Woodland Park Zoo
Area: Phinney Ridge, Seattle
Details: Seattle's most well-known wildlife park offers expertly landscaped enclosures, a variety of habitats, educational programs, and of course Hansa, the baby elephant born in the zoo early in 2001.
Admission runs between $8 and $10.

Seattle Aquarium
Area: Seattle Waterfront
Details: From a 400,000-gallon underwater dome that puts visitors in front of schools of king salmon, reef sharks and other local marine life to a variety of classes and hands-on activities, Seattle Aquarium has a little aquatic something for everyone, adults and children alike.
Admission runs $6 to $7.

Point Defiance Zoo
Area: Tacoma
Details: Point Defiance Zoo has had a bumpy ride lately, but with new, voter-approved funding has plans to build on an already cherished institution that showcases polar bears, beluga whales, penguins and more.
Admission ranges from $4.50 to $7.75

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Area: Tacoma / Eatonville
Details: One of the area's most overlooked preserves is located a short drive from Tacoma and offers a diverse collection of native wildlife in natural, expansive settings. Bears, big cats, wolves, owls, eagles, bison, moose and much more can be viewed both on foot and on tram tours.
Admission ranges from $4 to $8.75.

Wolf Haven
Area: Tenino
Details: One of the world's leading wolf sanctuaries and preservation institutions is located right here in Western Washington. Offering a behind-the-scenes look at the facility's operations, Wolf Haven offers the opportunity to see the elusive wolf up close and personal.
Admission runs $5 to $7.

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