Woodland Park Zoo

206-684-4800

5500 Phinney Ave. North Seattle, WA 98103

www.zoo.org

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Reviews for Woodland Park Zoo

Ratings_icons An Awesome place

debbie m.

This is a great place to take your family for a good time. Kids love it but adults do too. I think it is the best zoo on the west coast. It has many animals to see.

Posted 12/02/06 | Report Abuse

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tearsa c. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 8,832

Visiting Seattle I just had to check out their zoo. Woodland Park Zoo is the cutting edge of zoo design with exhibits that were constructed like the African Savanna, Marsh and Swamp, Primate Islands, and the Gorilla exhibit. Not only does it have such a variety of animals but it has a rose garden as well..The hours are great and price is very affortable. They have lots of parking,gift shops,places to eat at ,special zoo classes,lectures,and activities. I recommend spending the whole day at the zoo to take in every part of it.

Posted 11/28/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons go, go now

Mike S. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 10,369

Must visit for locals and bring out of town vistors. World class exhibits, especially the newer ones. Sure the old school old people will complain that you "cant see any animals" well of course, now they have trees and water to hide, not concrete cells. Best time to go is winter/fall as its less busy.

Posted 11/22/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons Great Zoo!

Sarah S. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 8,418

What a fun place for all ages. We went with the extended family, and everyone had a great time. There is so much to see and do! The best thing about this zoo is when you walk along the paths, there are trees and buches all around so you feel like you are in a jungle. The bugs are kind of cool unless you are creeped out by that sort of thing. There are also play areas for the kids.

Posted 11/10/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons great zoo

Travis B. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 6,534

ok ive been to every zoo on the west coast, after san diego this is by far the best zoo around. large park, lots of parking, even free parking on the street. cost is slightly higher, but understandable considering its located in the city. fantastic remodels done during the last 10 years have really updated. there is also current construction of a kids learning zone, seems like the zoo is leaning towards non animal exhibits to bring in revenue.

Posted 11/04/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons Excellent zoo, fun for the family

Michelle Q. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 514

My family has visited Woodland Park Zoo many times. Additionally, I've gone on a few field trips for my kids' school. The habitats are set up very nicely. Some favorites are Hansa the baby elephant (although she's about 5 years old or so now), and the butterflies exhibit ($1 extra on top of admission). There is a food court and a few snack stands. Admission is a bit steep so I suggest using an Entertainment Book coupon!

Posted 11/02/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons fun place for adults and childern

Becky L. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 8,064

Woodland Park Zoo is a fun place not only for the children, but adults too! We love to go to this sprawing place to see the elephants, monkeys, and all the other animals. Highly recommend!

Posted 10/14/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons large and lots to see

S. N. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 2,070

The Woodland Park Zoo is a great place to take the kids for a day of fun. There is lots to see and it is a great place for repeat visits (if you live close by, check into the yearly pass to save money). They have some beautiful animal habitats and exhibits. My son especially enjoyed the monkey, jaguar, and hippopotamus habitats. Bring a stroller if you have little ones because there is lots of walking.

Posted 09/15/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons A great way to spend the day!

Lisa M. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 1,675

Woodland Park Zoo is a wonderful place for any person of any age from any walk of life! What a great way to spend the day!

The award winning zoo has tons of wonderful animals and a large number of programs. They have lions, tigers, bears (oh my!), monkeys, apes, giraffe, elephants, etc. They have the smaller animals as well. For example, their reptile house is wonderful, a dark and warm habitat to wander through! They also have a great petting zoo for the kids (or the kids at heart). Their programs are educational and fun - tours, feedings, and discussions.

The prices are fairly reasonable, adults (ages 13 and up) are $10.00, children (age 3-12) are $7.00, and toddlers two and under are free!

Check out this zoo, you won't be disappointed!

Posted 08/24/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons Great Zoo

Elisa J. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 1,784

This is a lovely place, really spread out and most of the animals have lots of room to move. They have all sorts of exhibits going on that are worth viewing. Right now, one of my favorites, Butterflies and Blooms is showing. Wonderful place to take the family if you live in King county, be sure to ask for a discount on your ticket price.

Posted 08/11/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons The most well kept zoo.

Maleeta G. | insider Insider | Rank: 13,964

I've been to quite a few zoo's. This one is the nicest by far. The grounds are well kept, and the animals look well taken care of. A great place to spend the day with the family!

Posted 08/06/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons Bring some frisbees and lunch.

Michele D. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 8,621

There is a huge area to play and eat lunch when you get tired. The zoo beats any other zoo I've been to besides one in San Francisco. They do have a snack bar. Get a season pass and go often. Don't miss the elephants!!!

Posted 07/27/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons This is a Great Zoo!

Tracy L. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 2,062

Woodland Park Zoo is a great place to spend the day. There are many recently renovated and new exhibits where animals can be seen in habitats similar to their natural ones. My kids especially liked the nocturnal animals exhibit where they got to see bats and armadillos. The farm was also a big hit. There is abundant parking, and decent food.

Posted 07/26/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons very nice, large zoo

Emilia G. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 2,766

It is very large, with lots and lots of animals - one visit will certanly not be enough. Very nice features- especially if you visit with your kids- are: the poney rides and the butterflies tent. very nice hands-on experiences!

PROS: large, well kept, special features
CONS: none

Posted 07/24/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons Love it!

Lori D. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 2,358

They have so many animals here at this HUGE zoo and the kids just love going there. It was a little hard to find the first time we went. The parking is great (for being in Seattle) and the zoo is very well kept. We LOVE IT!

Posted 07/15/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons Fun for everyone

Emily B. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 7,455

This zoo has been upgrading to a very natural setting for the animals. There are some beautiful exhibits. The elephants are amazing and the gorilla s mesmorizing. If your timing is right, you have to pause for a giraffe crossing - awe inspiring! Also has a farm style petting zoo.

PROS: wonderful habitats
CONS: too many rainy days

Posted 07/12/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons Love the Zoo

Frank M. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 7,227

I like taking my family to this zoo. My kids love to see all the different animals. The elephants and bears are a big hit. They also enjoy the petting zoo. You are able to take food inside so you might want to plan on it since I don't like to pay the high prices at the restaurants. Remember to bring your camera.

Posted 06/16/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons A must-see!

Joyanna M. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 1,645

This is the best Zoo in WA state. The park is huge and the animals very spread out, giving most of them a lot of room to roam around in. The Zoo is always updating and making more room for the animals and offering more and more fun activities inside of the park.

They have a lot of animals raging from Elephants, Lions, Tigers (cubs too!), Bears, Giraffe, Hippos, birds, apes, monkeys, butterflies (in season), bugs, snakes, night animals, petting zoo and much more! No real sea animals at this Zoo, though.

The park is clean and safe and the admission prices reasonable. If you plan on going a lot during the year, a Season Pass is the best price. You do have to pay an additional $5 to park your vehicle.

They offer strollers and wagons for rent if you forget one. The gift shop is bigger than most and they have a lot of fun things to look at. A bit pricey though.

The food court can be a little expensive if that matters to your budget. You are allowed to bring food and drink inside the park, so pack a lunch/snacks if you are on a limited income.

PROS: Spread out and lots of animals
CONS: Food Court prices

Posted 06/08/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons family trip

Bridget A. | top100 Top100 | Rank: 10

My husband and I make the 6 hour drive to Seattle atleast once a year to take our children to the Woodland Park Zoo. This zoo has wonderful habitats for the wide variety of animals they have. Many hands on exhibits for the kids and many shows. This is a great place for families and people of all ages to enjoy!

Posted 05/09/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons variety

Kim W. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 2,548

The Woodland Park Zoo offers its visitors a variety of wild animal exhibits and habitats. Some hands on activities and even a petting zoo! Gift shops and food are available as well! Great trip for all members of the family!

Posted 05/09/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons amazing

Kristina W. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 266

Every time I go to the Woodland Park Zoo, it's as if it's the first time. You can never get sick of this place. The exhibits are amazing and it's great to see the animals up close and personal!

Posted 05/09/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons the best

Jasun W. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 711

The Woodland park Zoo in Seattle is one of the best zos that I have ever been to! The animals are obviously well taken care of. The zoo always clean and pleasant!

Posted 05/09/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons amazing

Janice T. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 5,526

The Woodland Park Zoo is amazing. Their exhibits are always clean and look just like they should in nature! The animals are awesome and there is such a variety! Love this zoo, we go every year as a family!

Posted 05/09/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons It's a fun zoo...

Katie C. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 1,243

The Woodland Park Zoo is a nice zoo for a city the size of Seattle. Its especially fun for kids when the zoo plays up the babies they have. A couple years ago it was the baby elephant, named Kwansa, who attracted so much attention and popularity. Its a fun experience for a family outing. Dont expect too much in terms of marine animals, though go to the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma for that.

Posted 04/26/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons It's always fun to go to the zoo

Elizabeth M. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 10,468

I don't go to the zoo very often, so when I do, it feels like a special treat. It brings me back to my childhood. I remember taking field trips to Woodland Park Zoo. The only negative thing I have to say about this particular zoo, is that often the animals aren't visible. I stare out into fields where there are supposed to be animals and I rarely see them.

Posted 04/21/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons Woodland Park Zoo

Justin W. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 4,469

Going to Woodland park zoo is one of my favorite times with my family. It's always kept very clean. I also like that I can buy the entertainment book and find coupons for addmission to the Woodland park zoo inside! The prices of drinks, and snacks are very high. There is a convenient store right across the street if you would rather grab something there before you go into the zoo.

Posted 04/15/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons Woodland Park Zoo

Stephanie D. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 4,592

A fun day out with the family! This zoo is so much fun. The only problems that we ever had with going to this zoo is parking. It can be hard to find a parking spot on a busy day, so be prepared to spend 10 minutes at least on a nice day, and you may still end up walking a little bit to get to the zoo. Convinient bathrooms, drinks and food all over. Very nice family outing for a nice day!

Posted 04/15/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons Bring a camera!

Kristy C. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 3,934

I have spent SO many Saturdays with my boyfriend at Woodland park zoo.. they zoo is pretty large and has tons of cool exhibits.. We love the monkeys! They also offer places where you can picnic.. and play around in the grass!

PROS:
CONS: Kinda pricey

Posted 04/14/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons Loves it!!!

Nate S. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 8,015

Though one has to wonder how the African animals deal with the rain? I was lucky enough to visit this place when the baby gorillas were born. Lots of great stuff to see and the animals seems very happy. I am not a big fan of taking wildlife from the wild but this zoo takes pride in treating the animals with the greatest care.

Posted 04/06/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons My Favorite Zoo EVER

Heather M. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 4,321

I've actually been to dozens of Zoos in the US and Canada and this is by far my favorite. It's not too big, but there is a wide variety of exhibits and all are top notch. Landscaping and design is perfect, and there are plenty of seasonal and rotating exhibits to keep things fresh for frequenters.

PROS: Setting, Diversity, FUN
CONS: parking

Posted 04/03/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons Must Go!

Kevin D. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 2,670

I love visiting this place. I've yet to be disappointed. There are the usual attractions in which I enjoy as well(Elephants,Tigers, Loins, etc.) I especially enjoyed the Grizzly bears and exotic birds. The zoo area is fairly large enough to make a half-day's worth of observing. There are a few food areas and many gift shops if you're into that.

PROS: animals!, shops, food, large area
CONS: none

Posted 03/25/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons So much to see! Large and extensive exhibits.

Sara G. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 2,078

When I went to the Woodland Park Zoo for the first time, I was so impressed! Granted, I do some from Chicago, where the zoo's exhibits are practically all made out of cement, and there are few animals. But I have also been to much better zooz like the one San Diego, and Seattle's zoo is great.

What struck me as most impressive was how natural the exhibits seem to be, with lots of trees and foliage. It also seems like they give animals lots of space to wander around in, which is nice. I forget the exact name of the exhibit, but my favorite spot was the indoor room where the birds can fly around above and to the side of you. There are no fences or cages at all, just a walkway for people. Sometimes the birds fly right up to you. So neat!

So much to see, and a great place for kids of all ages.

Posted 03/24/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons Nice Zoo

Paul A. | insider Insider | Rank: 15,227

The Woodland park zoo is a very nice zoo. I've been there many times and have enjoyed my self each time I have gone with friends or family. They are located in a great part of the city, with beatiful surroundings and foliage. I highly recommend it as a place to visit this summer

Posted 03/18/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons Fun fun fun! Go over and over again!

Peter H. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 1,594

So in contrast to my aquarium visit (and review) where I don't feel the need to go back for several years, this Zoo is a place I like so much I did a 2 year membership a while back. Woodland Park Zoo has everything you need in a zoo, while not being so big that you can't do it in a day.

My favorite animals are right together, the bears and the otters. They play in the water right there at the grass and are just so much fun to watch. You get SO CLOSE. Same for the gorillas, of which there are about 10 of them of all ages.

Pick a sunny day and take your sweetie or your kids, or your sweetie's kids. I would pack snacks though, since the snacks there are pricey and not too healthy.

If you like roses, don't miss the huge rose garden attached right off of 50th St entrance. Good for weddings there..

Posted 03/15/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons Time for an Adventure

Yvonne B. | insider_guru Insider Guru | Rank: 1,335

The Woodland Park Zoo is such a fun place to go on a nice warm day or even when it's raining outside. They have a variety of activities and exhibits to see focused on interaction and animal education. There's a the Discovery Barn, an elephant area, jaguar exhibit, and many others. I would plan around the feeding schedules so you can see the animals when theyre most active. They have set hours when they feed the penguins, piranhas, ocelots, pythons, and yellow anaconda. The times are posted on their website. The Sumatran tiger cubs are also really adorable! I think that this is great to bring weekend visitors, family, and/or even for a nice date.

PROS: Lots of different animals and exhibits
CONS:

Posted 03/02/05 | Report Abuse

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