A fantastic place to explore critters is the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, WA. The zoo and aquarium is located on the tip of Point Defiance Park, and is laid out primarily in a large circle, so it makes it easy to meander about and see everything. The primary exhibits are the Asian Forest, Pacific Seas Aquarium, Red Wolf Woods, Rocky Shores & Arctic Tundra, and South Pacific Aquarium exhibits, as well as an area for kids and an outdoor theater. There is a large assortment of critters for visitors to see in the different areas of the zoo, but the zoo also transitions out different animals in exhibits at different times, so you can keep visiting and see something new! Additionally, like most zoos, they offer special experiences and events throughout the year, such as Zoolights, that provide visitors with new and different experiences throughout the year. The zoo and aquarium took a couple of ours to explore, but we feel like we were able to able to see everything, making it an ideal size. We visited the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium with family and we all enjoyed it and thought it was a lovely afternoon activity!