Lakeshore Learning Store
Wanted! Creative Preschool Picassos to take free art classes offered every Saturday at the Lakeshore Learning Materials Store in Bellevue.
Woodland Park Zoo
Many preschoolers have already been to the Seattle Woodland Park Zoo, so let’s investigate Doing the Zoo a bit differently!
NW Puppet Center
The NW Puppet Center’s Marionettes have been professionally entertaining Seattle preschoolers with their exciting puppet shows since 1986.
Woodland Park Zoo
by Pam Koons
Many preschoolers and their families have already been to the Seattle Woodland Park Zoo; so let’s investigate “Doing the Zoo” a bit differently! We have highlighted some creative ways for preschoolers to explore Seattle’s legendary animal environment.
Woodland Park Zoo Highlights
To start your journey, did you know that Woodland Park is an actual park? This beautiful park adjacent to the Zoo has been left natural, with its large grassy hills for preschoolers to roll down, picnic shelters, a dog off-leash area, a children’s play area and gentle pathways that take them to the Zoo. If you park here, your Zoo parking is free.
Next stop, the Woodland Park Rose Garden is a sight and smell not to miss! Over 260 varieties of roses will tickle your preschooler’s senses. June through August is the best time to see the roses in bloom. Fountains and benches provide a nice rest stop; and the Zoo is right next door.
Need a unique reason to visit the Zoo? Your preschooler can become a Zoo Parent and adopt any one of their many animals. Do this ahead of time so you can go see your child’s new friend. Get a discount if you are a Zoo member!
Spend a “grey Seattle day” at the Zoo. Don’t let the rain stop your preschooler from having fun! Take a ‘rainy day” tour map with you and come explore 11 different indoor Zoo villages. Don’t forget to play in one of the best indoor Zoo attractions, Zoomazium, an interactive hands-on nature play area for children ages 8 and younger. You’ll want to spend at least an hour or more here. The activities will educate and challenge your preschooler (three-story tree, trail mountain, climbing wall, boulder scramble, swinging rope and more), but know they are all kid-tested and approved.
Visit the Zoo feedings during the week. Treat your preschooler to the many animal feedings in and around the park villages. The Zookeepers ham it up for the audience, so make sure to check their feeding schedule (penguins, ocelots, piranhas, bears, crocodiles and more).
Feed a Giraffe at 10 and 3 pm daily, $5 per person; but note the giraffes are sometimes reluctant to feed! Also, don’t let your preschooler miss out on feeding the parakeets for $1 a stick, and then watch the birds fly all around you.
Watch for roaming peacocks as they will eat pretty much anything your preschooler will feed them! If you wait long enough, you may see a peacock fan their tail!
Be one with the butterflies! Experience the most satisfying feelings of being surrounded by the 1,000 magical flying creatures. If your preschooler is very quiet, a butterfly will likely land on their hand. This is a very special indoor summer exhibit not to be missed! After that, take a ride on the 48-horse Carousel (small fee) with your preschooler. It’s a nice relaxing break during your visit.
Write Hansa a sympathy card while at the Zoo. Hansa is the six and a half year old Asian Elephant who recently passed away. Your preschooler's message can be displayed at the Hansa Memorial.
Make an African necklace. "Upapi" means "beading" in Swahili. Your preschooler can make their own beaded bracelet in the African Village from 11 to 3 pm daily ($3 per bracelet). Note: This activity is better suited for preschoolers four years old and up.
Zoo Tips for Parents
Warning! The Zoo Store can be quite a temptation! Taking your preschooler into this incredible store will evoke many squeals of “I want this!” and “Please buy me that!”
Free Zoo parking! Take a short pathway walk from Woodland Park to the Zoo for a savings on parking. I-5 S. to NE 50th St (exit #169), go W. to the S. entry at N. 50th St. and Phinney Ave. N.
General Information about the Seattle Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave. N. (map)
Hours: 9:30- 6:00
Parking: $4 per car in Zoo lot
Phone: 206.233.2660
Cost: $15/ages 13-64, $13/ages 65+ (or w/ disabilities), $10/ages 3-12, Toddlers free!
Zoomazium
Hours: 9:30-6:00
Phone: 206-684-4800
Cost: Free with general admission