Blue Zoo
4
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Looking for fun things to do in Spokane? Blue Zoo! Our mission is to educate and inspire in a fun, hands-on environment! See jellyfish, clownfish, seahorses, an octopus and sharks! Touch and feed stingray, birds and lizards! Enjoy a 24 foot pirate ship and 2 water tables. Looking for fun things to do in Spokane? We’re More Than an Aquarium, More Than a Zoo! Attractions include: Stingray Touch Pool Starfish Touch Tank Touch and Feed Bird Room Touch and Feed Lizard Center Predator Tank Reef Tank The beautiful Fish Only Tank Clownfish Tank Giant River Tank Mermaid Meet and Greet Pirate Show Shark Tank Fresh Water Center including: Discus, Axolotl and Archerfish Located at Northtown Mall
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
25 reviews
Excellent
17
Very good
1
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Eric E.
1 contribution
Jul 2022
It's an aquarium in a mall. Seems some people have their expectations way too high, upon reading reviews. Numerous interactive activities. You're dead inside if petting and feeding a stingray isn't worth $20. Everything is very clean. The tanks are clean, the glass is clean, the floor is clean, nice job to the employees! The critters are very active and alert. Some times I felt I was on the wrong side of the glass as more than one big fish eyed me up and down. This is a special treat for Spokane, and I'm glad it's here. Animal awareness helps the next generation appreciate our planet even more.
I'm an adult, I had fun. I'd recommend timing your visits to when there might be fewer young children there. And don't take a big group of children with you, they will scatter to all the many different things to do.
I'm an adult, I had fun. I'd recommend timing your visits to when there might be fewer young children there. And don't take a big group of children with you, they will scatter to all the many different things to do.
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for this detailed review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our aquarium so much! We're happy that you had a great interactive experience and learned so much about our animals along the way! We cannot wait to see you again soon!
Written September 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
redhead_roaming
Seattle, WA2,574 contributions
Jul 2021
I read a lot of negative reviews but since there was so little to do in Spokane, we still decided to come here anyway. We really enjoyed the experience but I honestly was so focused on making sure my toddling toddlers didn't fall down that I didn't pay too much attention to the actual animals.
Blue Zoo is in a shopping mall. There were very few parking spots left but yet, the mall seemed to be empty. I have no idea where all the people who were parked in the mall parking lot were at!
As with most petting aquariums, the height of the exhibit combined with the depth of the water is never sufficient for kids. We paid for some shrimp to feed the stingrays but the kids didn't understand how to feed them and couldn't reach the stingrays.
When we arrived, there was a mermaid reading a story to the kids. Again, my kids didn't care but it was nice to see. I have no idea if there's a schedule for that. My kids really enjoyed splashing at the water table. We went inside the bird part and it was really cool to interact with the birds but they let way too many people in for such a small space (especially during Covid). Some of the fish exhibits had these large steps so you could better see the fish - my son really liked that!
I was in the bathroom (quite a walk from Blue Zoo) when my husband paid so I'm not sure how much it was but considering the size, it was probably too much. But we also had small kids that really couldn't do too much there. I would say 3-10 is probably a great age range.
Blue Zoo is in a shopping mall. There were very few parking spots left but yet, the mall seemed to be empty. I have no idea where all the people who were parked in the mall parking lot were at!
As with most petting aquariums, the height of the exhibit combined with the depth of the water is never sufficient for kids. We paid for some shrimp to feed the stingrays but the kids didn't understand how to feed them and couldn't reach the stingrays.
When we arrived, there was a mermaid reading a story to the kids. Again, my kids didn't care but it was nice to see. I have no idea if there's a schedule for that. My kids really enjoyed splashing at the water table. We went inside the bird part and it was really cool to interact with the birds but they let way too many people in for such a small space (especially during Covid). Some of the fish exhibits had these large steps so you could better see the fish - my son really liked that!
I was in the bathroom (quite a walk from Blue Zoo) when my husband paid so I'm not sure how much it was but considering the size, it was probably too much. But we also had small kids that really couldn't do too much there. I would say 3-10 is probably a great age range.
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your feedback and sharing about your time with us. We are different from your traditional aquarium providing hands on, education learning opportunities for all ages. We do offer discounts from time to time that we hope you can take advantage of. Day passes include access to all animal exhibits, play areas and showtimes and are good for all day. You can find our showtime schedule for each week on our website and social pages. We hope this helps and we hope to see you again soon!
Written April 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shanna A
1 contribution
Aug 2019
I have visited Blue Zoo a few times now and I still love it. The bat rays are so friendly and love to be petted. They are very soft to the touch and are just outright cool. I love the darker room with the different fish tanks as it is very peaceful to watch the different fish. The octopus is really cool and has gotten bigger each time I have gone. The Aviary has so many birds and they will just land on you. One even started taking a nap on my arm and others made a bird huddle on and around my foot. It was amazing! Blue Zoo keeps improving and adding more animals every time I go. I love this place and will continue to be a Season Ticket holder and will go back whenever I can. It is a small Aquarium but in a city without anything of it's kind I absolutely love it. I hope in time they expand and get bigger!
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shanna, thank you so much for your kind words. We're so glad that when you're looking for fun things to do in Spokane, you choose us! We look forward to seeing you often on your annual pass!
Written March 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JanetNewton
Spokane Valley, WA56 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Blue Zoo offers a good variety of experiences for a small aquarium. I have a year pass with my grandchildren. Although many of the fish are small at this point, they will grow. My kids love to touch the creatures in the small tanks, they love high fiving the Ray's, they like being nibbled by the skin cleaning fish, the water tables and play area are a big hit, and they LOVE the bird room. I like that the animals are protected by staff and that washing stations keep our hands and the tanks clean. It's a wonderful experience anytime, but an especially good escape in the dreary winter months.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Janet, thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're so glad that you can enjoy family time with the grands, with us!
Written February 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Margie Ludemann
Crescent City, CA1 contribution
Sep 2019
All the hands on things to do with the kids - feeding birds, sting rays petting some of the animals and getting to put your hand in the tank to hold a starfish - the kids and yes the adults also had a great time.
The staff is awesome. The will take the time to explain or reassure that its ok to let the sting ray eat out of your hand.
The staff is awesome. The will take the time to explain or reassure that its ok to let the sting ray eat out of your hand.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Margie, thank you for sharing your experience. We're so glad that, when you're looking for fun things to do in Spokane, that you've chosen us!
Written February 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dana R
18 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
We are annual pass holders, so we go frequently. Our favorite things to do are feeding the stingrays and the parakeets in the bird room. The displays are excellent, and the whole place is very hands-on. There are lots of different activities for the kids to do. We love the reptile room and the roaming tortoise! There is something for everyone at The Blue Zoo.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dana, thank you so much for sharing! We appreciate being one of your fun things to do in Spokane!!
Written February 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Katie
1 contribution
Oct 2020
My son and I visited Blue Zoo and was horrified at the treatment of the fish and reptiles there. The tortoise was clearly under a significant amount of stress to the point that it was banging its head and shell against a wall, desperately trying to get out of the enclosure. Kids were running all of the place, banging on aquariums, and screaming. The place was totally out of control and negatively impacting the vulnerable animals there. Clearly, quality of life for the fish, reptiles, and birds were low priority because cold blooded animals and fish are excluded from protections under the Animal Welfare Act.
DO NOT VISIT THIS ZOO. I learned that by purchasing a ticket or becoming a pass holder, you are directly contributing the the mistreatment of animals.
Additionally, the place was PACKED with people and mask laws were not enforced despite the city's increase in COVID rates. I sent a complaint to Blue Zoom about my experience and have not received a response.
DO NOT VISIT THIS ZOO.
DO NOT VISIT THIS ZOO. I learned that by purchasing a ticket or becoming a pass holder, you are directly contributing the the mistreatment of animals.
Additionally, the place was PACKED with people and mask laws were not enforced despite the city's increase in COVID rates. I sent a complaint to Blue Zoom about my experience and have not received a response.
DO NOT VISIT THIS ZOO.
Written October 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pam W
Coeur d'Alene, ID129 contributions
Sep 2019
We had promised our grandkids a trip to Blue Zoo when it opened....we waited awhile to let the crowds die down....so we went in September. Still crowded (which is good for the owner) and very obvious it's understaffed.
The price was really steep for what you get.....basically a bunch of aquarium tanks and a walk in bird closet.
The big pull for us adults was the possibility of seeing an octopus....nope, didn't happen. There is none. There's a space for one but that's it.
The interactive pool with the sting rays was mind boggling at best.....we saw one employee for this whole area and not one word about how to treat the rays was mentioned by her. (yes, we watched the very short video at the entrance of the aquarium but that didn't really go into much detail about how to interract with the rays)
There were way too many small children without adult supervision just poking at the rays.
The washing hands station was very inadequately equipped for the small crowd in there the day we visited so I can't imagine what it's like when it's at capacity.
For what was available,over priced definitely!
Would I recommend or go again....no.
The price was really steep for what you get.....basically a bunch of aquarium tanks and a walk in bird closet.
The big pull for us adults was the possibility of seeing an octopus....nope, didn't happen. There is none. There's a space for one but that's it.
The interactive pool with the sting rays was mind boggling at best.....we saw one employee for this whole area and not one word about how to treat the rays was mentioned by her. (yes, we watched the very short video at the entrance of the aquarium but that didn't really go into much detail about how to interract with the rays)
There were way too many small children without adult supervision just poking at the rays.
The washing hands station was very inadequately equipped for the small crowd in there the day we visited so I can't imagine what it's like when it's at capacity.
For what was available,over priced definitely!
Would I recommend or go again....no.
Written October 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pam, thank you for your feedback. Our aquarium director would welcome the opportunity to speak with you directly at spokanedirector@bluezoo.us. Thank you
Written February 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yvonne
2 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
I am visiting family with my daughter, and while waiting for dinner reservations yesterday (a Friday), we were all looking for something to do. I understand that there is not much for families with small children to do in Spokane, and at first this seems like a reasonable idea. And, if you’ve never been to an established zoological aquarium you might be impressed.
You know you’re in for a “for-profit” experience when the entrance and exit is a gift shop, and there’s a 10min video that has the owner talking more about himself than the rules of the aquarium (and there are only 3, and they are woefully inadequate).
The aquarium tanks were OK but more like large scale mediocre hobbyist aquariums in terms of set up and animal enrichment. Jellyfish are notoriously hard to care for, as evidenced by some dead floaters in the jelly tank. The website boasts of an octopus tank but there was no octopus. The shark tank is devoid of any environment, it’s just small sharks in a plain diving tank.
Here’s the big reason this gets one star from me on Google: the “interactive” starfish tank, ray tank/pool, bird area.
The starfish tank: you should NEVER take a starfish out of the water as this can make them sick and they can even die from too much air exposure. That this is even an option is appalling. Gentle touches under the water is ok. Removing them is not, and visitors are encouraged to take them out of the water. The only staff person I saw supervising was the same staff member who was earlier guarding the door before the video at the entrance.
Ray tank: on the surface this is a great idea, but only if you have the proper protocols and protections for the rays. There was ONE blue-shirt staff person who looked to be 18 years old, who seemed to be completely intimidated by 30 adults and children surrounding the tank. I was infuriated by several children (and some adults) jabbing their whole hands at the rays repeatedly. Two preteen boys were putting their hands under the rays to lift them out of the water and trying to grab their tails. I alerted the staff person and he said “I’ll keep an eye on them,” and proceeded to say nothing as the boys continued to do this. Eventually a black-shirt staff person rebuked the boy (the other one wandered off) and walked away. When you visit aquariums established with marine zoology-trained staff, they watch visitors like a hawk and remove visitors who do not follow the rules on touching the rays: ONLY two-finger touches and absolutely no grabbing, jabbing, or putting hands underneath the animals. These rules don’t exist at BlueZoo, only to be “gentle with the animals.”
Bird area: honestly If I wasn’t too infuriated by the ray tank to even look at the birds. My family member said that it was “depressing and inadequate.”
While the staff is friendly, there doesn’t seem to be enough staff for the volume of visitors. The blue shirt staff do not appear adequately trained in either animal care or rebuking visitors who do not follow the rules, and the black-shirt staff (I’m assuming supervisors) seem pretty absent from the floor.
Lastly, $16 per adult and $13 for a child seems pretty steep for one big room with inadequate aquarium tanks, woeful interactive areas, and a giant play area (considering the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is just $3 more for adults for a full-day experience and animal conservation programs). My family was extremely disappointed and requested a refund, and after a 3-person staff huddle we were given cash ... we paid via card.
If this “aquarium” didn’t have the interactive animal areas, and were a little cheaper, it would be better. My daughter did enjoy the water tables and pirate ship. But an indoor playground is just outside at the main entrance to the mall, and we spent more time there afterward.
You know you’re in for a “for-profit” experience when the entrance and exit is a gift shop, and there’s a 10min video that has the owner talking more about himself than the rules of the aquarium (and there are only 3, and they are woefully inadequate).
The aquarium tanks were OK but more like large scale mediocre hobbyist aquariums in terms of set up and animal enrichment. Jellyfish are notoriously hard to care for, as evidenced by some dead floaters in the jelly tank. The website boasts of an octopus tank but there was no octopus. The shark tank is devoid of any environment, it’s just small sharks in a plain diving tank.
Here’s the big reason this gets one star from me on Google: the “interactive” starfish tank, ray tank/pool, bird area.
The starfish tank: you should NEVER take a starfish out of the water as this can make them sick and they can even die from too much air exposure. That this is even an option is appalling. Gentle touches under the water is ok. Removing them is not, and visitors are encouraged to take them out of the water. The only staff person I saw supervising was the same staff member who was earlier guarding the door before the video at the entrance.
Ray tank: on the surface this is a great idea, but only if you have the proper protocols and protections for the rays. There was ONE blue-shirt staff person who looked to be 18 years old, who seemed to be completely intimidated by 30 adults and children surrounding the tank. I was infuriated by several children (and some adults) jabbing their whole hands at the rays repeatedly. Two preteen boys were putting their hands under the rays to lift them out of the water and trying to grab their tails. I alerted the staff person and he said “I’ll keep an eye on them,” and proceeded to say nothing as the boys continued to do this. Eventually a black-shirt staff person rebuked the boy (the other one wandered off) and walked away. When you visit aquariums established with marine zoology-trained staff, they watch visitors like a hawk and remove visitors who do not follow the rules on touching the rays: ONLY two-finger touches and absolutely no grabbing, jabbing, or putting hands underneath the animals. These rules don’t exist at BlueZoo, only to be “gentle with the animals.”
Bird area: honestly If I wasn’t too infuriated by the ray tank to even look at the birds. My family member said that it was “depressing and inadequate.”
While the staff is friendly, there doesn’t seem to be enough staff for the volume of visitors. The blue shirt staff do not appear adequately trained in either animal care or rebuking visitors who do not follow the rules, and the black-shirt staff (I’m assuming supervisors) seem pretty absent from the floor.
Lastly, $16 per adult and $13 for a child seems pretty steep for one big room with inadequate aquarium tanks, woeful interactive areas, and a giant play area (considering the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is just $3 more for adults for a full-day experience and animal conservation programs). My family was extremely disappointed and requested a refund, and after a 3-person staff huddle we were given cash ... we paid via card.
If this “aquarium” didn’t have the interactive animal areas, and were a little cheaper, it would be better. My daughter did enjoy the water tables and pirate ship. But an indoor playground is just outside at the main entrance to the mall, and we spent more time there afterward.
Written August 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Yvonne, thank you for sharing your feedback, we appreciate hearing from you. We're glad that your daughter had fun and would like to share that we've passed all animal care inspections and have a full, certified animal husbandry team that cares for the health and safety of our animals. Our Aquarium Director encourages you to reach out to him directly to hear more details about your concerns. Please email him directly at spokanedirector@bluezoo.us.
Written September 2, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AaronandRosie
Puyallup, WA15 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
The Blue Zoo is an aquarium/petting zoo (kind of) that is located inside the mall. We visited just a couple of days after it opened, so they are undoubtedly still working out the kinks.
When you enter, they have folks line up to go into a video room. They form a group, shut the door, and everyone watches a ~2 minute video explaining why the owner created the "zoo."
When the video ends, you can exit the opposite doors and enter the aquarium (as a new group enters the video room). The idea of breaking the flow up makes sense in theory, but makes it difficult when trying to enjoy the animals as "waves" (pun not intended) of folks enter at a time totally crowding the space and creating a pressure to move along.
There are quite a few baby fish and other sea creatures, but the aquarium space isn't very large.
From the aquarium area, you enter a room with two small and one large tide pool. Thankfully they seem to do a pretty good job making sure folks wash their hands so the animals don't get sick. The pools are pretty neat, and the gals "manning" the small pools were knowledgeable and friendly. The big tide pool has rays in it you can pet as well, but most littles can't reach them because the pool is deep (which I think is good for limiting what the rays have to deal with every day I'm sure).
There was a worker running a water vacuum around constantly which made sense as folks walked around with dripping hands, but they also about ran into us a few times. There were far too many people allowed in the space at once time -- and with that, the vacuum running around was a big pain.
Further in is a water table great for the younger set, as well as a cage filled with birds you can walk into and feed. They have a small reptile area, a pirate ship jungle jim, and a big shark tank with tiny little sharks (black tip reef sharks, I believe). There is also a river tank you can view fresh water fish in, and a pool of "manicure fish" you can dip your hands in.
This place is an interesting mix of a few different things - what with the birds and reptiles mixed in. But the price to get in was more than our local zoo that offers a full day of animal sighting fun as well as a large remodeled aquarium, so this seemed a bit...odd.
We spent roughly an hour there, but many with older children would make it through even quicker...which makes the price tag a bit questionable. We don't regret going, by any means, but wouldn't spend that again on tickets. It's one of those "we've seen it once and now we are done" places.
Overall, if asked what it was like, I would simply say it's an aquarium in a mall..and it definitely feels like a shopping mall aquarium. Fun for a bit, but very different.
When you enter, they have folks line up to go into a video room. They form a group, shut the door, and everyone watches a ~2 minute video explaining why the owner created the "zoo."
When the video ends, you can exit the opposite doors and enter the aquarium (as a new group enters the video room). The idea of breaking the flow up makes sense in theory, but makes it difficult when trying to enjoy the animals as "waves" (pun not intended) of folks enter at a time totally crowding the space and creating a pressure to move along.
There are quite a few baby fish and other sea creatures, but the aquarium space isn't very large.
From the aquarium area, you enter a room with two small and one large tide pool. Thankfully they seem to do a pretty good job making sure folks wash their hands so the animals don't get sick. The pools are pretty neat, and the gals "manning" the small pools were knowledgeable and friendly. The big tide pool has rays in it you can pet as well, but most littles can't reach them because the pool is deep (which I think is good for limiting what the rays have to deal with every day I'm sure).
There was a worker running a water vacuum around constantly which made sense as folks walked around with dripping hands, but they also about ran into us a few times. There were far too many people allowed in the space at once time -- and with that, the vacuum running around was a big pain.
Further in is a water table great for the younger set, as well as a cage filled with birds you can walk into and feed. They have a small reptile area, a pirate ship jungle jim, and a big shark tank with tiny little sharks (black tip reef sharks, I believe). There is also a river tank you can view fresh water fish in, and a pool of "manicure fish" you can dip your hands in.
This place is an interesting mix of a few different things - what with the birds and reptiles mixed in. But the price to get in was more than our local zoo that offers a full day of animal sighting fun as well as a large remodeled aquarium, so this seemed a bit...odd.
We spent roughly an hour there, but many with older children would make it through even quicker...which makes the price tag a bit questionable. We don't regret going, by any means, but wouldn't spend that again on tickets. It's one of those "we've seen it once and now we are done" places.
Overall, if asked what it was like, I would simply say it's an aquarium in a mall..and it definitely feels like a shopping mall aquarium. Fun for a bit, but very different.
Written August 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aaron and Rosie, thank you for sharing your feedback. Your honest opinion is greatly valued. The majority of our most enthusiastic patrons are those with children who see the aww and wonder of seeing over 200 species of animals, touching and feeding stingray, birds and lizards as well as our two water/science tables, pirate ship, pirate show and mermaid meet and greet. Thank you again.
Written September 2, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Billy Amy S
Billings, MT
I live in Montana and would like to know how I can purchase a gift card/certificate for relatives who love in Spokane??
tmokes
Spokane, WA116 contributions
Have you called them? I bet they can help you over the phone.
Blue Zoo (Spokane) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Blue Zoo
- Blue Zoo is open:
- Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Mon - Thu 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Fri - Sat 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Hotels near Blue Zoo:
- (1.90 mi) Quality Inn Oakwood
- (2.74 mi) Oxford Suites Spokane
- (2.90 mi) Best Western Plus Spokane North
- (3.34 mi) The Montvale Hotel
- (2.68 mi) Holiday Inn Express Spokane-Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- Restaurants near Blue Zoo:
- (0.04 mi) Bonefish Grill
- (0.08 mi) Mustard Seed
- (0.04 mi) Outback Steakhouse
- (0.05 mi) Cinnabon
- (0.07 mi) Taco Time
- Attractions near Blue Zoo:
- (0.11 mi) Northtown Mall
- (0.11 mi) Get Air Spokane
- (1.58 mi) Escape Entertainment
- (0.44 mi) See's Candies
- (3.39 mi) Mica Moon Zip Tours