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Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Zoo
National Zoological Park, Washington
"Great place for a walk because it’s free admission as well."(13 Tips)
"you’ll find features such as the Giant Panda Habitat"(10 Tips)
"Sometimes you'll see the orangutans swinging thru the air"(8 Tips)
"admission is FREE for everyone"(3 Tips)
313 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Chaz CarnageAugust 27, 2014Pretty decent Zoo, be prepared to pay for other things. Like parking is $22 for the day. Food is ridiculously expensive. MANY of the interactive portions of the Zoo were damaged, as well as ADA fails.
Ellie PinesSeptember 22, 2013They should really consider a kids-free day. Those shrieking little primates are by far the most distressing, and dangerous, animals present in the zoo. I can't count how many ran into me.
Sergio BetancourtJanuary 2, 2016Great place to go with the family, get ready to walk but it's worth it!
Ximena VelasquezNovember 19, 2013Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to have a better chance to be face to face with the panda
Take the metro and leave the car. Go early to avoid most of the small children.
Jen KarrApril 13, 2013Download the app ($2?) b4 you come, that way you'll have all the info the paper map gives you - but you won't lose it. :-)
LeeJanuary 8, 2020Normally security is light, but this changes for ZooLights. Prepare to remove all metal items and scanning with a wand.
Ernie SpycherAugust 30, 2012Make sure to get there early in the the spring and summer if you want to find a parking spot.
Check out the "Smithsonian's National Zoo" app at http://bit.ly/MCrpPm. Zoo map, visit planner, live cams, animals A-Z ... it's all here!
Jennifer DayJune 4, 2013The map is the same cost as the app ($2). Our map didn't last the day. Also pizza play area is closed until late June.
Ankush SaxenaFebruary 15, 2013The National Zoo is home to many exotic animals. Great place to take the family!
Kate DrafzFebruary 27, 2013Best zoo I've ever been to! It has all different kinds of amazing animals!
Lynn MillerMarch 7, 2010If you plan to visit the zoo more than once by car, a FONZ membership is a must as it comes with free parking. One of the best values in DC!
Want to get a good parking spot and avoid driving around for hours looking for one? Get here before 10am
Mike DaughertyJune 16, 2011If you bring a lunch or just need some shade, head to the great meadow. Covered tables and orangutans climb by overhead.
EdreaFebruary 23, 2012Yes! FREE Admission! :) Thank you Smithsonian Institution! Wonder what would happen if the animals ran rampant in the city!? :D Night at the Museum action!? BANANAS I tell you! :D ENJOY!
Amy ZiffNovember 9, 2014A national treasure! Great way to spend the day in DC -- pandas, lions, sea lions and more.
Erica BrooksJuly 13, 2013Per zoo volunteer - the best time to see the elephants is early in the morning. When it gets hot they may not come put.
Bring food and drinks to enjoy a picnic on the large grassy areas.
J Nicole AlfordSeptember 28, 2014Completely free but $3 for a map. Good luck with parking - you are much better taking the metro but be aware that there is a 1/2 mile walk to the entrance from the metro stop.
Pam DavisOctober 12, 2015The zoo is beautiful, it's getting colder so they're putting the animals away early.
Santi CaamañoJune 2, 2015Only got to see the baby giant pandas, such a shame of the adult ones not being there... will definitely come back to snap a pic of them.
There's a new seasonal food kiosk that sells microbrew BEER, along with brats (including vegetarian!) & BBQ, in between Reptile Discovery Center and Think Tank. BEER, people! Read more- AnandkarthickMarch 27, 2016Pandas are awesome. Download the Smithsonian zoo app in advance. Paper map costs 5$ inside.
Team Faded IntoxicologistJuly 28, 2020Just remember you have to walk back up the hill and don’t forget your face covering
- Shalynn H.July 31, 2015The biggest zoo I've ever been to. Definitely need a full day to view the whole thing.
Download the app for iPhone or Android and find out what time feedings and keeper talks are for the day, as well as a map of the zoo.
Ferchichi AhmedAugust 21, 2011My favorite one, and it is for free, My Best places inside are the Amazonia and the house of reptile
Arnaud RéautéOctober 14, 2014It's free! Not very easy to know where the animals are but great environment!
AbbyApril 20, 2010The Zoo is a great way to spend a nice day. Take the metro to Cleveland or Woodley Park stations for less stress. Best part? It's free!
Scott YimMay 20, 2011If traveling by metro, get off at the cleveland park metro stop. Its an uphill walk from woodley park, but downhill from cleveland.
Rob HavasySeptember 2, 2015To make the misters work, push the button ALL the way in. Harder than you think you need to.- Jon MulhollandFebruary 20, 2012Find and hang out by the 'O Line', watch the Orangutans as they 'commute' from home to work above your head!
Pablo RamosApril 16, 2015I guess it's better for the animals but the enclosures make it difficult to spot many of the animals
Nick WilkesMay 18, 2012Its a good thing its free... When I went, Before I had Foursquare, August 21, 2011, there where not a lot of animals, and exhibits where spaced out rather far.
Mary W.January 29, 2016Free admission, but $22 for parking. Go in the winter - no crowds! Big ape house is smelly though.
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Smithsonian’s National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave NW (at Hawthorne St NW)
Washington, D.C. 20011
United States
Washington, D.C. 20011
United States
Smithsonian National Zoological Park is a part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex. The words National Zoo represent a large, complex, and diverse organization with a multifaceted mission demonstrating leadership in animal care, science, and education.
Closed until 8:00 AM tomorrow (Show more)
- Mon–Tue, Thu–Fri, Sun
- 8:00 AM–7:00 PM
(202) 633-4888
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