The National Zoo is a great place to spend the day with family and friends. There is something for everyone. There are hands on activities for the kids, animals galore, and amazing botanical specimens. The National Zoo is a part of the Smithsonian Institution and admission is free.
Be prepared to walk uphill, downhill and all around. Don't forget hats, sunglasses, sunblock and cold drinks. Pack a lunch and eat in the shade of the wisteria pergola on the steps of the sea lion exhibit. Strollers for the little ones will make your visit more enjoyable. In some buildings, strollers must be left outside of the building due to space limitations. It will take about four hours to see the whole zoo.
Bicycles, Skates, or Skateboards are prohibited on all pedestrian walkways at the zoo. Only people in wheelchairs and kids in strollers get to ride around the National Zoo. Smoking is also prohibited in the public areas at the zoo.
What are admission and parking fees? Admission to the National Zoo is FREE. The National Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution. Admission is free for all Smithsonian museums in Washington DC. Parking is free for FONZ members. Nonmembers must pay a parking fee. See Parking at the National Zoo.
Hours of Operation: The National Zoo is open every day, except December 25. The hours of operation are:
April 1 - October 31: Animal exhibits are open 10 am - 6 pm. Grounds are open 6 am - 8 pm.
November 1 - March 31: Animal exhibits are open 10 am - 5 pm. Grounds are open 8 am - 6 pm.
Can we bring food into the Zoo? Yes. The Zoo is a great place to picnic. Also, you can purchase food inside the Zoo. The meal menus range from burgers, hot dogs, and pizzas to grilled chicken sandwiches, made-to-order subs, and salads, as well as snack foods like Dippin' Dots and frozen treats and hot pretzels.
There are many food vendors throughout the park. There are two large outdoor eating areas: the Panda Plaza (in the upper section of the Zoo) and the Picnic Pavilion (in the lower section). Also, there are many smaller seating areas throughout the Zoo. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I get a wheelchair or stroller? Non-motorized wheelchairs are available from the Visitor Center Information Desk (near Lot A) and the Information Stations at Panda Plaza (Lots A/B) and Lion/Tiger Hill (Lot D). There is no charge for wheelchairs. All Zoo exhibits are wheelchair-accessible. However, be aware that the Zoo is located on hilly terrain in Rock Creek Park.
Visitors can rent a single or double stroller; ask at any information kiosk throughout the park for locations. There is a storage compartment behind the strollers. FONZ members receive a discount on stroller rentals. The member rates are $3 for a single stroller and $4 for a double stroller. The nonmember rate is $9 for a single stroller and $12 for a double stroller.
Fun places to explore with children 5 and older
How Do You Zoo? - Located in the Visitor Center, this exhibit encourages children to pretend to be Zoo animal keepers, veterinarians, and commissary workers. The exhibit is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parental supervision is required.
Cheetahs - Kids can spot, stalk, and chase down a meal on the Predator and Prey Trail. They can race a cheetah, comparing their time for the distance a cheetah can run in a
second, marked by yellow lines on the walkway. They can even find out if they weigh as much as a gazelle or a water buffalo, or somewhere in between.
Tiger Tracks - Located at the Great Cats exhibit, this interactive path will astound you with facts
about growing up as a tiger.
Amazonia Exhibit and Science Gallery - Strollers must be left outside but Amazonia, located at the lower end of the Valley Trail, is an explorer's dream. This exhibit recreates
the Amazon River and rainforest. The lower floor showcases many colorful river fish in four huge aquaria. Upstairs, the rainforest is home to birds, monkeys and frogs moving throughout the exhibit. The Science Gallery, accessed through Amazonia, has hands-on objects and computers, restrooms, and water fountains.
