Cat Tales Wildlife Center (Mead)

Cat Tales Wildlife Center in Mead: best for ages 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 13-17; Adults $18; Students $15; Children (5–12) $12; Kids (0–4) and Seniors (65+) FREE (venue official visit page). Discounts for Military and low-income visitors are offered; the amount is not stated on the venue site.

Address17020 N Newport Hwy, Mead, WA 99021

HoursFall/winter (Oct–Mar): Thu–Sun 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; spring/summer (Apr–Sep): Tue–Sun 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; last entry 30 minutes before closing (venue site and library pass pages)

PricesAdults $18; Students $15; Children (5–12) $12; Kids (0–4) and Seniors (65+) FREE (venue official visit page). Discounts for Military and low-income visitors are offered; the amount is not stated on the venue site

Price notesFree family passes are available through Spokane Public Library and Spokane County Library District — see Perks. A $5 SNAP/WIC figure appears only in the venue's social media and is NOT confirmed on the venue website.

Age notesOfficial pricing tiers evidence all bands: kids 0–4 free, children 5–12 paid tier, students, adults.

BookingWalk-in admission; library family passes must be reserved in advance through SPL/SCLD.

Suggested timeAbout 2 hours

AccessibilityVenue describes gravel/hard-packed pathways — many areas accessible to strollers and mobility devices but terrain can be uneven; the library pass page calls the site flat and wheelchair accessible. Descriptions differ, so no access tag is asserted.

ParkingFree on-site parking (venue site)

Hours in detailVenue site: Thursday-Sunday 10 AM-4 PM, closed Mondays (the venue page does not state Tuesday/Wednesday status). Spokane Public Library pass page gives the seasonal pattern: Fall & Winter (October-March) Thu-Sun 10 AM-4 PM; Spring & Summer from April 6, 2027 Tue-Sun 10 AM-5 PM (April-September). Hours change seasonally.

Tickets & bookingGeneral admission is at the gate; group tours are offered for clubs/organizations. Free library option: Spokane Public Library Museum & Culture Pass — passes become available 30 days in advance, 2 passes per open day, 1 pass per patron per calendar year; each family pass admits 2 adults and up to 4 children from the same household, redeemed at the front gate.

ParkingFree on-site parking is available for all guests (venue visit page).

AccessibilityVenue's own wording: 'Cat Tales features outdoor gravel and hard-packed pathways throughout much of the facility. While many areas are accessible to strollers and mobility devices, uneven terrain and seasonal weather conditions may affect ease of travel in some locations.' Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended. Service animals are permitted per ADA, but the venue strongly encourages guests with service animals to contact them before visiting because some animals may react strongly to dogs; an attended kennel area may be available near admissions. This conflicts with the library pass page's description — see conflicts.

Age notesVenue pricing tiers: Children 5-12 are $12; kids 0-4 and seniors 65+ are free (so children under 5 are admitted free).

Family facilitiesOutside food and beverages are welcome in designated guest areas (keep food secured; never throw food into habitats). Gift shop on site. Pets are not permitted; the facility is non-smoking/non-vaping throughout.

Official tipsEducational animal encounters are typically available earlier in the day and may conclude by about 3:30 PM; animal participation is voluntary and varies with weather and the animals. The library advises arriving at least 30 minutes before closing, and its FAQ says spring mornings are a favorite because cooler temperatures mean more animal movement and enrichment activity. Dress for the weather — the facility is primarily outdoors, and winters can bring snow, ice or mud.

Seasonal notesPrimarily an outdoor facility: summers can be warm (some animals rest in shade/shelter in extreme weather) and winters may include snow, ice or muddy conditions. Some species are more active in cooler temperatures, others rest during warmer parts of the day. Hours shorten in fall/winter (see hoursDetail).

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Venue details last verified November 5, 2026 against official sources. Hours and prices change — check the official site before you go. FamilyDay AI is a free planning tool for parents; we list only facts we have verified, and we never invent ratings or reviews.

Cat Tales Wildlife Center — Mead, Washington

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