Upcoming Seattle Wildlife Activities

Feel free to put your head in the clouds at Woodland Park Zoo’s new Forest Trailhead (opening May 2026), which features a two-story elevated path that brings you nose to nose with the star of this habitat, the elusive tree kangaroo. These rare and ecologically important marsupials reside high up in Papua New Guinea’s remote cloud forests. Red pandas, keas, and a host of reptiles and amphibians join them here and at the new Trailhead Pavilion, where visitors can learn about the zoo’s longtime work with conservationists in Papua New Guinea as well as how everyday choices can be connected to preservation efforts.

There are lots of other wonderful ways to watch wildlife in this close-to-nature city. On the waterfront, mingle with marine creatures at the newly expanded Seattle Aquarium, or find whale viewing spots all over the region using Orca Network’s online map; you can also book a half-day tour on the FRS Clipper to see several types of whales—including orcas—plus sea lions, birds, and much more.

Check out the Seward Park Audubon Center’s Owl Prowl, a night hike in the park’s old-growth forest to spot and learn about resident owls. Find more birds—up to 200 species have been sighted—at Union Bay Natural Area, a 74-acre public wildlife area on Lake Washington; it’s the second largest natural system on the lake. Or take a stroll through a number of city parks with abundant wildlife viewing, from bald eagles and herons to turtles and orcas, including Discovery Park, Lincoln Park, Golden Gardens, or Carkeek Park.