Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Animals

Welcome to the Marine Discovery Center

The Marine Discovery Center has exciting, hands-on activities for children of all ages! Discover firsthand what a sea star or sea urchin feels like. Take part in a squid dissection, try on a costume, make a fun art project and learn how we can all protect Puget Sound habitats for the marine critters in our own backyards.




Hours
May 4 - June 21 10:00 - 4:00
June 22 - September 2   10:00 - 5:00
September 3 - December 31     11:00 - 3:00

Explore the Shore 
Become a citizen scientist for a day at Owen Beach! Join Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium naturalists for low tide beach walks where we will identify tide pool animals and record their presence and location in order to add the information to the scientific NatureMapping [http://naturemappingfoundation.org/natmap/] database. 

This opportunity is great for ages 5-adult and is a fun and exciting way to learn about the biological diversity of local beaches and to better understand how to protect them.

No RSVP needed. Each event will begin with a short introduction to tide pool animals. Come prepared with sunscreen and appropriate clothing for the weather. Sturdy shoes are recommended for walking on a gravel beach. Explore the Shore is FREE.

For more information, contact Amy Hale at 253.404.3665 or amy.hale@pdza.org.


Take the Pledge! Sign this sheet to remind yourself to trek the tidepools responsibly.

Featured Animals

Who lives in the Marine Discovery Center?
  • Bay Pipefish
  • California Sea Cucumber
  • Ochre Sea Star
  • Hermit Crab
Download this word search to discover some of the animals that live in our touch tanks. Then come in to the Marine Discovery Center to meet them!

Helping Puget Sound

How you can help

We all must help protect Puget Sound waters. What will you do? To get started, print out your own Pledge Card. Bring your completed pledge card to the Marine Discovery Center during open hours to receive a special prize!  Visit PugetSoundStartsHere.org for ideas on how you can protect Puget Sound.

Do you love seafood?
Seafood Watch is a program that helps you choose sustainable harvested seafood. Download and print your own foldable Seafood Watch Pocket Guide. You can also download the Seafood Watch app to your smartphone.

Explore the Shore

Explore the shore every day and find amazing creatures and habitats. Take the Pledge! Sign this sheet to remind yourself to trek the tidepools responsibly.