Giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Tai Shan are celebrities. But the National Zoo has far more to offer, from high-wire-crossing orangutans to Amazonian piranhas to favorite farm animals.
The Zoo is one of the best activities for families visiting Washington. Best of all, since it's part of the federally funded Smithsonian Institution, admission is free.
Planning a Trip to the DC Zoo
The Zoo is open every day except December 25. Summer vacation and spring break are popular times to visit, but the Zoo is less crowded in fall and winter, and many animals are more active in cooler weather. If you must go in the summer heat, try an early-morning or late-afternoon visit to see the animals at their best.
The Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW. Avoid parking hassle and expense by taking Metro’s Red Line. Hint: when going by Metro, get off at the Cleveland Park Station and walk downhill to the Zoo’s west entrance. Heading home, continue walking downhill to the Woodley Park Station. Drivers can park—for a price—in the Zoo’s lots.
The Zoo is big and somewhat hilly. Its winding walkways were designed by the architecture firm of Frederick Law Olmsted, which also created New York’s Central Park. Wear comfortable walking shoes. There are benches for resting, and in summertime misters spray cool water overhead. Strollers are available for rent.
At the Zoo’s restaurants and snack kiosks, lines can be long and prices high for the likes of hot dogs and fries. For a cheaper, healthier option, pack a picnic and eat lunch at one of the picnic areas throughout the Zoo. At the end of the day, you'll find an interesting selection of restaurants near the National Zoo.
Popular Washington Zoo Exhibits
There’s more than you can see in one visit, so plan to focus on a few areas. Some highlights:
- Amazonia: A tropical rainforest habitat. Giant river fish swim below while monkeys swing overhead in real trees.
- Asia Trail: Home to sloth bears, fishing cats, red pandas, clouded leopards, Asian small-clawed otters, and of course the giant pandas, on loan from China.
- Great Ape House: The Zoo has seven gorillas, including a baby gorilla named Kibibi (“little lady” in Swahili).
- Small Mammals: Small children love these furry, wiggly animals, like howler monkeys, prairie dogs, lemurs, mole-rats, even a baby porcupine.
- Birds: An oasis of beauty and quiet, with peacocks, pink flamingos, pelicans, and more.
- Kids’ Farm: Little ones can see cows, pigs, donkeys, goats, alpacas, and rabbits up close, and learn about their care.
- Reptiles and Amphibians: Alligators and crocs, frogs and toads, turtles and snakes. One of the Zoo’s most popular houses.
- Think Tank: What does an orangutan remember? This exhibit explores how animals think—great for older kids.
- Elephant Trails: A new home for the Zoo’s Asian elephants is under construction.
DC Zoo Programs and Events
Check the daily calendar on the Zoo’s website for programs like animal training, feeding, and keeper talks. Your kids might enjoy seeing an octopus eat its lunch, or maybe they’d like to meet a lizard or a snake in the Reptile Discovery Center.
The Zoo has special events throughout the year, including Boo at the Zoo in October, Zoo Lights over the winter holidays, and free summer concerts on Lion/Tiger Hill.
 |
 |
 |
 |
