Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Visit

Know Before You Go

We are committed to providing a safe, fun, educational experience for our visitors while ensuring the health and safety of our staff, volunteers and animals.

To protect everyone's safety:
  • Do not touch any animals unless they are in an area that allows contact.
  • You can bring your own food into the zoo.
  • Do not bring any type of roller skates, skateboards, scooters or bicycles into the zoo.
  • Pets are not allowed on zoo grounds or in zoo facilities. Download our Service Animal Policy
  • Reserve the elevators for visitors with mobility issues (e.g. strollers, wheelchairs).
  • Remain clothed at all times.
  • Do not smoke on zoo grounds.
  • Do not shout at animals or tap on exhibit windows or openings.
  • Do not feed animals except in designated areas.
Please note: We reserve the right to address individuals or groups that are behaving inappropriately or are not following the Code of Conduct. Actions may range from a warning, to expulsion from the zoo or arrest by the Tacoma Police Department.

Accessibility

Around the Zoo
All exhibit areas, restaurants, gift shop and main restrooms are ADA accessible.  Rocky Shores has an elevator located by the seal and walrus pools that will take you down to see the underwater viewing areas.

Exploring the Aquariums
There is an elevator inside the South Pacific Aquarium that will take you down to see the sharks. The North Pacific Aquarium DOES NOT have an elevator; however, there is an outside entrance to the lower floor.

Download a Zoo Map

Parking

Free parking for cars, buses and recreational vehicles is available. ADA parking is located in parking lot A. Ramps lead to the Zoo admission area from the parking lots. During the busy summer months, the parking lot fills up fast. An accessible passenger unload and load zone is available near the front entrance.