Woodland Park Zoo is shifting to online ticketing to help ensure the best experience for guests and members before they even arrive at the 92-acre forest. 
 
Online ticketing will be in full effect starting June 1, 2026. Instead of purchasing tickets at zoo entrances, tickets should be purchased online by visiting tickets.zoo.org. Tickets will be available up to 60 days in advance and must include all guests, including children 2 years old and under (children under 2 are free but are still counted in overall attendance).  
 
Much like other cultural institutions including sporting and music venues, Woodland Park Zoo already has online-only ticketing for special events, such as ZooTunes and WildLanterns, and had online-only ticketing in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID. This model will be familiar to returning guests and members, reduces lines and wait times and creates opportunities for staff to provide more experience-enhancing customer service. 
 
“Moving admissions ticket purchases online will enable us to streamline entry to Woodland Park Zoo. The change aligns with advanced digital ticketing purchases already in place for several of our large events, such as ZooTunes concerts, Grazing at the Zoo and WildLanterns,” said Jacque Holowaty, Senior Director of Business Operations at Woodland Park Zoo. “Buying admission tickets online will help visitors save time, which translates to more time inside the zoo for creating fun and memorable experiences and connecting with animals and your loved ones.”
 
If guests arrive at the zoo without purchasing tickets online in advance, where can they purchase once at the zoo? Signage and guest services staff will be available to assist visitors with the QR code and online purchase process. Limited admissions booth access will remain available for accommodations and if other payment methods are required. 
 
Be sure to take a treetop journey through the all-new, multilevel Forest Trailhead for eye-level views of tree kangaroos and red pandas, clever keas, and a variety of reptiles, amphibians and fish species. 
 
Summer hours through Labor Day: 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. daily. Go to tickets.zoo.org to purchase zoo admission tickets online. Visit www.zoo.org/directions for parking fees.
 
Children 2 and under are free to the zoo and zoo members receive free unlimited admission to the zoo year-round. Member reservations are not required for daytime admission. Visit all summer long by becoming a member: www.zoo.org/membership.
Discount for persons with disabilities: $2 off regular admission, 1:1 aides are free. For information about disability accommodations and other safety protocols, see the Guest FAQ at www.zoo.org/visit/faq.
 
Information about accessibility and resources, one-to-one aides, sighted guides, mobility equipment rentals, and a sensory map and tools can be found at www.zoo.org/access. ADA ramp access for Historic Carousel. For questions or to request disability accommodations for zoo programs or events, contact zooinfo@zoo.org.
 
Enter Woodland Park through the West Entrance at 5500 Phinney Ave. N. or South Entrance at 750 N. 50th St., Seattle, WA 98103.