Parents can get younger children in to NW Trek free for President’s Day

Burn off that winter energy and get the family outside this President’s Day Weekend during the annual Kids ‘n’ Critters event, Feb. 16-18, at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park near Eatonville.

Up to four children ages 12 and younger are admitted at no charge with each paying adult during the holiday weekend, according to a NW Trek news release.

Northwest Trek is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Monday, the President’s Day holiday.

Discounted admission is available for senior citizens, Pierce County residents and members of the military.

Northwest Trek features two adorable growing grizzly bear cubs, four fluffy mountain goat kids, a raft of other native Northwest animals, heated tram rides and the nature-based Kids’ Trek playground.

“We’re always excited to offer Kids ‘n’ Critters,” Education Curator Jessica Moore stated in the news release. “Our staff is eager to welcome hundreds of families with children and get them acquainted with our awesome animals and the ways in which they inspire us to protect wild species and conserve natural resources.”

All tram tours through the Free-Roaming Area will be 30 minutes long during Kids ‘n’ Critters Weekend. This allows Northwest Trek to accommodate as many people as possible – and shortens the tour time a bit for those sometimes-fidgety youngsters. During this special event, the tours will be available to the first 1,500 visitors each day on a first-come, first served basis.

The Free-Roaming Area is home to American bison, Roosevelt elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, deer and other animals. All the animals are wandering at will through meadows, wetlands and forest. Many are easily spotted from the slow-moving trams.

In addition to the tram tour, visitors to Northwest Trek can walk forested pathways to see wolves, foxes, bobcats, Canada lynx, river otters, beavers, fishers, raccoons and other animals in natural habitats.
The tram tour, Kids’ Trek and exploring exhibits and trails are all free with admission or membership.

For more information, visit www.nwtrek.org.