Families will be thrilled to discover the latest attractions at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, boasting a variety of engaging exhibits designed for enjoyment.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, is delighting visitors with a range of new exhibits and experiences in 2025, following recent renovations and additions.
The highlight of the new offerings is the Coral Reef Up-Close exhibit, which opened in June 2025 in the Tropical Reef Aquarium. This immersive experience allows guests to get an up-close view of vibrant coral communities, learning about the challenges coral reefs face worldwide. The Tropical Reef Aquarium itself reopened in summer 2024 with 95 new species and interactive features like the Tropical Shallows touch tank, where visitors can interact with skunk cleaner shrimp and view stingrays.
Another exciting addition is the Rocky Shores pools, which welcomed a new member last summer: the first sea lion pup born at the zoo, named Pepper. Born in June 2024, Pepper has become a crowd favorite after being gradually introduced to the other seals.
In the Asian Forest Sanctuary, families can see 5-month-old Ume, a Malayan tapir calf born in February 2025, along with her mother Yuna. Ume is only the second tapir ever born at the zoo and is frequently seen exploring the waterfall habitat with her mother.
The zoo offers a variety of daily activities such as Keeper Chats, Animal Encounters, Dive Talks, and the seasonal Critter Corner, where visitors can learn directly from animal care staff and get a closer look at some of the resident animals.
The Pacific Seas Aquarium has also seen updates, with quirky new additions like juvenile Pacific spiny lumpsuckers and special events such as the recently reopened Eye-to-Eye Shark Dives, which allow for safe, close-up encounters with sharks.
In addition to the new exhibits, the Tidal Touch Zone, open daily, offers "finger urchin hugs" and exploration of other low tide creatures. The Kids' Zone, located near the exit of the zoo, has play structures, animal exhibits, and slides built into a hill. The Nature Play Garden, which opened in April 2022, features winding pathways, raised planks, woven nests, crawl spaces, and a Builder's Deck for natural play.
The zoo's "Zoo's Got Mail" show, held at the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater from May-September, features Rocket, the mail-delivering dog, and surprise performances from zoo animals. The Nature Play Garden's Bugs Alive! show is a live bug presentation that debunks scary stereotypes of bugs and teaches their important roles in our daily lives.
Eye-to-eye shark dives are available in the remodelled Outer Reef habitat for up to 4 people, ages 8 and older. The Monkey Puzzle Tree remains a prominent favourite at the zoo.
With these new and updated exhibits, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium provides families with unique opportunities to engage with marine and terrestrial wildlife while learning about conservation and animal care. The zoo's extended hours from June 21-Sept. 1, 2025, of 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, make it easier for families to visit and enjoy these new experiences. Parking is free in the zoo's lots, and bike racks are available on the south side of the zoo entrance. Due to ongoing construction, the Pearl Street entrance is currently closed. Instead, use the Mildred Street entrance.
- In addition to enjoying the new exhibits, families can participate in daily activities like Keeper Chats, Animal Encounters, Dive Talks, and the Critter Corner, offering a closer look at resident animals.
- The Kids' Zone, near the zoo exit, features play structures, animal exhibits, slides built into a hill, and the Nature Play Garden, which opened in April 2022 with winding pathways, raised planks, woven nests, crawl spaces, and a Builder's Deck for natural play.
- The Kids' Zone also includes the Tidal Touch Zone, open daily, where visitors can engage with tide pool creatures and even experience "finger urchin hugs".
- The coastal lifestyle and food-and-drink scene can be explored just outside the zoo, making a visit to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium a perfect family outing, followed by a meal or a travel adventure.
- Pets are an essential part of many families' lifestyles, and the zoo's "Zoo's Got Mail" show, held from May-September, features Rocket, the mail-delivering dog, and surprise performances from zoo animals, providing a fun experience for both kids and pets.
- In the Asian Forest Sanctuary, families can see Ume, a 5-month-old Malayan tapir calf born in February 2025, along with her mother Yuna, and in the Tropical Reef Aquarium, interactive features like the Tropical Shallows touch tank help foster a better understanding of marine life, encouraging children to learn more about conservation and animal care.
- For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Eye-to-Eye Shark Dives, available in the remodeled Outer Reef habitat for up to 4 people, ages 8 and older, provides a unique opportunity to encounter sharks up close while gaining knowledge on their role in our ecosystems and their importance in our daily lives, much like the nature-focused Bugs Alive! show at the Nature Play Garden.
