And although parents think the picnic-able fields and wide stroller-friendly paths are the big draw, the kids know it’s all about the animals. Online: Visit Animals at Viewing & Petting Farmsīellevue’s favorite urban farm is a family hot spot on a warm spring day. Trust us, there’s nothing cuter than giggling toddlers feeding these friendly birds. Insider tip: Put May 7 on your spring calendar, because that’s when the zoo’s budgie feeding experience reopens.

Good to know: Point Defiance also offers amazing up-close animal encounters for kids, including Groovy Goats, Heroes of Unusual Size and Jammin’ with Jellies. Once the goats have had their fill, or you’ve run out of quarters, head to the Pacific Seas Aquarium where kids can dip their hands into the icy cold water of the Tidal Touch Zone and make contact with seastars, urchins, anemones and cucumbers. If you’re lucky, you’ll time your visit with one of the zookeeper’s daily Close Encounter chats so your kids can learn more about their new furry best friend. Then it’s up to your wannabe farmers to entice the goats to take a bite (don’t worry, they’re eager eaters who aren’t hard to please). Bring quarters so you can get a fistful of pellets. Just beyond the outdoor playground is where you’ll find the friendly goats, who are all about being fed by hand.

Head south to find an array of animal experiences, including a year-round petting zoo, when you visit Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma.

Christmas at cold comfort farm