Woodland Park Zoo

The Basics

Visiting the Woodland Park Zoo is a must for animal lovers in Seattle, and exhibits range from the steamy heat of an indoor tropical forest to a pool where penguins dive and play. It’s so popular, in fact, that lines for purchasing tickets can be long; booking online is a time-saving strategy for avoiding the wait. With so much to see and do, the Woodland Park Zoo could easily fill a day. Focus on the exhibits that interest you most, whether you’re fascinated by Assam rhinos, flitting through the butterfly garden, or on the prowl for wolves.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Download the Woodland Park Zoo app to skip the paper map.

• There are restaurants and snack bars at the zoo, or you can pack a picnic to enjoy in the North Meadow.

• Since visiting the whole zoo can mean lots of walking, strollers and wheelchairs are a great option.

How to Get There

The Woodland Park Zoo is located in Seattle’s Green Lake neighborhood, close the 169/NE 50th Street exit off Interstate 5, and paid parking is available on-site. If traveling to the Woodland Park Zoo by bus, Metro Bus 5 stops at Phinney Avenue N. and N. 55th Street, adjacent to the zoo’s west entrance. If arriving by bus or bicycle, show your bus transfer or bike helmet for discounted admission.

When to Get There

Many of the animals at the Woodland Park Zoo are most active in the morning and afternoon, so visit during those times for the best wildlife viewing. Since the zoo can be busy on weekends, weekday visits let you ditch the crowds; according to zoo staff, Monday through Wednesday are the quietest days.

Visiting the Woodland Park Zoo in the Rain

Wondering what to do when it’s rainy in Seattle? Even though some areas are outdoors, the Woodland Park Zoo is a great rainy-day activity. Pick up a “Rainy Day Map” at the entrance, and don’t miss the many indoor exhibits, which include the tropical rain forest, Bug World, nocturnal animals in the Adaptations Building, the Zoomazium play space, and more.

Ways to explore

It’s easy to spend a whole day at Woodland Park Zoo, which has zookeeper talks, a historic carousel, a 3,000-bloom rose garden, multiple dining options, and a gift shop in addition to the main exhibits. Booking tickets online can be a major time-saver, with skip-the-line options that let you avoid the wait at the zoo’s western entrance. Given the size and scope of the landscape, it’s also a good idea to strategize a bit before setting out to explore—be sure to plan around event times and exhibit locations.

Accessibility

The Woodland Park Zoo is largely wheelchair accessible, and a range of mobility devices are available to rent at guest services.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Snacks, refillable water bottle

What to wear

Layered clothing, sun hat, walking shoes

Not allowed

Scooters, balls, bicycles, balloons

Amenities

Water refill stations, restrooms, gift shop, cafés

Address 

The Woodland Park Zoo is located in Seattle’s Green Lake neighborhood, close to the 169/NE 50th Street exit off Interstate 5. There are two main entrances: the south entrance on North 50th Street and the west entrance on Phinney Avenue.

Driving

From I-5 (northbound or southbound) take Exit 169/NE 50th St to Phinney Avenue, where you’ll find the west entrance. Paid parking is available on-site.

Public transportation

The Route 5 bus (both northbound and southbound) stops at Phinney Avenue and North 55th Street, by the west entrance. Free public transit is available to zoo visitors using a transit app, with advance purchase of tickets.

Best times to visit

Many animals are most active first thing in the morning—and the zoo tends to be less crowded then, too.

Best days to visit

Visit during the week for fewer crowds, since the weekends can be busy.

Best months to visit

While the zoo is a year-round attraction, it's especially beautiful between May and August, when the rose garden is in bloom.

Special events

From mid-November to mid-January, the zoo lights up after dark with the WildLanterns event, featuring luminous installations, themed evenings, and holiday fun.