Birthday Roars & Ocean Floors: A Wild Day at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

This past Saturday, we celebrated my sister’s 35th birthday with a family trip to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium—and it turned into one of those magical summer outings that hits all the right notes. Laughter, learning, animal encounters, and memories made with the people we love most.

The day was packed with adventure, and we explored it all—from underwater wonders to forest predators, and everything in between.

🐠 We Started with the Sea

The aquarium exhibits were our first stop—and a perfect way to ease into the day. The kids were instantly mesmerized by the colorful tropical fish, swimming in schools and glowing under the water’s soft blue light.

We followed the flow right into the shark tunnel, where sleek silhouettes passed overhead in a quiet, almost eerie glide. It’s hard not to be impressed by those predators when they’re just a few feet away.

🐒 The Gibbons Got Us Moving

After leaving the calm of the aquarium, we made our way outdoors to meet the gibbons—swinging, hooting, and putting on a show. These small apes brought the energy up, delighting everyone with their acrobatics and loud calls echoing through the trees.

🐅 Tigers in the Grass

One of our most memorable stops was the Sumatran tiger exhibit. We spotted this big cat stretched out in the tall summer grass, clearly unbothered by our presence. Powerful, elegant, and completely captivating.

Later, we spotted a tiger napping up high while we posed for photos. It was the perfect birthday photo bomb—an apex predator casually snoozing behind our smiles.

🌲 Clouded Leopard in the Canopy

Next came one of the most visually stunning animals of the day—the clouded leopard. With its smoke-patterned fur and intense stare, it felt like we were watching a living work of art creep through the trees.

🧩 Maze Time!

After the big cats, we all burned off energy in the zoo’s maze—a hidden gem that turned into a fun pit stop. We raced, we jumped like kangaroos, we laughed, and probably got a little lost… we loved every minute.

🌊 Jellyfish & Stingrays

We circled to the new aquarium to visit the jellyfish, gently pulsing in glowing tanks like something out of a dream. Afterward, we had the chance to touch live anemone—soft, slippery, and surprisingly friendly. We were bummed to see the hammerheads are gone, though.

🦦 Otters, Twice as Nice

Our first encounter with the sea otters left us all smiling. Watching them float, flip, and crack shells on their bellies was pure joy. But the second time around—yes, we had to visit them again up top—they were even more active. Clearly crowd favorites.

🐋 Walruses, Penguins & Puffins

The walruses made a massive impression... literally. Their size and blubbery charm had everyone pressed against the glass. Then it was on to the penguins and puffins, both waddling and diving like pros. These animals had personality, and the kids couldn’t stop giggling.

🐂 Muskox in the Meadows

As we wandered toward the end of the day, the pace slowed at the muskox enclosure. These wooly giants were grazing quietly, offering a peaceful moment after all the high-energy excitement.

🐺 A Quiet Farewell from the Red Wolves

Our last stop was one of the most meaningful: the red wolves. Endangered and elusive, they reminded us of the importance of conservation. We stood quietly, watching as they moved through the trees—an emotional, reflective way to end our visit.

🎉 Family, Wonder, and the Wild

From tropical fish to red wolves, every part of our trip to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium was filled with wonder. Whether you’re local to Tacoma or just passing through the Pacific Northwest, it’s the kind of place that brings people closer—to animals, to each other, and to nature.

If you're looking for a place to make memories, learn something new, and have a blast doing it—this is it.

🍔 Dockside Dining with a View: Lunch at The RAM

After a full morning of wild encounters and wide-eyed wonder, we headed just down the road to The RAM in Ruston, Tacoma for a well-earned lunch—and it did not disappoint.

We grabbed a big table out on the dockside patio, where the breeze off the water met the buzz of hungry kids and happy grandparents. Surrounded by boats in the marina and views of Commencement Bay, it was the perfect setting to wind down and fill up.

What was on the table?

• 🍔 Juicy burgers with all the fixings

• 🐟 Crispy fish and chips served hot and golden

• 🧀 Mac and cheese (a grown-up indulgence)

• 🍗 Huli Huli chicken—sweet, smoky, and grilled to perfection

• 🥪 Grilled cheese with gooey centers and buttery crunch

  
  

Everyone found something they loved. The kids dug in with enthusiasm, while the adults enjoyed cold drinks, sunny conversation, and a few bites snuck from each other’s plates.

The Ram made it easy to relax and reflect on the morning’s adventures—from tigers to stingrays to otters on parade. It felt good to sit together, laugh, and enjoy the simplicity of a good meal with the people who matter most.