It is the best way to catch seasonal exhibits, special feedings, lantern nights, or unexpected surprises so you don’t miss something wonderful.
How to Make Zoo Days Fun and Stress-Free
After so many visits, we have learned a few tricks that make zoo days smoother and more fun for everyone.
- Plan Around Your Child’s Energy: We like to go first thing in the morning when the animals are most active and my son has the most energy. If we go in the afternoon, we keep it shorter and focus on just one or two favorite areas.
- Read About the Animals Before You Go: We check out books from the library about giraffes, flamingos, gorillas, and other zoo animals. When we get to the zoo, my son loves finding the animals he just learned about.
- Learn Their Names: Woodland Park Zoo lists the names of many animals on their website, and many exhibits have plaques with the animals’ names right on them. We look them up before we go and make a game of finding each one. It is also great reading practice for early readers.
- Look for Baby Animals: One of our favorite activities is spotting which animals are young. For example, flamingos are gray when they are born and slowly turn pink as they get older. The head is the last part to turn pink, so if you see a gray-headed flamingo, it is still a baby.
- Bring Snacks and Water: There are food options in the zoo, but we like to pack a few of our own snacks so we can take quick breaks without leaving our favorite areas.
- Check the Schedule for Keeper Talks: These are short, fascinating talks where you can learn about the animals and sometimes see them getting fed or trained.
These little rituals have turned our zoo visits into mini learning adventures, and they make each trip feel fresh and exciting.
What to Bring for a Great Zoo Day
After dozens of trips, we have figured out what makes a zoo day comfortable and easy. Here are a few things that have worked well for us:
| Stroller or Wagon: Woodland Park Zoo is very flat, which makes it easy to bring either a stroller or a wagon without worrying about steep hills. When my son was younger, we used a stroller, and now we bring a collapsible wagon for longer days or when we have extra kids along. |
| Backpack or Sling Bag: Something lightweight that can hold snacks, a water bottle, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit. |
| Reusable Water Bottles: There are refill stations around the zoo, so bringing your own is both convenient and eco-friendly. |
| Weather Gear: Seattle weather is unpredictable. We keep rain jackets in the car and always bring hats and sunscreen in summer. |
| Comfortable Shoes: You will walk a lot, but since the paths are even and easy, this is one of the most stroller- and toddler-friendly zoos we have ever visited. |
The Woodland Park Zoo gift shop is also a great place for zoo-themed gifts and stocking stuffers, especially during the holidays. If you have a membership, you get a discount, which makes it even more fun to pick out something special at the end of a visit.
Why We Keep Coming Back Week After Week
Every visit feels like a mini-adventure. Even after dozens of trips, we still leave excited to come back. Some days we find new paths to explore. Other days we see animals we have never spotted before. Sometimes we get lucky and catch a keeper talk or a feeding we did not plan on.
Because the zoo is always growing and changing, there is almost always something new to discover. In 2025 alone we have welcomed new tapirs, wolves, African crested porcupines, and more. The seasonal exhibits and events keep things fresh too, from dinosaurs in the summer to glowing lanterns in the winter.
I hope these tips help your family enjoy Woodland Park Zoo as much as we do!
Whether it is your first visit or your fiftieth, you will find something to love. Check the Woodland Park Zoo events calendar to see what is happening, and if you live nearby, consider getting a family membership so you can visit as often as you like. Maybe we will see you on the African Savanna Overlook one day, spotting giraffes and zebras together!
