Come Join Us!

We're thrilled to announce the reopening of Senior Zoo Walkers, a self-guided social walking program at the zoo to promote fitness and well-being among adults ages 55 and up. The program allows participants to spend time socializing with peers in a beautiful natural setting while learning more about wildlife and the natural world and engaging in a healthy activity.

 

Program Details

This self-guided walking program is currently offered from 9:30-11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Program Fee: (Effective July 1, 2022)

• Base price: $20
• Parking Permit: $10
• Member discount: $10

Find Your Fee:

• Member with NO parking permit = $10/quarter
• Member with parking permit = $20/quarter
• Non-member with NO parking permit = $20/quarter
• Non-member with parking permit = $30/quarter

*The parking permit allows limited parking in the Flamingo Lot only, between 9-11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We never want program fees to be a barrier for participation! A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available to participants with financial need. If you’d like, you can request a scholarship during the registration process.

Participants meet at the zoo's West Entrance at 9:15 a.m. to sign in and get program updates. After check in, participants enter the zoo at 9:30 a.m. when the gates open.

The West Entrance is located near the penguin exhibit, along Phinney Ave N. It is convenient to the #5 Metro bus route.

Parking:
For $10, participants can purchase a quarterly parking permit if they would like. The Flamingo Lot is dedicated for staff, volunteer and Senior Zoo Walkers parking, and is located on the SW corner of the zoo. Parking is allowed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 9-11 a.m. in the Flaming Lot ONLY. You will receive your parking permit on your first walk of each quarter. Street parking is available at no charge. If you have a valid disabled parking placard you may park in any disabled parking spot in any parking lot.

 

REGISTER

 

Please register online by clicking on the green registration button above. When you fill out the online registration form, you can choose to pay by credit card at that time, or to bring a check with you on your first walk.

If you need help with registration, or have any other questions, please email classes@zoo.org.

 

Why Senior Zoo Walkers?

It's been a long year for so many, with the pandemic resulting in significant social isolation. Walking is an open-air activity that can easily incorporate talking and laughing with friends, and Senior Zoo Walkers helps provide a regular time, place, and social group. 

Walking is a safe form of exercise that can help improve physical stamina and energy, strengthen bones and muscles, improves circulation, balance and flexibility, relieves stress and burns calories. 

Before starting a new exercise program, it is important to get approval from your physician.

How do I request a scholarship?

If you would like a scholarship, you will be prompted during the registration process. Simply fill in the amount that would be affordable to you, and continue registering. Once your request is submitted, we will process the request on our end.

Will Senior Zoo Walker socials be back?

Yes!  Senior Zoo Walker socials are returning and will be held at the end of each quarter. The first social is scheduled for September 2022. Socials may include zoo tours or guest speakers, etc., giving you the inside scoop on happenings at the zoo!

Can I register a friend or spouse?

In our new program registration system, each registration is processed individually. If you're the tech whiz in your household or group of friends, you can certainly help them register, but you'll need to create a separate account for each person.

Is my Membership and Senior Zoo Walker registration linked?

No. The Senior Zoo Walker registration system is different from our membership portal, so you'll need to create a Senior Zoo Walker account even if you are a member. 

I have already registered for one session, how do I register for another?

Please follow our tutorial here.

Can someone help me with an accessibility need?

Yes! Please email us at classes@zoo.org to arrange assistance.

What are you doing about COVID safety?

When you check in for your walk, you will be required to sign in on our Covid contact tracing form. Please be sure to arrive by 9:15 a.m. on each day you walk, to complete this process. For further, up-to-the-minute information on what safety protocols are in place for guests on zoo grounds, please contact classes@zoo.org. Safety policies may change as the pandemic evolves, so it's a good idea to check the zoo's website before your walk each week--at least until the pandemic is completely behind us!

If you have any other questions, please contact us at classes@zoo.org