Q. What are the zoo hours?

A. May 1 through September 30 - 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. October 1 through April 30 - 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The zoo is open every day except Christmas Day (December 25). The ZooStore is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas days but is open every other day the same as the zoo's hours.

Q. Is there food available at the zoo? Can I bring my own?

A. The zoo has two restaurants with large menus that includes coffee drinks, salads, burgers, sandwiches, pizza and more. There is also the Pacific Blue Chowder House, serving Northwest-themed seafood specialties. In addition, there are several "Snack Shacks" throughout zoo grounds offering chips, ice cream, beverages, smoothies and more. Click here for menus.

You may also bring in outside food, but no cooking equipment (i.e., BBQs, etc.) or alcoholic beverages.

Q. Can I bring my pet to the zoo?

A. Pets, except for service animals, are not allowed on zoo grounds.

Q. Can I smoke?

A. No, the zoo is a non-smoking facility.

Q. Do I have to pay for parking?

A. If you park in one of the four zoo parking lots, you must pay a fee of $5 per car, $15 for buses/RVs. Parking is paid for at the pay-to-park kiosks at each lot. These kiosks only accept debit/credit cards or $1 and $5 bills: they do not make change. Due to limited parking, we encouraged guests to carpool, take transit, bike or walk.

Q. What is the zoo's address?

A. The  mailing address and administrative office is 601 N. 59th Street, Seattle, WA 98103. The zoo has three entrances: 5500 Phinney Ave. No. (West Entrance); 750 N. 50th Street (South Entrance);N. 59th and Evanston Ave. (North Entrance). The North Entrance is closed October 1 through April 30.

For more information on transit and parking, visit Getting Here.

Q. When are the best times to see the animals?

A. It depends on the animal! Animals in our Day and Night Exhibits, Tropical Rain Forest building and other indoor spaces are generally viewable during open hours. Larger animals in outdoor exhibits (tigers, bears, elephants, etc.) are also generally on view during the open hours, but may be most active during the morning and afternoon times. Animals may be taken off exhibit without notice.

Q. Can I get in-and-out privileges at the zoo?

A. Yes. When paying your admission, please ask for a receipt or a handstamp. Your admission is valid for that day only. Zoo members may visit the zoo as often as they like while their membership is current.

Q. Can I rent a wheelchair? Does the zoo have electric scooters for the disabled?

A. Wheelchairs are available for rental for $10 per day at the Visitor Assistance Center (South Entrance). We do not have electric scooters, however guests are welcome to bring their own personal disabled transportation devices. Visit our Accessibility page for more information and an Accessibility map.