Tacoma, WA

Enjoy a wild adventure at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma. See the wild Kingdom mingling with the deep-blue ocean. You'll want to be sure to wear your sneakers to travel across this combo zoo's 29 acres of animal encounters with lions, tigers, bears, octopus, sharks and electric eels.

Address: 5400 North Pearl Street, Tacoma, WA 98407 - MAP
Phone: (253) 591-5337
Web: www.pdza.org

Calling all cyclists! Head to Tacoma Bike nad meet with community cyclists for some of the best cycling adventures the city has to offer. Check out the shop's calendar to learn more about trail trips like the Women's Ride and the Saturday Bike Ride. There's no experience like observing the great outdoors from the seat of a bicycle.

Address: 309 Puyallup Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98421 - MAP
Phone: (253) 597-6444
Web: www.tacomabike.com

An inspirational outdoor wonderland awaits at Lakewold Gardens. Stroll along the paths of the tranquil, lush gardens and magnificent grounds of this historic Georgian-style mansion. On your walk, you'll see the most amazing symphony of colors that nature has to offer in rare and native plants, breathtaking Japanese Maples and an unimaginably beautiful sanctuary.

Address: 12317 Gravelly Lake Drive, SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 - MAP
Phone: (253) 584-4106
Web: www.lakewoldgardens.org

Check out the gorgeous blossoms at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden. This colorful outdoor oasis blooms Washington's state flower, the Rhododendron macrophyllum and 600 other blooming rhododendrons, making it the largest garden of its kind the world.

Address: 2525 South 336th Street, Federal Way, WA 98003 - MAP
Phone: (253) 838-4646
Web: www.rhodygarden.org

Slip and slide your way to gallons of outdoor fun at Wild Waves Theme Park. Pack the sunscreen and get ready for a wet and wild day on thrilling, action-packed rides like the Raging River Ride, Zoom Falls, Riptide and the Wild Thing for a splashing good time.

Address: 36201 Enchanted Parkway S., Federal Way, WA 98003 - MAP
Phone: (253) 661-8000
Web: www.wildwaves.com