Woodland Park Zoo is free of most physical barriers and obstacles. For complete details on sensory considerations, bathrooms, getting involved at the zoo, and more please download the Accessibility Guide. This includes a map describing trail conditions and accessibility features to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.
The last two hours of daytime operations on Wednesdays are reserved for those with a disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering. We will provide extra cleaning prior to guests entering the zoo. See Guest FAQ for details
For the health and safety of our guests, including nursing mothers and children, most indoor and high-touch spaces, such as the mother’s/nursing rooms, are closed at this time. Mother’s are welcome to nurse anywhere they feel comfortable.
How do I use my Community Access Program Ticket?
Complimentary ticket holders, including those with Community Access Program tickets may make in-person reservations for the next available entrance time at the zoo. At this time, complimentary tickets cannot be redeemed online to reserve an entrance time in advance. Please anticipate long wait times to enter the zoo.
If the zoo is sold out for the day, complimentary ticket reservations may be made in person for an alternate date.
At this time, the zoo is not able to offer a day-of, call-in option for complimentary ticket holders to determine if the zoo is sold out or the likelihood of quick entry.
Advance group reservations using complimentary tickets are not available
Will there be Accessible Parking?
ADA parking continues to be available.
While ADA spots will remain available in all lots, we recommend parking in the Otter parking lot if you have mobility needs, as you will only be able to enter via the West Entrance. For your convenience, the zoo is adding six additional, temporary ADA parking spots in the Otter parking lot near the West entrance. Anyone with an accessible parking placard can park in any space at the zoo at no charge.
Both gates will have exits available, as will the North gate near the Historic Carousel.
Shuttles will not be available between parking lots and the zoo entrance, but signs will be posted to assist guests navigating your way to the entrance.
Will you still offer a discount and complimentary aide for persons with disabilities?
There is a $2 off discount for people with disabilities that can be applied to your online tickets purchase. Adults and children with disabilities who have a one-to-one aide do not need to purchase a second ticket for their aide. Your one-to-one aide will receive complimentary access that does not need to be arranged in advance.
Can I still request an interpreter or sighted guide?
You can still request an interpreter for programs and events, including virtual events, please fill out this form with at least two weeks advance notice to arrange for an interpreter.
To protect your health and promote at least six feet of social distance between guests and staff, we regret that the zoo is not able to provide sighted guides at this time.
If you or a member of your party would like to request a certified interpreter please fill out this form.
Do I need to wear a face covering/mask? Can I visit without one?
Woodland Park Zoo is a science-based organization and will require face coverings be worn by staff and guests aged 5 years and older for the health and safety of all humans and animals at the zoo.
All guests over the age of 5 are required to wear a face covering at entry and during the duration of their visit. Face covering must be worn over the mouth and nostrils. We highly encourage and recommend guests ages 3 - 5 to wear a face covering during their visit. Guests ages 0 - 2 should not wear a face covering according to public health recommendations.
UNACCEPTABLE FACE COVERS/MASKS: All gaiters and any face cover that includes mesh or lace will not be considered acceptable for entry based on CDC safety recommendations.
For guests in need of a face covering, a limited number may be available at the gate subject to availability.
To assist guests who who are unable to wear a mask due to medical reasons or who rely on facial expressions, lip reading or are hindered in communicating with facial coverings, clear plastic face shields will be made available at entry. Staff in Guest Services (front entrance) and Security will also have access to clear face masks/plexi covers to facilitate communication. For more information about medical accommodations, see additional questions in this FAQ.
What if I cannot wear a face covering due to medical reasons?
We offer a free plastic face shield as a reasonable accommodation to any guest unable to wear a cloth face covering during standard zoo hours.
Beginning September 23, we are reserving the last two hours of daytime operations on Wednesdays for guests with a disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering per Washing-ton’s Safe Start guidelines. Visitors can look for the Accessibility Admission ticket when purchasing their timed entry, and members can book their reservations during the special hours if this disability accommodation applies to them or a member of their party. Accompanying party members will be required to follow our standard face covering policy and wear a mask for the duration of their visit.
This new accommodation has been made possible in consultation with the Arc of King County and other inclusion leaders in the community. If you are unable to visit us in person, we offer these additional virtual accommodations so that everyone can share in nature experiences be-yond the zoo:
- Zoo to You is an online portal filled with stay-at-home activities and lessons for families to explore nature play at home
- Digital Zoo offers fun, digital goodies to stay connected with the zoo animals
- At-Home Zoo Camp has downloadable activities for a week-long, at-home adventure for families to explore nearby nature
- Follow us on social media for near daily updates on the zoo animals, conservation tips and ways to get involved: @woodlandparkzoo #woodlandparkzoo
Communicating with people wearing masks is difficult for me, how are you accommodating for people for whom masks are a barrier?
To assist guests who rely on facial expressions, lip reading or are hindered in communicating with facial coverings, zoo staff in Guest Services (front entrance) and Security will have access to clear face masks/plexi covers. Guest Services will also have whiteboards on hand as an additional communication tool.
Will Mother’s/Nursing Rooms be available?
For the health and safety of our guests, including nursing mothers and children, most indoor and high-touch spaces, such as the mother’s/nursing rooms, are closed at this time. Mother’s are welcome to nurse anywhere they feel comfortable.
Can I still rent mobility equipment?
Mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and ECV scooters will be available to rent at the Guest Services locations inside the West Entrance and near the ZooStore at the South Entrance. These items will be thoroughly cleaned between rentals for your safety.
Will sensory spaces and tools be available?
Open air sensory areas, including the sensory garden, remain open. To limit hand-held touching of shared items, sensory tools and toys will not be available to borrow from Guest Services at this time.
Other handheld items will also not be available for rent, including binoculars and umbrellas.
Who can I contact to help plan my trip?
Woodland Park Zoo remains committed to making the zoo as accommodating and accessible as possible to people of all abilities.
To provide a healthy and safe environment, there are some changes that have been made to our existing resources. Please visit www.zoo.org/access for detailed information. You can also contact us at zooinfo@zoo.org or (206) 548-2500.
What if I am unable to do an entire loop on the one-way route?
There will be staff positioned along the route to help with you with navigation and exits.
Which family/all gender restrooms are open? Are all restrooms open?
Most restrooms, excluding those in indoor exhibits, will be open. The restrooms outside the West Entrance are closed.
Family/all gender restroom location: West Entrance inside the gates and north of the ZooStore (two rooms).
If you or someone in your party need an adult-sized sanitary space for changing or medical needs, please visit Guest Services near the South Entrance or West Entrance. They have a private space with a medical bench that you are welcome to use.
What changes should I prepare my autistic/sensory sensitive family member for? What rules are different?
At this time, some play areas including Zoomazium will be closed, tools will not be available and there will be extra health and safety precautions that include extra signage, one-way paths and a face covering requirement. Here is a short video on what changes to expect.
Please refer to our sensory map and communicate with guest services if you have specific questions or requests at zooinfo@zoo.org or (206) 548-2500