DreamNight
May 31, 2025
5:30PM - 8:30PM
Join us for an engaging and memorable evening at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium for individuals with disabilities and their families. This free family event will include activities and keeper chats. Reservations required. Your e-mail confirmation is your verification at the gate.
Reservations closed. Event at capacity.
Last entrance at 7:30pm. Zoo closes 8:30pm.
DreamNight
for individuals with disabilities and their families
Enjoy a free, inclusive evening designed especially for individuals with disabilities and their families. Explore the zoo after hours, meet animals up close, and take part in fun activities throughout the grounds.
DreamNight Highlights
• A chance to see/touch dive equipment and shark biofacts, talk with dive staff, and see the Eye-to-Eye Shark Dive encounter building
• Wave "hello" to divers in both aquariums
• See polar bears and sea otters receive special enrichment
• A chance to meet with Animal Ambassadors!
• Wave "hello" to divers in both aquariums
• See polar bears and sea otters receive special enrichment
• A chance to meet with Animal Ambassadors!
Accessible experiences
During DreamNight, guests will have a unique opportunity to explore the Eye-to-Eye Shark Dive behind the scenes. Enjoy a guided tour of the dive building, where visitors can see the specialized equipment that makes this underwater adventure accessible. See the Hoyer lift, which allows guests who use wheelchairs to be safely lowered into the water for their dive.
Download the event map
Download the event map to find helpful information and activity locations.
Event Map
Read the Social Story
Read the Zoo Social Story to help guests reduce their anxiety about new experiences by explaining what to expect step-by-step as they explore our zoo & aquarium.
Read the story
Additional Accessibility Features
| Sensory friendly entrance located at our group entrance with sensory bags and headphones available for check out |
| Designated quiet room in our education center |
| Shimmering lights in the Pacific Seas Aquarium turned off |
| The staff lot located north of the front entrance will be available to guests with vans with side chair lifts or those in need of larger parking spaces |
| Limited number of mobility devices and strollers available for check out |
| Higher capacity changing table available upon request |
| ASL Interpretation available |
2025 Events
Accessibility at the Zoo
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium strives to provide an environment that is welcoming and accessible to all visitors. Whether you’re exploring the different animal habitats or participating in our programs, we’re dedicated to ensuring every guest can connect with wildlife and nature.