Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium proudly hosted DreamNight on Saturday, May 31. DreamNight is a special after-hours event welcoming individuals with disabilities and their families for an evening of exploration, connection, and unforgettable memories.

From the moment guests arrived, accessibility and inclusion were at the heart of the experience. With a sensory-friendly entrance, accessible parking, and a quiet room for those needing a calm space, every detail was designed to ensure a welcoming atmosphere.

One of the evening’s highlights was the chance to go behind the scenes at the Eye-to-Eye Shark Dive. Guests enjoyed a guided tour of the dive building, where they could get hands-on with dive equipment, explore fascinating shark biofacts, and learn how this underwater adventure is made accessible. One example was seeing the Hoyer lift—a vital piece of equipment that safely lowers guests who use wheelchairs into the water for their shark dive. It was an inspiring look at how inclusion is built into every aspect of the experience.

Other DreamNight experiences included:

• Waving to our divers swimming in both aquariums—always a crowd favorite!
• Watching our polar bears and sea otters enjoy special enrichment, delighting visitors of all ages.
• Meeting our amazing Animal Ambassadors, who brought smiles and sparked curiosity wherever they appeared.

DreamNight was more than just an evening at the Zoo— it was a celebration of access, joy, and community. We were honored to share this magical night with so many incredible families.