The Wildlife Center is open year-round for group tours & is always closed on Mondays.
Scheduling
- All group tours MUST be scheduled in advance.
- We cannot schedule tours by email. Please call the office (509) 238-4126 to insure space and time for your tour.
- We can accommodate groups of up to ~100, but scheduling is critical.
- During the warm weather months, space fills up early.
- If your group is running late or need to cancel PLEASE call us and let us know.
Group Tour Admission for 2025-2026
- To help us provide a seamless experience and timely start for your group, we ask that payments be collected in advance from all attendees and made in a single transaction upon arrival.
- If a Purchase Order or other payment arrangement is required, please let us know at the time of booking to ensure a smooth check-in process.
Admission Fees
General Admission — Adults (18-64) $15; Child (5-12) $12; Student (13-17) $15; (Military discount -$2); Seniors & 0-4 Free
$200 High season (April through September)
$150 Low season (Oct. thru March)
Private tours accommodate groups of 1 to 10 guests (excluding infants) and include one complimentary animal feeding encounter.
Private tours are outside of our daily free Tour and are typically scheduled in advance with a reservation—no funds are collected until arrival for the Tour.
Groups of up to 19 people – regular admission price.
Groups of 20 or more paying guests (not including free guests: under 5, seniors, or disabled in total count) – $10/person when paid in one transaction.
Group tours are outside of our daily free Tour and are typically scheduled in advance with a reservation—no funds are collected until arrival for the Tour. Note: The Group Tour does not include a free feeding encounter.
**For groups where each guest is paying their own entry, have the group leader who scheduled the event collect and total all funds in one transaction, or have them present at the Ticket Booth to check in their members as each pays their $10 admission. **
Groups of up to 19 people – regular admission price.
Groups of 20 or more paying guests (not including free guests: under 5, seniors, or disabled in total count) – $10/person when paid in 1 transaction, PLUS 3 free adults for every 10 paying kids.
Note: The educational / homeschool school tour does not include a free feeding encounter.
**For groups where each guest is paying their own entry, have the group leader who scheduled the event collect and total all funds to pay in one transaction. Alternatively, have them present at the Ticket Booth to check in their members as each pays their own $10 admission. ** **
Option 1: Call ahead to let us know you will be joining us for our complimentary daily Tour, typically at 11:30 am, to ensure we don’t have other tours scheduled that day, which could affect the timing of our free daily Tour. Also helpful so we can have a heads up of any group visiting. Join the free daily Tour + free admission for seniors, disabled, or under 5 = free visit.
Option 2: To schedule a tour outside of our free daily Tour for groups that would otherwise be free of charge, the fee is half of the regular rate for their group, based on the number of people (see rate schedule above). Typically scheduled in advance with a reservation, we will collect fees upon arrival. We offer this discount for scheduling their own Tour (outside of the free daily Tour). While balancing supporting animal care and our nonprofit, it pulls staff away from daily tasks for an hour or more of tour time. Note: The discounted group tour does not include a free feeding encounter.
For guests hosting their birthday party or other gathering here, they have the option to add on a tour to their visit. In addition to their admission (see rate schedule above), they can add the following to their visit:
Guided Tour: – Typically scheduled in advance, they should let staff know when during their visit they would like the Tour to start. Tour add-on price is $50. Note: The add-on tour does not include a free feeding encounter; however, guests receive one free feeding encounter when visiting on their birthday/holding a birthday event at Cat Tales.
Conservatory or Camper Yard Rental: $50 rental fee for up to 3 hours, plus 30 minutes for setup time. We recommend making reservations to ensure the Conservatory or yard is available on the day and time of your event. Guests are responsible for cleaning up the space they use.
Heater in Conservatory: – $25 charge for use of the heater when reserving the Conservatory to help offset the cost for propane and staff setup.
Feeding Encounters: A unique party favor for your event, the host may opt to purchase feeding encounters for their guests (age limits apply) in the Gift Shop during their visit. If planning this for their event, it is helpful to give our staff a heads up so we can prepare encounter treats and dedicated staffing for their group encounters.
Paperwork & Resources
- All Wildlife Center guests age 18 and older, must sign a Release of Liability prior to entering.
- To save time and for us to be able to start your tour promptly, we recommend downloading the Release of Liability.
- Have your Adults sign this the morning (day) of your group tour and turn it in at the Ticket Booth when you arrive. It must be signed individually and in ink.
Arrival & During Your Visit
The average tour takes between 45 minutes & an hour depending on weather conditions, number of guests, and age group/attention span.
- The Wildlife Center is outdoors and not sheltered. Be sure to dress for the weather.
- Our parking lot does have room for a bus to turn around.
- We do have a picnic area and you can bring a lunch. Let us know if you want to use the picnic area to ensure it is available.
- We have 2 single generic bathrooms (1 is handicap accessible)
- Allow extra time for a visit to the Gift Shop and Animal Encounters
- The main gates open to the Parking Lot at ~9:45 am. Entrance Booth opens at 10:00, please be patient.