Seattle Zoos & Aquariums: Book Tickets Now

Watch giraffes and grizzly bears at Woodland Park Zoo, then see Puget Sound from inside a dome at Seattle Aquarium.

Seattle Aquarium: Entry Ticket

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From $50.00

Woodland Park Zoo: Skip The Line

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Seattle has two strong options for wildlife days: Woodland Park Zoo in the north of the city and Seattle Aquarium on the downtown waterfront. One has exhibits built to feel like the animals’ own habitats. The other is all about the waters right outside your window.

Book your tickets online and plan a day around whichever suits your group.

More About Seattle's Zoos and Aquariums

Woodland Park Zoo in Phinney Ridge

Woodland Park Zoo covers 92 acres in Seattle’s Phinney Ridge neighborhood. It began as a small private menagerie on the estate of lumber mill owner Guy Phinney, and the city bought the land in 1899. Over the years it became known for naturalistic exhibits that put visitors into something closer to the animals’ own surroundings than a cage and a sign.

The zoo is arranged by habitat, with areas such as the Tropical Rain Forest, the African Savanna and the Living Northwest Trail.

Animals to look for at Woodland Park Zoo

On the Living Northwest Trail, look for grizzly bears and wolves. The African Savanna has giraffes, lions and zebras, and you can watch orangutans in the tropical areas of the zoo. There is also a Humboldt penguin exhibit with underwater viewing.

The grounds are big and made for walking, so give yourself a few hours rather than trying to rush through them.

Seattle Aquarium: Puget Sound and beyond

Seattle Aquarium sits on Pier 59 on the downtown waterfront and mostly focuses on local waters. The Window on Washington Waters is a 120,000-gallon tank that recreates Washington’s coastal waters, with diver presentations.

The Underwater Dome puts you inside a viewing room beneath a 400,000-gallon tank of Puget Sound fish.

A newer wing, the Ocean Pavilion, widens the view to the tropical waters of the Coral Triangle.

Good to Know Before Visiting Seattle Zoos and Aquariums

Woodland Park Zoo covers 92 acres in Phinney Ridge, so expect plenty of walking and wear comfortable shoes.

Seattle Aquarium is on Pier 59 on the downtown waterfront, a short walk from Pike Place Market.

The zoo is in north Seattle, so allow travel time from downtown, where a bus ride gets you there.

Much of Woodland Park Zoo is outdoors, so dress for the weather on the day of your visit.

Large parts of Seattle Aquarium are indoors, which makes it a good fit for a rainy day.

Diver presentations and animal feedings at the aquarium run on a daily schedule, so ask about the times when you arrive.

Both venues have paths and facilities for wheelchair users, so they work well for mixed-ability groups.

Each venue has its own entrance and schedule, so check the time and location on your booking before you head out.

Seattle Zoos & Aquariums - Gallery

Seattle's Top 5 Picks

Seattle Aquarium

A Pier 59 waterfront aquarium focused on Puget Sound marine life, with a 400,000-gallon Underwater Dome at its center.

Sky View Observatory

A 360-degree viewing floor 902 feet up on the 73rd floor of Columbia Center, with Mount Rainier and the Space Needle in sight.

Woodland Park Zoo

A 92-acre zoo in Phinney Ridge known for habitat-style exhibits, from grizzly bears on the Living Northwest Trail to giraffes on the African Savanna.

Smith Tower

A 1914 Pioneer Square skyscraper with a 35th-floor observatory, an open-air deck and the carved Chinese Room.

National Nordic Museum

A Ballard museum, in a purpose-built building that opened in 2018, devoted to the heritage of the five Nordic countries and Nordic Americans.

FAQs about Seattle Zoos and Aquariums

What zoos and aquariums can I visit in Seattle?

Woodland Park Zoo in north Seattle and Seattle Aquarium on the downtown waterfront are the two main options.

Where is Woodland Park Zoo?

It is in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of north Seattle, next to Woodland Park.

How big is Woodland Park Zoo?

The zoo covers 92 acres.

What animals can I see at Woodland Park Zoo?

You can see grizzly bears, wolves, giraffes, lions, zebras and orangutans, among many others.

How long should I plan for Woodland Park Zoo?

Many visitors spend three to four hours at the zoo, and longer if they want to see everything.

Where is Seattle Aquarium?

It is on Pier 59 at 1483 Alaskan Way, on the Seattle waterfront.

What is the Window on Washington Waters?

It is a 120,000-gallon tank that recreates Washington's coastal waters, with diver presentations during the day.

What is the Underwater Dome at Seattle Aquarium?

It is a viewing room beneath a 400,000-gallon tank of Puget Sound fish, so salmon and sharks swim around and above you.

What is the Ocean Pavilion at Seattle Aquarium?

It is a newer part of the aquarium that covers the tropical waters of the Coral Triangle.

Is Seattle Aquarium good for kids?

Yes, the tide pool exhibits, the Underwater Dome and the animal viewing areas are popular with younger visitors.

Can I book Seattle zoo and aquarium tickets online in advance?

Yes, you can book online ahead of your visit and plan the rest of your day around it.