Seattle families and wildlife fans have another reason to plan a visit to Woodland Park Zoo this fall. The zoo’s popular Kid at Heart program will once again allow visitors of all ages to purchase admission at the child-ticket price on selected dates, creating an opportunity to experience one of Seattle’s major wildlife attractions for less.
Kid at Heart Woodland Park Zoo Dates for Fall 2026
Woodland Park Zoo has confirmed several upcoming Kid at Heart dates for fall 2026. The scheduled dates are October 4, October 5, October 18, October 19, November 1 and November 2.
The program is designed to make the zoo more accessible by allowing adults and children alike to pay the applicable child admission price on participating days. The zoo says up to 5,000 tickets per day can be sold under the promotion.
Because Woodland Park Zoo uses flexible pricing, the exact child-ticket price can vary depending on the selected date. Once the promotional allotment of 5,000 tickets is reached, adult admission prices return for remaining ticket sales.
How the Kid at Heart Discount Works
The Kid at Heart offer applies to tickets purchased for the designated dates. Visitors need to select the appropriate date and time when purchasing tickets online.
There are several important restrictions to keep in mind. Kid at Heart tickets cannot be combined with another discount or special offer, are valid only for the selected date and time, and are non-refundable. If promotional tickets sell out, visitors can still purchase admission for that day at the regular price.
The zoo currently sells admission tickets online, while regular admission prices vary by date based on anticipated demand. Woodland Park Zoo also notes that full-price general admission tickets purchased at least four days in advance receive a 10% discount, although that offer cannot be combined with other discounts.
Why Woodland Park Zoo’s Gorillas Are a Major Attraction
The Kid at Heart Woodland Park Zoo promotion is particularly appealing for visitors hoping to see the zoo’s western lowland gorillas.
Woodland Park Zoo is home to a gorilla troop in its Tropical Rain Forest exhibit. In 2026, the zoo welcomed two baby western lowland gorillas, Kadre and Oku. Kadre was born May 18 to mother Jamani, while the zoo subsequently announced the names of both babies in July.
The gorillas remain one of the zoo’s standout wildlife experiences, giving visitors the opportunity to observe a family group while learning about the species and conservation efforts.
The zoo also currently offers a special Gorilla ZooParent adoption through October 31, 2026. The program features baby gorillas Kadre and Oku, with an upgraded adoption package offering two zoo tickets and other benefits.
Woodland Park Zoo Is the Only Zoo in Washington With Gorillas
A recent report promoting the Kid at Heart deal notes that Woodland Park Zoo is the only zoo in Washington where visitors can see gorillas and describes it as the only zoo with gorillas across Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
That makes the Seattle zoo a distinctive destination for Pacific Northwest visitors interested in seeing these great apes without traveling farther from the region.
What Else Can Visitors See at the Zoo?
Gorillas are only one part of the Woodland Park Zoo experience. The 92-acre zoo features wildlife habitats and experiences covering animals from around the world.
Visitors can also explore the zoo’s newer Lorikeet Landing, which opened in September 2026 as a year-round walk-through bird experience. The aviary is included with zoo admission, while optional nectar-feeding experiences are available for an additional charge.
The zoo also continues to offer daily animal encounters and other activities, although individual programs can change depending on weather and animal cooperation.
Woodland Park Zoo Hours and Location
Woodland Park Zoo is located at 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, Washington 98103. For the current September 2026 through April 2027 schedule, the zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Christmas Day.
Visitors should check the zoo’s official schedule before traveling because individual exhibits may occasionally close temporarily for maintenance or other operational reasons. The zoo currently lists several temporary exhibit closures for September 2026.
Tips for Planning a Kid at Heart Visit
If you want to take advantage of the discounted admission, purchasing tickets early can be important. The promotion is limited to 5,000 tickets per participating day, and the zoo warns that prices can return to regular adult rates after the promotional tickets sell out.
For visitors especially interested in the gorillas, planning enough time for the Tropical Rain Forest area can make the trip more enjoyable. Animal visibility can naturally vary, so seeing every animal at a particular moment is not guaranteed.
The upcoming October and November dates also provide an opportunity to combine the discounted admission with the zoo’s seasonal programming and changing autumn atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
The Kid at Heart Woodland Park Zoo program gives visitors of all ages a chance to experience Woodland Park Zoo at child-ticket pricing on selected fall dates. With upcoming dates in October and November and a gorilla troop that includes the newly named babies Kadre and Oku, the promotion offers another reason to plan a Seattle zoo visit while discounted tickets remain available.
Are you planning to visit Woodland Park Zoo on a Kid at Heart day? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for the latest updates on upcoming zoo events and admission deals.