Woodland Park Zoo Zoo

Address: 5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103, United States

Website: https://www.zoo.org

Hours: Daily 9:30am-4:00pm (hours vary seasonally - check website)

Admission: Adults $23.95, Children (3-12) $15.95, under 3 free (prices subject to change); members free

Woodland Park Zoo is a zoological park in Seattle, Washington, established in the late 19th century and occupying a large urban site north of downtown. It operates as a modern, accredited zoo focused on wildlife care, education, and conservation.

The zoo traces its origins to the late 1890s and moved to its current parkland site in the early 20th century; it has been progressively redeveloped since then with modern exhibits and conservation programs. Management shifted over time toward professional zoo standards and accreditation, with expanded education and habitat-based displays in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Situated in north Seattle near the Phinney Ridge/Green Lake area, the zoo lies a few miles north of downtown Seattle and is accessible by car and public transit.

• Visit time: Plan at least 2 to 4 hours to see major exhibits; a number of habitats are outdoors and are best visited on dry days.
• Visitor setting: Located inside an urban park setting with paths and picnic areas, making it family-friendly and walkable for most visitors.

What to See#

• Exhibit areas: Home to mixed-species exhibits that group animals by habitat rather than taxonomy, with indoor and outdoor viewing areas and interpretive signage.
• Education and conservation programs: Offers conservation and education programs, including field trips and seasonal family activities, run by the zoo’s education staff.
• Accreditation and animal care: Operates as an AZA-accredited zoo with on-site veterinary care and modern animal care facilities to support husbandry and species conservation.

Woodland Park Zoo is on Phinney Ridge, about 10 minutes by car from downtown Seattle. It’s accessible by King County Metro buses that stop on Greenwood and Phinney avenues; taxi and rideshare are straightforward. Nearby street parking is limited on busy days, and the zoo recommends public transit where possible.

• Arrive at opening to watch the large predators active in cooler hours and to avoid school-group rushes later in the day.
• Use the north gate (Phinney Ave N) for the shortest walk to the Asian Forest and Tropical Rainforest houses.
• Check the daily schedule online for keeper talks and feeding demonstrations - they're short, informative and often less crowded.