Imagine a day at the zoo where there are no kids in line ahead of you, no toddlers hogging the best viewing spots, and no teenagers occupying the most adorable ponies on the carousel. Now, add to that the charm of sipping cocktails while strolling past exotic animals. Sounds like a dream? At Woodland Park Zoo, this dream turned into reality with its first-ever adults-only event — All You Can Zoo.
This unique experience was designed to let grown-ups relive their childhood joy, but this time with a twist — grown-up drinks, games, and endless fun!
An Exclusive Day Meant Just for Adults
Usually, zoos are associated with children and family outings, but Woodland Park Zoo decided to break that mold. For the first time ever, the zoo hosted a full day event exclusively for adults. No kids allowed — except for the baby goats!
Visitors got to enjoy the gorilla exhibit without having to elbow their way through children, and ride the carousel as many times as they liked, without having to wait behind a long queue of little ones.
What Made the Day So Special?
From sipping cocktails throughout the zoo to temporary tattoos, unlimited carousel rides, and even a walk alongside flamingos — All You Can Zoo was all about unfiltered fun. And let’s not forget the all-you-can-eat food that left no adult hungry.
Bars were set up across the zoo for guests to purchase drinks, and the whole atmosphere felt more like a summer camp for grown-ups, but with animals and alcohol.
Childhood Nostalgia with an Adult Twist
Senior Communications Manager Gigi Allianic said, “All You Can Zoo is about redefining what a zoo experience means. Adults deserve a day to play too. It’s also a fun way to connect new audiences to the mission of saving wildlife at Woodland Park Zoo.”
The zoo aimed to attract adults without kids — a large demographic in cities like Seattle. Interestingly, only about 17% of households in Seattle have children under the age of 17. But it’s also one of the most pet-loving cities in the country, with the highest number of child-free couples under 50 who own dogs or cats.
Smores, Games, and Pure Camp Vibes
Event organizers Joanna Moore and Jack Holowaty took the fun to the next level by adding nostalgic activities with a modern twist. There was a cozy “camp-like” zone where guests could toast marshmallows and make their own s’mores, play UNO, or even write postcards to old friends.
At the Pollinator Patio, there was a friendship bracelet station. And don’t worry if your arts-and-crafts skills are as rusty as they were in Girl Scouts — sparkling wine and tiny desserts were there to help!
Music, Dancing, and a Petting Zoo for Adults
The event offered two dance floors — one featured a silent disco where you could pick your favorite tunes through wireless headphones, and the other was a more traditional area near the Family Farm, where guests could line dance among goats, donkeys, and pigs.
You might even impress a goat or catch a donkey laughing at your dance moves. And if not, a spicy lemonade might be all you need to keep the fun going.
Don’t Forget the Zoo’s Real Stars – The Animals
Beyond the games and music, the event stayed true to the heart of Woodland Park Zoo — the animals. The zoo is home to nearly 800 animals and over 240 species, including some of the world’s most endangered wildlife like snow leopards, gorillas, tigers, and tapirs.
Guests had opportunities throughout the day to interact with zookeepers and learn more about the animals. At 1:30 PM, there was a special session where keepers demonstrated how tigers are trained — a fascinating glimpse into animal care that might even leave you wondering why your house cat isn’t that obedient.
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A Baby Sloth Bear and Flamingo Walks? Yes, Please!
One of the highlights of the day was a chance to learn about a baby sloth bear named Bowie, who made his public debut this spring. At 1 PM, two keepers shared insights about Bowie and his mother Kushali, while the duo snacked on bugs-filled tubes in front of an amused crowd.
But perhaps the most magical moment came at 3 PM — when guests got to walk alongside a flamboyance of flamingos. Animal care manager Kim Szawan explained how a group of Chilean flamingos, raised from eggs, had become so accustomed to humans that they followed keepers around. Guests were invited to join the walk, making for one of the cutest and most heartwarming experiences of the day.
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Why All You Can Zoo Was Truly Special
The All You Can Zoo event at Woodland Park Zoo wasn’t just about cocktails and carefree fun — it was also about reconnecting with nature, celebrating wildlife, and raising awareness about conservation. It proved that zoos are not just places for kids but magical spaces where everyone, regardless of age, can experience joy and learning.
So, next time you find yourself in Seattle, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Woodland Park Zoo. Who knows — maybe the next adults-only event will give you the same freedom to dance, drink, and explore like a kid again… only better.
