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Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.0 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #2 of 21 attractions in Tacoma
Traveler Description:
From Aardvarks Argus to Laughing Kookaburra to Pygmy Marmosets, this park features hundreds of animals in real life habitats such as Arctic Tundra,...... more » From Aardvarks Argus to Laughing Kookaburra to Pygmy Marmosets, this park features hundreds of animals in real life habitats such as Arctic Tundra, Rocky Shores and The Farm. « less
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Attraction type: Aquarium, Zoo, Other
Address: 5400 N Pearl St Tacoma, WA 98407
Tel: 253-591-5337

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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5 of 5 stars
TacomaWATraveler   1 contribution
Tacoma, WA
Nov 16, 2009

This is a small zoo compared to a big-city zoo, or a large zoo, considering it is in Tacoma. A recently greatly expanded childrens area with various things to climb, jump and slide on is sure to tire out the little ones. Animals in this area are in enclosures that allow children (even babies) an excellent viewing experience. The aquarium... more

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4 of 5 stars
dmresource   2 contributions
San Ramon, CA
Oct 8, 2009

Having grown up in Tacoma, but moving away years ago, I was pleasantly surprised by the "new" Pt Defiance Zoo. It was very modern with lots of interactive areas for the little ones. With our admission, we also got free entrance to the aquarium and the carousel. All-in-all, a really fun time. more

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5 of 5 stars
HappyCamper03   12 contributions
USA
Aug 31, 2009

My husband and I were visiting Seattle and decided that we wanted to see a Zoo AND an Aquarium. So rather than pay for both places we decided to pay for the one (much cheaper) ticket to Point Defiance. Plus, we love sharks and they have a very large shark tank. The zoo is on the smaller side. And I... more

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4 of 5 stars
dallet6   24 contributions
dallet6
Aug 18, 2009

This is a smaller zoo, but it is an aquarium as well. The kids enjoy it and it can be done in a few hours if you only have half a day. When we were there last year the kids loved the beluga whales. They weren't there this year though and I heard one had died. That was a disappointment. more

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2 of 5 stars
ZooTravler   1 contribution
Texas
Aug 3, 2009

After just visting the Sacramento Zoo in California. I found Point Defiance lacking in animals, and the layout was odd. I won't be returning. Bears - 2 polar, 1 tiger. Where are the giraffes, multitude of monkeys, no apes. I thought their habitats were lacking. I felt sorry for the animals. more

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5 of 5 stars
travelinmom12   10 contributions
florida
Jul 27, 2009

open air, natural enclosures, beautiful setting. see penguins, bald eagles, budgies and raindeer. Kids will love this area w/a great mix of sea life and land life. has a pacific giant octopus. bring your walking shoes as it is in a park-like setting - on a hillside. we spent 5 hours there! more

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4 of 5 stars
ciera1love   14 contributions
Bulverde, Texas
Jul 8, 2009

I was at the park with my SO and 5 year old daughter June 26, 2009. She loved it, especially the play area for the kids. there are not enough water fountains in this park. Also, the beluga whale (Beethoven) is no longer there. He was moved to San antonio ( yea for me since that is close to me).... more

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4 of 5 stars
needypeople   9 contributions
Seattle
Aug 23, 2008

I took my mom and 2 year old daughter. It was a big enough place for both of them as they were both worn by the time we finished our stroll. It's a big park, but a small zoo. Not enough animal exhibits. All in all, however, a rather pleasant visit. We watched the outdoor exhibits show. It was entertaining... more

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4 of 5 stars
d3graphics   4 contributions
Detroit, Michigan
Aug 20, 2007
1/1 found this review helpful

As other members have written, this was a "cozy" zoo with a few choice animals in smaller enclosures. I felt that the size made it the perfect destination for a morning or afternoon walking tour (spent 2 and a half hours at a quick pace). I was impressed by the naturalists who had an owl and a snake out for... more

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4 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
Wahington
Apr 13, 2006
3/6 found this review helpful

Yesterday my friend and I took our two toddlers to the zoo, and we had an enjoyable time. I felt that our children had the opportunity to get up and close to the animals. We really enjoyed the beluga whale and the walrus. I think that this zoo is an excellent place to take toddlers because the zoo is smaller,... more

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Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Address

5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
Tel: 253-591-5337