Woodland Park Zoo: Seattle’s Urban Safari (with a Side of Nostalgia)

Nestled near downtown, Woodland Park Zoo was a 2012 highlight for me—but this revisit with my kiddo left us both a little… underwhelmed. 😕🦥 Where did all the animals go? Maybe we’ve been spoiled by zoos in China (kiddo’s new fave: Nantong Forest Wildlife Park! 🐯🇨🇳). Adult me still misses Nanjing Hongshan Zoo. 🐼💔 But hey, unique regional animals shine here—think creatures you won’t find in Singapore or Osaka. 🐿️🌲 🎫 The Deets Tickets: 31adults,18 kids. We used the Seattle City Pass—scan QR code at entry. 📱🎫 Food: The zoo café SLAPS. 🍔😋 Kid’s cheesy quesadilla = 10/10. Scan codes to see pics before ordering! 📱📸 Shows: Wildlife Theater rocks! 11:30am & 2pm daily. We caught the 2pm—30 mins of up-close animal magic. 🎭🐾 🎨 Extra Fun Bathrooms: Plentiful. Phew. 🚾👌 Snacks: Ice cream BEANS?! Yes. 7small,9 large. Mix flavors! 🍦🔥 Face painting: For the mini explorers. 🎨🧒 🎁 Pro Tip Free stickers: Kids, ask staff! They’ll point you to the sticker guru. 🦒🎁 Exit survey: 2-minute quiz (in Chinese too!). Finish = MORE stickers! 📋🐾 Though it’s shrunk since my 2012 visit, Woodland Park still charms with unique critters, quirky eats, and little surprises. 🦒🏙️ #SeattleLife #FamilyTravel #ZooAdventures