HOLIDAY CLOSURE

The zoo will be closed on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2025.

GUEST FAQ

Get answers to your questions about visiting the zoo

Welcome!

All you need to know for a great day at Woodland Park Zoo

Use the FAQs on this page to help you plan your visit and learn what to expect so we can assure safety, health and fun for all. Thank you for doing your part to stay informed during your visit. We are so excited to see you!

Do You Have Additional Questions?

For questions or requests for accommodations, please contact zooinfo@zoo.org.

For all membership questions, please see the Membership FAQ

Lost and Found

Who can I contact about a lost item?

You can call us at 206.548.5408 to ask about any items you may have lost while visiting the zoo.

Where do I go to pick up a lost item?

Please call 206.548.5408 to coordinate picking up a lost and found item.

TICKETS FAQ

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You can purchase tickets online at https://tickets.zoo.org/ or at either zoo entrance during normal business hours.

Thank you for giving the gift of Woodland Park Zoo! We have a flexible pricing structure which means tickets are priced based on the date and season and require guests to choose a reservation time. We recommend purchasing a gift card so your guests can visit at their leisure.

Due to the nature of Flash and Gold cards, and other admissions coupons, tickets must be purchased at the zoo to receive this discount.

Yes. Groups of 20 or more purchasing all tickets in a single transaction are eligible for a 10 percent discount.  No reservation are required, and group tickets are available online or at the entrance gates.  Discount is only applicable towards full-priced, paid tickets.

Yes! Just keep your original receipt and call the membership office at (206) 548-2425 or go to either zoo entrance. Please note, apply towards is only available for daily admission ticket purchases and is only honored for 30 days after a visit, and receipts are required.

No, general admission tickets are good for one-day only of regular zoo admission. These tickets cannot be used for after-hours, separately ticketed events like ZooTunes concerts, Whiskey & WildBites, Brew at the Zoo or WildLanterns

Parking is a separate fee.

Yes, the zoo can accept cash, major credit cards or contactless payment including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay at any ticketing or membership window. We do not accept traveler’s checks.

Our dining options are cashless

All of our dining options at the zoo are cashless for the safety of our guests and staff. The following payment options will still be accepted: credit, debit, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. While the dining facilities are cashless, guests who do not have a credit card may pay with cash.

Adults and children with disabilities who have a one-to-one aide do not need to purchase a second ticket for the aide. The one-to-one aide will receive complimentary access that does not need to be arranged in advance.

Yes, save up to 50% off Zoo admission, plus 4 more top Seattle attractions. First, purchase CityPASS® tickets online for instant, paperless mobile ticket delivery. Next, to skip the ticket line, visit My CityPASS® App to reserve your visit date and time. Then, simply take your ticket to the gate for entry.

If you purchased your tickets on our website, you will be emailed your tickets. A link to reschedule your tickets can be found at the bottom of that email. Subject to availability, you may reschedule your unredeemed ticket(s) to a different date and/or time Up to 5 days after your original visit date. Rescheduling is possible only if the price is equal to or higher than the original purchase price. You can reschedule at a lower priced day upon arrival at the zoo. There will be no refunds if the price is lower than the original purchase price.

Ticket and membership purchases are nonrefundable.

Flexible date tickets such as carousel tickets expire one year after date of purchase. All other admission tickets are valid only on the date and time they were purchased for. If you need to reschedule your visit, please see the above question for information on how to do that.

PLAN YOUR VISIT FAQ

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There are two entrances to the zoo.

The West Entrance is located at 5500 Phinney Ave North. Access to the West Entrance is available through the Otter and Penguin parking lots. The Otter parking lot can be accessed through the Penguin lot on Phinney Ave N., or the Bear parking lot on N. 59th Street. The West Entrance is nearest to the Humboldt Penguin exhibit.

The South Entrance is located at 750 N. 50th Street. Access to the South Entrance is available via Fremont Avenue and N 50th Street through the Hippo parking lot. The South Entrance is nearest to the African Savanna exhibit.

You may exit the zoo through the South Entrance (near the African Savanna), the North gate (near the Historic Carousel) or the West Entrance (near penguins).

You’re welcome to bring outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. For the safety of our animals and visitors, we do not allow barbecues, disposable straws, and disposable lids.

For the safety of our animals, no pets—except for fully trained service animals—are allowed on zoo grounds.

Fully trained service animals are allowed on zoo grounds. Woodland Park Zoo is responsible for the health and well-being of all its animals, including many sensitive species. Therefore, there are additional steps to bringing fully trained service animals on grounds. When you arrive, we require that you and your service animal check in at any ticketing window or membership office.

Please review the service animal guidelines here

The Rose Garden is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to dusk, free of charge. Parking is available in the Hippo parking lot. There is a fee to park in zoo lots during zoo hours; free while the zoo is closed. You can rent the Rose Garden for your wedding or other intimate event, including professional photography or video sessions. Please visit the Rose Garden page for more information.

We offer a Mother’s Room located at the Historic Carousel. Inside, you will find everything you need to care for your little ones, including books for anyone else that might need a distraction. Semi-private areas are in Zoomazium, our indoor nature inspired play space for children.

We recommend guests prepare to spend at least two hours on grounds to enjoy a good overview of the zoo. Plan for extra time if you want to enjoy any programs, have a snack or lunch, or browse the ZooStore. Learn more about programs and experiences.

We ask that all visitors head toward the exits at zoo close. Visit our Tickets and Hours page for our current business hours.

PARKING & DIRECTIONS FAQ

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All parking lots are open. Visitors can pay for parking at one of the kiosks located at each of the parking lots or at the West gate entrance. Please make note of your license plate number to ensure your car is recorded as “paid.”

The member discount for parking can be redeemed at the payment kiosks in the parking lot, or by using the QR code located on the signs next to the kiosks. Enter the member discount code when prompted to receive $2 discount (email membership@zoo.org daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to get current parking discount code). You can also pay for parking and receive your member discount at either entrance. Discount does not apply to special events.

ADA accessible parking stalls are available in all zoo lots. Parking fees do not apply for any vehicle displaying a valid disabled parking placard, in any WPZ parking space.

We have limited spaces available in our Hippo Lot for RV parking while visiting the zoo during normal, daytime operating hours. We recommend arriving just before we open to secure a parking spot. If you’re unable to secure an RV spot, you’re welcome to park in several spaces provided you pay for each space. We don’t accept reservations for parking. Please use the kiosks, located in the Hippo Lot, or provide your parking spot number and license plate number and payment at any available ticketing window.

For current parking rates, please visit our Directions and Parking page.

Additional parking is located in Lower Woodland Park at N. 50th and Aurora Ave. N. about .1 mile from the South Entrance.

There are four Eluminocity chargers in the Otter Lot by the West Entrance, and two Eluminocity chargers in the Hippo Lot by the South Entrance. Electric vehicles can park for free while they are charging their vehicles.

DURING MY VISIT FAQ

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Yes. A map of the zoo is displayed at the map kiosks near the West and South Entrance and throughout the zoo. A downloadable PDF map is available on our maps page.

You are welcome to enter any time after your selected entry time. If you need to reschedule your visit, please do so using the link in your ticket order email.

Yes, you’re welcome to reenter the zoo with a return entry slip. Please stop by the West or South Entrance and request a reentry slip and to return within the same day.

Yes, keeper talks are back! Please visit the today at the zoo page to learn more and view the schedule.

Open air sensory areas, including the sensory garden, remain open. Sensory tools are now available at Guest Services

The newly-redesigned 1899 Grove (formerly the Rain Forest Food Pavilion)! All day, all week. Located on the main loop path across from Zoomazium.

Gather and Graze Café across from the Wildlife Theater. Open Wednesday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Wild Cup coffee cart near the Education Center. 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Daily.

Penguin Provisions 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Mobile Ordering Now Available

Food & beverage locations will now offer mobile ordering. Signs with QR codes will be stationed at the entrance gate and food locations to scan using your phone which will direct you to the mobile ordering system. Non-mobile orders are still permitted at food and beverage locations.

Our dining options are going cashless

Food service and grab-and-go options are available throughout the zoo during regular zoo hours. All of our dining options at the zoo are cashless for the safety of our guests and staff. The following payment options will still be accepted: credit, debit, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. To serve guests that prefer to use cash, we will have a Cash to Card Kiosk available June 6, 2022 inside 1899 Grove. A “Cash to Card Kiosk” is a system where guests can enter up to $1,000 USD cash to receive a prepaid debit card to pay for their snacks or meals or to use off zoo grounds anywhere Mastercard/Visa debit is accepted. This service is free to use.

West and South ZooStores are open daily, during normal operating hours.

Mobility equipment including 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.

  • Wagon $11.00
  • Double stroller $10.00
  • Wheelchair (non-electric)  $10.00*
  • Electric mobility scooter or ECV  $25.00**

*Recipients of EBT/Washington Quest, WIC assistance, and foster and kinship families can receive a 50% discount on wheelchair rentals. Must present verification such as EBT/Washington Quest card, WIC voucher/card or appointment folder, DCYF caregiver authorization form, or foster caregiver ID card or license certificate.

**Conditions: Must leave $200 refundable deposit and valid driver’s license; 18 years and older, or 16 years with parent/guardian permission; 400-pound weight limit.

Woodland Park Zoo’s habitats offer animals a more naturalistic environment, including natural vegetation that represents their region in the world. This results in a less stressful environment for animals and encourages behavior more typical of animals in the wild. Our animals always have choices to forage, nap and take breaks, and they sometimes choose areas away from direct sight of our guests. You’re welcome to ask any staff member or volunteer for help with viewing an animal.

You are welcome to take photos and videos while on zoo grounds. Please leave professional equipment at home and be mindful of blocking exhibits and pathways.

ONLINE PURCHASING FAQ

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You may enter your promo code during the “Order Confirmation” step of the purchasing process. Promo codes are not case sensitive.

Ticket and membership purchases are nonrefundable.

You may print tickets or your temporary membership card directly from the confirmation page or from the confirmation email.

You may also look up your order on the website if you have your Confirmation Number, Email Address and last four digits of the credit card used for the transaction.

You may also display your tickets on your mobile device at any zoo entrance. Our staff can also locate your order and check you in at any ticketing window.

Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express.

Please try a different card, or contact your financial institution for more details.

You must have an account to purchase a membership. For ticket purchases, you don’t need to create an account, you may check-out as guest.

For guest ticket purchases, you don’t need to create an account, you may check-out as guest. Members may reserve an entry date online or present your member ID at the gate without making advance reservations.

Please note that this account is separate from a MyZoo account. Any updates or changes made on this account will not affect your information for membership, email subscriptions, mailings, etc.

HISTORIC CAROUSEL

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Tickets can be purchased online, at zoo entrances, at guest services locations, or at the carousel. We accept cash and credit at all locations except the carousel, which is a card only location.

Carousel tickets are flexible date tickets that can be used on any day. They are valid beginning at 9:30 a.m. when the zoo opens. Admission tickets must be used on a specific date and time.

Carousel riders that are not 42” or taller must be held by an adult (who rides for free) for their safety.

Adults may only hold one rider at a time. Two children under 42” tall may ride with a single adult if one child is secured in a carrier that enables the adult to have both hands free. Alternatively, your group may all sit together in a chariot.

There are lots of lights on the carousel and there is calliope music playing in the building. At times, it can be very loud. The carousel operator uses a microphone to announce when the carousel will start, followed by a ringing bell sound. Some horses are stationery and others move up and down during the ride. Guests cannot get onto the carousel until everyone who just rode is off. Wait times to get on the carousel can be anywhere from 3-5 minutes, depending on how busy it is.

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.

  • No food, drink or strollers, please.
  • Carousel riders that are not 42” or taller must be held by an adult (who rides for free) for safety.*
  • One rider per horse.
  • No sidesaddle riding.
  • Stay seated until carousel stops completely.
  • Riders must exit after each ride.
  • Please be responsible for your personal belongings at all times.

*Adults may only hold one rider at a time. Two children under 42” tall may ride with a single adult if one child is secured in a carrier that enables the adult to have both hands free. Alternatively, your group may all sit together in a chariot.

The carousel is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until zoo closing. Please refer to the Tickets and Hours page and review our calendar of events for information on early closures or delayed openings.

  • The carousel closes annually for scheduled maintenance toward the end of each year. Please refer to the Today at the Zoo page for exact dates.
  • The carousel closes early at 2:30 p.m. on all ZooTunes concert dates. Visit our ZooTunes page for concert information.

Other Questions

Can I drop off the pet I can no longer care for?

Thank you for researching a responsible way to rehome your pet. We’re afraid we don’t accept former pets for the safety and well-being of our animal residents. Please reach out to your local animal control office or animal shelter for further assistance.

Can I drop off a sick/injured animal I found?

Thank you for caring so much about our local wildlife. We’re unable to accept wild animals. We recommend contacting your local animal control office or animal shelter for further assistance.