Engaging Winter Break Activities for Families Around Seattle and Beyond

Spy some new and favorite critters during these animal encounters.

• Unusual animal encounters: There are six local spots where you can encounter unique animals, from an adorable prehensile-tailed porcupine to a formidable blacktip reef shark. The kids will have incredible stories to share with their friends when they return to school!
• Northwest Trek: Visit Northwest Trek to spot fascinating wildlife. If you time your visit right, you can watch as wolves, cougars, badgers and beavers enjoy special winter treats during Winter Wildland (Dec. 26–28). On your visit, be sure to take an electric tram ride (included with admission!) and travel slowly past amazing animals, such as elk, mountain goats, bison and more.
• Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: There’s lots to love at PDZA, including the new Coral Reef Up-Close exhibit in the Tropical Reef Aquarium. Explore it all, and make sure to budget time for the kids to get their winter break wiggles out on the nature-inspired playground.
• WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo: Woodland Park Zoo’s winter light display showcases critters from near and far, with a sneak peek of the upcoming Forest Trailhead exhibit. Plus, the zoo’s Reptile Realm is open in the evenings, giving you a chance to see Komodo dragons, snakes and other reptiles during the nightly light display.
• Seattle Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion: Just last year, Seattle Aquarium expanded with an incredible space that brings the Indo-Pacific and Coral Triangle to the Pacific Northwest. Watch eagle rays glide through a 500,000-gallon tank, see coral up close and learn how the oceans are all connected.