It’s the baby season at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. During a tour of the 435-acre Free-Roaming Area, guests can try to spot Roosevelt elk calves, black-tailed deer fawns, and two bison calves. Plus, a bonus: wild ducklings occasionally make an appearance in the Free-Roaming Area wetlands. The Free-Roaming Area is home to herds of bison, elk, deer, caribou, bighorn sheep, moose, and other animals that wander at will through the gorgeous landscape. Roosevelt elk (named for President Theodore Roosevelt) are social, polygamous members of the deer family that can form huge herds. They breed from September through November, and after …

This fall, the forests and pathways of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park will become the stomping grounds for giants. Beginning Oct. 15, guests can step into TROLLS: A Field Study, an immersive outdoor art experience featuring 12 towering troll sculptures hidden throughout the landscapes of both parks- making them the first locations in the Pacific Northwest to host these larger-than-life trolls. Set among towering evergreens, winding trails, and native wildlife habitats, the exhibition transforms the Northwest scenery into a whimsical world where folklore, nature, and imagination collide. Created by internationally acclaimed Danish artist Thomas Dambo …

This summer, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium invite guests to celebrate wildlife, community, and unforgettable outdoor experiences with a vibrant lineup of events and activities. “Summer at Northwest Trek and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is all about bringing people together through shared experiences with wildlife, nature and community,” said Parks Tacoma’s Park Board President Matt Mauer. “From Pride celebrations and Slug Fest to immersive wildlife adventures and family-friendly programs, these events create meaningful opportunities for guests of all ages to connect with the natural world and make lasting memories.” PRIDE CELEBRATIONS AT BOTH ZOOS …

More than 1,160 observers took part in this year’s City Nature Challenge spanning King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties, including Everett, Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Snohomish and communities throughout the region. Between April 24 and April 27, community scientists shared 17,300 nature observations and identified 1,788 species, documenting the incredible biodiversity found across the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area. “This year’s City Nature Challenge once again demonstrated the passion our community has for nature and wildlife,” said Zachary Hawn, Conservation Coordinator at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. “Every observation contributes valuable scientific data that helps researchers, land managers and …

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is expanding its immersive lodging program, with reservations now open. Northwest Trek Lakeside Lodging features three unique accommodations set within the wildlife park’s breathtaking 435-acre Free-Roaming Area. Last year marked the first time guests could stay overnight at Northwest Trek, with the debut of the Lakeside Lodging A-Frame. Due to its resounding success, two new options have been added for the upcoming season, giving guests even more ways to experience the wildlife park after hours. Northwest Trek Lakeside Lodging is located under towering Douglas fir trees and perched above the tranquil waters of Horseshoe Lake. Guests …

When it’s wet and cold outside, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and meet amazing animals! Step inside the E.H. Baker Cabin Step inside the cozy forest cabin to get an up-close look at the gray wolf habitat. Climb into a tunnel to get nose-to-nose with a gray wolf (through a window). You might even catch a howl or two! Visit the Cheney Discovery Center Guests of all ages will discover a tiny world of reptiles and amphibians like a garter snake, northern leopard frogs, rough-skinned news, and more inside the Cheney Discovery Center. While …

As the Seattle Seahawks clinch the division and head into the playoffs, Pierce County zoos are gearing up to bring that same energy to wildlife fans across the region. Starting Friday, January 9, fans sporting Seahawks gear will score $5 off general admission at both Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Whether you’re fired up for touchdowns or wild about wildlife, both zoos are ready to bring the energy of game day to the animal kingdom. Simply show your Seahawks jersey, hat, or other gear at the front gate to receive the discount. Details: $5 off …

Connecting with nature does not always require hiking boots or a drive through the park. Sometimes, all it takes is an internet connection and a curious mind. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park’s Online Wildlife Academy brings the stories of Pacific Northwest wildlife straight to you. These live, interactive programs are led by one of the wildlife park’s expert naturalists and are designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and inspire a lasting connection to the natural world. Even better, these programs are now completely free to book. During each session, participants can explore the lives of native animals, learn how they adapt …

 Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is welcoming winter with two highly anticipated experiences: the return of Winter Wildland from December 26–28 and the launch of the 2026 season of Dog Days, beginning January 4, 2026. Both events invite guests to enjoy the beauty of the wildlife park and its animals in immersive, festive, and family-friendly ways. WINTER WILDLAND: December 26–28 | 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Step into a sparkling winter wildland wonderland filled with festive décor and crisp mountain air, while watching animals discover seasonal enrichment items crafted by animal care staff. These enrichments encourage natural behaviors like foraging, …

For the holidays this year, consider gifting those close to you something wildly fun to experience together at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium or Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Get up close to a moose, pet a goat (in a holiday coat!) or touch a jellyfish. 1. Enjoy Zoolights Give a magical evening of holiday wonder with tickets to Zoolights. Your loved ones can explore seas of dazzling lights, be mesmerized by classic animal displays (like a 100-foot-wide giant Pacific octopus!) and warm up with tasty treats. Don’t forget to hunt for Sasquatch. Zoolights runs from Nov. 28-Jan. 4, with a …