Update: Point Defiance is going to close after its operating hours on Friday, March 13.
With a lot of our favorite Seattle family destinations (Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, Burke Museum, Pacific Science Center) closed, we went looking for things that are open.
If you're willing to drive a little, your family could burn off some energy, and learn something, with a visit to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma.
As of Thursday morning, the zoo remains open although its carousel is closed and aquarium touch screens have been turned off. There are lots of hand-washing and hand-sanitizing stations, and surfaces are being cleaned and disinfected frequently.
Like everything these days, do call or check online before heading out. Things are changing rapidly.
If you're going to make the journey to Tacoma (it's not a bad drive, especially with the reduced traffic these days), there's a lot more you can do while you're there:
The zoo is part of massive Point Defiance Park, which has tons to see including the new Dune Peninsula Park area.
From there, you could walk the new bridge to the Point Ruston commercial area, which has places to play, eat and shop.
Stroll Ruston Way, which has a series of parks, piers, restaurants and great views of Commencement Bay (watch for orcas, seals and more). If you're feeling ambitious, walk (or drive) to the Chinese Reconciliation Park, which tells a fascinating chapter in the area's history.
