Discover a fun-filled outdoor adventure at Debbie Dolitte's Petting Zoo in Tacoma, offering private barn rentals and interactive animal encounters. Ideal for celebrations or family outings, this experience blends nature, education, and relaxation in a beautiful setting. Keep reading to find out how to make the most of your visit!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels; minimal physical effort required
Wildlife
History
Debbie Dolitte's Petting Zoo has been serving the Tacoma community for over 15 years, emphasizing animal education and conservation.
Conservation
The zoo practices sustainable farming and habitat management to protect local wildlife and reduce environmental impact.
Debbie Dolitte's Petting Zoo
Discover a fun-filled outdoor adventure at Debbie Dolitte's Petting Zoo in Tacoma, offering private barn rentals and interactive animal encounters. Ideal for celebrations or family outings, this experience blends nature, education, and relaxation in a beautiful setting. Keep reading to find out how to make the most of your visit!
Debbie Dolitte's Petting Zoo is an indoor petting zoo located in Tacoma, Washington. The zoo offers hands-on animal experiences designed for families and animal lovers. Visitors can purchase General Admission to pet kangaroos, snuggle capybaras, and feed porcupines while being guided by knowledgeable staff. Specialized encounters include a 30-minute Sloth Encounter, a 30-minute Otter Encounter with Asian small-clawed otters, and a 25-minute Capybara Encounter that provides a focused, calm setting to pet and feed capybaras. Each encounter includes unlimited access to the zoo’s other animals and a bucket of food where applicable. The facility also provides Party Barn Rental packages with arcade games, discounted admissions, private tours, and tiered upgrades that can include free admissions and food buckets. All experiences are conducted indoors in Tacoma and are supervised by trained staff to ensure animal welfare and guest safety.
Debbie Dolitte's Petting Zoo emphasizes direct animal interaction within controlled settings and offers options suitable for birthday parties and group events. Party Barn Rental options include Deluxe and Ambassador Packages that add perks for celebrations. Encounters are timed (25–30 minutes) depending on the species. Tickets and rental bookings are available for families, groups, and birthday parties in Tacoma.
Location
Tacoma, WA
Conveniently located in Tacoma
Tours Offered
5 experiences
From general admission to private encounters
Encounter Lengths
25–30 minutes
Timed interactions per species
Party Rentals
Party Barn Rental
Arcade games and private tours available
Select General Admission, a Sloth, Otter, or Capybara Encounter, or choose a Party Barn package to host a memorable celebration.
Arrive Early for Crowds
Getting to the zoo early helps you avoid peak times and enjoy more personalized interactions with the animals.
Bring Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Spring and fall can be cooler, so layer your clothes; summers are warm but can have sudden showers.
Reserve the Barn in Advance
Booking your private Party Barn early ensures availability for your preferred date and time.
Respect the Animals
Follow all guidelines provided by staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, especially the animals.
Comfortable Footwear
Sturdy shoes will keep your feet comfortable while exploring the outdoor farm areas.
Sun Protection
Sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen help protect against UV rays during warm days.
summer
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Layered clothing ensures comfort in variable weather conditions typical of Washington.
spring|fall|winter
Camera or Smartphone
Capture memorable moments with animals and scenic farm views during your visit.