point defiance zoo & aquarium

I grew up going to this zoo, and didn't realize how great it was until I moved away. Came back to visit grandma and grandpa, and took the little guys with us! They had a great time, my oldest loved the aquarium the most. The zoo is well laid out, and doesn't take hours and hours to see everything. We managed to do the whole thing in 2 hours, even with 2 small boys. The polar bears and aquarium are our favorites! Worth the money.

I am out in Tacoma visiting. Visited this Zoo today and despite having read some very quirky reviews earlier on here, I was pleasantly surprised. The animals looked healthy, well cared for and the place was arranged so even I could easily negotiate through it. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. All in all, it was a very positive experience.

The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is a great place to spend the day. Lots to see and do. Kids have a great time.

With both a zoo and an aquarium, there are many things to see. A great place for kids. After the zoo, be sure to take in the five mile drive and Owens beach.

This is a great zoo with new updates happening all the time. Good informative shows, hands on exhibits, and super kids play area as well. The food choices are good with fair prices and yummy ice cream too!

Point Defiance Zoo will exceed the normal expectations that you might have of a "local" zoo. In addition to some wonderful animal exhibits, the surrounding acreage is a beautiful escape into nature.

Great Place for Kids young & old. Lots to see - has excellent views of Puget sound. Anthonys resturant is one of the best places for Clam Chowder. All amimals are well cared for and are in great view at all times.

Thoroughly enjoyable. Great Summer programs in the Arena. The Aquarium is undergoing refurbishment.and will be in a different place within the zoo sometime in the near future. We have zoo memberships otherwise we would find it a bit spendy to take the three grandchildren.

PDZA is a humble zoo in respects to size and animals. This is great in that it allows a person to leisurely walk through and see everything without stressing. The layout of the zoo is great (especially after the renovation of the new wolf area), there are many green areas where visitors can have picnics (with their own food!). The zoo has been slow to improve over the years, but the improvements they have made are substantial and quality. I have been a zoo supporter for many years and will continue to be. My favorite area - the sea otters. They are adorable!

Our zoo and aquarium offer so much to the visitors. It is truly worth visiting again and again. Every time we visit there is something new to experience.

This is a great zoo with an aquarium. They have lots of different displays and animals/reptiles . There is some walking involved so bring a stroller for the little ones. There is also a fun little play area

For me this is my favorite place - nostalgically especially. Been coming here since I was a baby. Had many birthday parties here. Wish Never Never Land had never been taken away :( . But the 5 mile drive, the Rhodedendron Garden, Rose Garden, Owen Beach, the ZOO! So much to do. and most things free! Can't beat that. Beautiful drives for a visitor to really see the grandeur of the Pacific Northwest. A Tacoma GEM!

Small zoo but well laid out and really great staff. Fun little play areas as well the aquarium. Lots of fun for kiddos!

I would have given it a 5 star rating across the board, except I think the admission fee is a bit high. It makes it difficult for a family to visit more than once or twice a year. The best bet is a membership. You can visit every day of the year and still be fascinated by the animals. The tiger cubs are a joy to watch! The aquarium is the perfect spot to enjoy touching the manta rays, watching the sharks and the mesmerizing and colorful salt water fish; while getting a respite from the rain.Spend the day...you won't be disappointed. Plus free parking!

One of the better zoo's I've been able to visit. Very clean park with plenty to see, and do not just in the park, but in the surrounding area as well.