Seattle has two prominent parks: Point Defiance Zoo and Woodland Park. Both are not the same distance from the city center, as Point Defiance Zoo is usually quite far away.
However, due to its various shows and the animals’ constant outings, the Point Defiance Zoo always remains the centerpiece of many. On the other hand, Woodland Park is the favorite of several visitors who love to have larger exhibitions.
The following criteria will tell you everything about both zoos, and you’ll understand which one is best for visiting.
Point Defiance Zoo vs Woodland Park Zoo: Everything at a Glance
Apart from the distance and size, these zoos have many similarities in their attributes. To choose the better one, take a look at the following chart. It will give you a clear concept of the zoos.
| Key Aspects | Point Defiance Zoo | Woodland Park Zoo |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Tacoma, Washington, United States. | Seattle, Washington, United States. |
| Opening days | Reservation is not necessary but Booking tickets online in advance is recommended. | Monday (9:30 AM to 4 PM) Tuesday to Sunday (9:30 AM to 3:30 3:00 PM). |
| Closing days | Tuesday & Wednesday. | No closing day. |
| Ticket Price | Online ticket for adults (13+): $20 Online tickets for youth (3-12): $15 | For adults (13-64): $18.31 For Youth (3-12): $12.54 |
| Reservation necessity | Reservation is not necessary, but Booking tickets online in advance is recommended. | Visitors must buy tickets in advance. |
| Same-day ticket availability | Visitors can visit the park the same day they buy the ticket, and the ticket validation remains for 1 year. | Visitors must buy tickets in advance. |
| Ticket Discounts | Woodland Park Zoo has an indoor space named Zoomazium where kids of 8 years and younger can play. | Woodland Park Zoo offers discount tickets for military and persons with disabilities. |
| Size of the zoo | 29 acres. | 92 acres. |
| The best time to visit | It takes nearly 2-3 hours to visit with children and family. | There are many restaurants near Point Defiance Zoo. |
| The best time to visit | Daytime is the best period to visit Point Defiance Zoo. | Around 11 am, because the animals start to get active at that time. |
| Opportunities to touch the animals | You can only touch the animals in the tidal touch zone. | Visitors are not allowed to touch the animals. |
| VIP tours | Point Defiance Zoo has a separate kid’s zone. | You can’t bring food to Point Defiant Zoo. |
| There are many restaurants near Point Defiance Zoo. | Woodland Park Zoo also offers a premier tour but it’s currently unavailable. | Yes, you can bring food to Woodland Park Zoo. |
| Can you bring food | There are many restaurants near Point defiance zoo. | Point Defiance Zoo is a non-profit zoo so it has non-profit parks. |
| Vegan dining option | You will also have vegan dining options in the Woodland Park Zoo. | Point Defiance Zoo offers strollers and lockers at various prices. |
| Stroller and locker rentals | Woodland Park Zoo offers strollers and lockers according to your preference. | Point Defiance Zoo is a non-profit zoo so it definitely has non-profit parks. |
| Non-profit park | Woodland Park is also a non-profit zoo. | Woodland Park Zoo is also an AZA-accredited zoo since 1982. |
| AZA-accredited zoo | Point Defiance Zoo is an AZA-accredited zoo since 1983. | Point Defiance Zoo is an AZA-accredited zoo since 1983. |
| Website | www.pdza.org | www.zoo.org |
Point Defiance Zoo vs Woodland Park Zoo: Overall Comparison
Between the many qualities of these prominent zoos, it’s hard to select the best one. But don’t worry, we will do this for you. Let’s compare Point Defiance and Woodland Park Zoo to find an easy way to make your plan.
Location
Point Defiance Zoo is located at 5400 N Pearl Street in Tacoma and the Woodland Park Zoo is at 750 N.50th Street in Seattle. Both locations are far away from Washington City but they are close to each other.
Tacoma is the main dock district of Seattle and is located 32 miles southwest of Seattle. The distance between these two zoos is only 25 miles which only takes 1 hour of a bus journey.
To go to Point Defiance Park from Seattle City, you have to take a bus from 2nd Ave. & Cherry station. It’ll take you to the Pearl station. The bus service will most likely take $3 to $6 and 1 hour to get to the Pearl station.
From there, take exit 132. Then follow SR 16 west. Take the Pearl station exit and go north. It will take you straight to the Pearl Street entrance of Point Defiance Park.
If you want to go to Woodland Park Zoo from the city of Seattle you have to take North or Southbound metro bus #5. The bus will go to Phinny Ave N. and N. 55th Street and leave you at the west entrance. The bus journey will cost you no more than $3 and 15 mins of your time.
If you have a car then drive from the North or South 1-5 then take Exit 169/NE on 50th Street. Then go west straight to Phinney Ave. From there, turn right and go north on Phinny Ave. N. to the west entrance which is on 55th Street.
\Woodland Park Zoo is only 5.5 miles from Seattle city whereas Point Defiance Park is 39 miles away.
Ticket price comparison
The ticket prices of Point Defiance Zoo and Woodland Park Zoo are pretty similar. Among the slightest margin of differences, the Point Defiance Zoo’s ticket price is a bit higher.
However, Both Zoos offer discount tickets for particular people. Yet, Point Defiance Zoo is the only one among these two that has same-day ticket availability with 1 year of validation. Also, Point Defiance Zoo has discount tickets for groups of 25 or more people.
Parking facility (free or paid)
Point Defiance Zoo offers free parking at every entrance. On the other hand, Woodland Park Zoo only offers free parking for bicycles at the west entrance and Bus/RV at the hippo lot. Overnight parking is not allowed here. $6 is the usual cost of the first two hours of parking and $2 will be added after every additional hour.
Animal Exhibits (detail)
The Point Defiance Zoo has a variety of animal exhibitions such as an Asian forest, marine discovery center, aquarium, polar exhibits, and red wolf sanctuary. One of the main attractions of the animal exhibition is the Pacific Sea Aquarium. And all the exhibitions in this park need no additional fees.
On the other hand, the Woodland Park Zoo also has several eye-soothing animal exhibits. The main attraction is an African savanna with zebras, giraffes, lions, and hippos. The zoo also has a Tropical Rainforest where you can see gorillas, jaguars, and lemurs. At the Willawong station of animal exhibits, you can also feed native Australian birds. Animal exhibitions at Woodland Park Zoo don’t require any additional fees.
Shows
Point Defiance Zoo arranges several shows throughout the year. Their main attraction is Zoolight, a holiday tradition that entertains visitors with magical, colorful lights. In addition, you can attend a variety of presentations, such as the HoliZooday Auction and Bamboo Paradise Garden Tour.
Woodland Park Zoo is also not behind in arranging shows. However, their show type appears a bit different. They let you arrange private parties, weddings, and receptions or picnics on their land. Yet they have a show on their own which is a premium animal tour that is also considered their main attraction.
An additional charge is required for every show at both zoos.
Rides and kids’ section
Point Defiance Zoo doesn’t have any rides option but it has kids’ sections. The kid’s zone offers ActionValley where kids can have fun and learn various things while playing. No additional fee is necessary here. Woodland Park Zoo also has indoor space for kids. 8 years or younger kids can play here during zoo time.
Size and crowds
Woodland Park Zoo is bigger than the Point Defiance Zoo, situated on 92 acres of land. It’ll take you a solid half day to cover the whole area. On the other hand, Point Defiance Zoo is only 29 acres. To cover the entire area of Point Defiance Zoo, you will only need two hours.
The best time to visit Woodland Park Zoo is 11 AM as animals start to get visible at that time of the day. Late summer is always the best time to visit Point Defiance Zoo because of its traditional shows and animal activities.
Point Defiance Zoo is always more crowded than the Woodland Park Zoo.
Dining and food
Point Defiance Zoo and Woodland Park Zoo are both known for the cafes and restaurants surrounding them. Whether you are vegetarian or non-vegetarian, you’ll find restaurants according to your liking.
Recommendation
As you have read through all the way here, you certainly have the idea that the woodland park zoo will give you a real wildlife experience whereas the Point Defiance Zoo is best for a holiday outing with kids. As the woodland park is immense, you will find it difficult to cover the full area with children. However, with plenty of shows and an underwater aquarium, Point Defiance Zoo will be perfect for kids.
Yet, considering the location and other facilities, both zoos have great hospitalities for your friends and family. So, make a plan for these prominent zoos in southwest Seattle, Washington.
Related Articles
