Here’s something to do the with kids this summer: aquariums reopening at Point Defiance

The Pacific Seas Aquarium and South Pacific Aquarium at Point Defiance Zoo are reopening July 1.

“Our aquarium animals, from sea turtles to jellies, are among the experiences our guests love the most,” said Alan Varsik, director of Metro Parks’ Zoological and Environmental Education Division.

All guests will need a timed online ticket for entry, including members. Tickets will not be available at the zoo’s front gate.

Timed online tickets are $18 for adults (13+), $14 for children (3-12) and free for members and kids under 3.

Tickets are available at pdza.org. Tickets can be scanned at a no-touch front gate from a phone or printed copy.

The Pacific Seas Aquarium features marine animals from around the Puget Sound, including hammerhead sharks, Japanese spider crabs and the giant Pacific octopus.

Guests also will get to meet the aquarium’s newest addition, Bruno, a 23-year-old green sea turtle, in the Baja Bay habitat.

The South Pacific Aquarium is home to massive warm water sharks such as nurse and tiger sharks. This aquarium also includes a myriad of tropical fish, crevalle jacks and eels.

Varsik said that while both aquariums were approved by the Gov. Jay Inslee for reopening along with the rest of the zoo during Phase 2 of Washington’s Safe Start plan, staff have taken extra time to prepare safety measures to guard against COVID-19.

Both aquariums are reopening with new protocols.

They include one-way paths through each aquarium, restrooms with no-touch entry in the Pacific Seas Aquarium and extra hand sanitizing stations.

Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed in both aquariums (no outside stroller parking). One family at a time is allowed in the South Pacific Aquarium elevator, while the Pacific Seas Aquarium is fully ADA-accessible.

The aquariums will be taking a few extra precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus as well.

All interactive digital stations such as the Stingray Cove and the Tidal Touch Zone will be closed.

Aquarium staff dives, talks and feeds will happen at unscheduled times to prevent congestion. There will be no eye-to-eye shark dives.

All guests are expected to adhere to Point Defiance Zoo, state and CDC guidelines, including wearing of face coverings, social distancing, and no cash transactions.

For more information, go to www.pdza.org/open.