Reviews of Smithsonian National Zoological Park. (Other) in Washington (District of Columbia).

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

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Other

Zoo

3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States

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Information of Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Other in Washington (District of Columbia)

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Reviews of Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Alex Pierce

If you are a local or just visiting from out of town, the National zoo is a must go-to location. They have a wide array of animals to sight see and interactive learning activities throughout the park. Entrance is free for everyone, but you should note you do have to download tickets before entering. You can bring your own food in, no alcohol is allowed in from outside but is sold within the park. As a local, I come here for the experience and also to walk when it is warm outside. Parking is slightly a hassle as you have to find parallel parking on the narrow streets of DC, the zoo also has parking but it is $30 per car. The shows are now back, which i really enjoyed this interactive bird show hole I was there. My only suggestions are removing the lines for indoor exhibits. Masks are not required nor is social distancing within the park, but they limit the amount of people in some of the indoor exhibits causing extensive lines which took about 15-20 minutes to get inside. Also, the bathroom facilities were not clean and did not have paper towels. Additionally, there was hardly an security and no one checking bags at entrance. Just a heads up I also went on Memorial Day weekend, in the morning there wasn’t much of a crowd but after 12 there were so many people it was difficult to walk. I would recommend during the weekday or coming at opening if you want less crowd. Overall though I had a wonderful experience and will be back.

Matt Miller

Excellent zoo! Very clean, with friendly staff, and a great selection of animals on exhibit. They have places to eat, a carousel for the kids, a few gift shops. The animals look healthy and pretty happy. It is a bit of a trek though and pretty hilly. You will get a workout! The restrooms are spaced out pretty far from each other, but they do have good signage to point out how far the next one is. We did the parking pass which was a lifesaver and way better than parking on the street. We had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back!

Shonda Salami

The zoo is great and we really enjoyed the experience. You have to request tickets ahead of your visit. You can print them or it can be scanned on your phone/tablet. Not overly crowded when we arrived around 11 am. Some of the vendors were closed but for the most part everything was open and easily accessible. You have to walk a lot so I advise parent to bring strollers and any buggy/cart for the smaller kids. I overheard some younger people complaining about the strollers but it’s a lifesaver during the visit. There are carts you can rent as well but bring your own to save money. Also, bring your own food, drinks, snacks etc. The prices for food and souvenirs isn’t crazy expensive but we managed with our own snacks. We only bought ice cream for the kids and a small toy. Definitely recommend for young kids and all the young at heart. The animals were delightful to see.

Alan Varghese

Free zoo that is fun for all groups, if you really want to see it all, plan to spend at least 3 hours. You do need to reserve tickets online at the zoo website though. They have tons of vending machines throughout as well God food options. Our favorite parts were the small mammal exhibit, the pandas and the large cats exhibit. Do note that some animals may be sleeping or some exhibits might be closed for renovations. Check ahead if you are coming for something specific. They also have a really nice gift shop, 4 parking lots and cycle parking as well.

LaKeisha Beecham

Went on a rainy day but it still e as very enjoyable. You could find most of the animals in their inside habitats. I would have loved to see them outside but it was great to have an alternative considering the circumstances. Really liked the idea of the food trucks and the snack/sweet treats they had. Just know that's if you drive there, there is a $30 parking fee. If you walk up its free

Landis Rojas

It's not bad to be a free Zoo, mostly animals look in great shape and are well fed. In this place you have so many places to go and watch different types of animals. There are a bunch of restaurants too, a bit expensive, but they have good food. Live shows, explanations, tiny and huge animals, if you are lucky you could see the orangutans swinging on the ropes. I had a great time here, a very good spot for everyone to enjoy the day.

April Moyo

Best FREE (entry) zoo. Must buy entry passes online in advance. Free street parking available if you go early. Food options available but take snacks too 😋. Clean, some exhibits closed when we went but there is still much to see. Kids fully enjoyed themselves. Bathroom near bottom end of zoo by the kids farm has great facilities and several changing stations if you have a kid in diapers. Hand dryers are installed right on the sinks... you'll look for paper and think there's nowhere to dry hands. Look on the sink. Some people don't realize this. Cooling stations throughout the park spray water mist if you push the button below. Lots of easy connected trails to meander and several shady areas.

George Byram

Fantastic zoo with wonderful spaces to exhibit all the animals. The orangutan high wire that allows them to climb over the pedestrian pathways has to be a highlight. Admission is free but parking costs $30. Or you can metro there then walk in for totally free. We spent 5 hours here including the bird show. It is hot and sunny in the summer and the food is way overpriced so be prepared.

Melissa C

You need to make reservations if you want to visit. I reserved my tickets a week in advance. I left my car parked in the parking garage and then took public transportation to the zoo. Street parking around the zoo is limited. Once in, I just took in the breathtaking environment. It was organized, clean and you can just walk around looking at the animals and the people. It was truly a lovely experience.

Nina Gao

Always a fantastic time here! As usual, the Smithsonian Zoo is free to visit (when there isn't a government shutdown), however online tickets are required (a bit of a hassle as they require registering an account and the ticket checkers weren't paying close attention when we scanned our tickets). Be on the lookout for strollers and people who stop walking out of nowhere. The main entrance is at the top of a hill, so be prepared to walk on gentle but long inclines if you're heading out that way. Also pretty much no one was masking indoors except my party.

Karina Moreira

Excellent place to take your kids to. There are too many things to see/visit. Some exhibits were crowded, but still possible to see. The full zoo visit should take up to 5 hours if you want to see everything, not considering rest stops and eating. If you bring kids be mindful of that. It took me 4 hours because I didn’t stop and fast tracked few exhibitions. But the zoo is great, clean, spacious. I loved it, kids get crazy about all the animals!!

TheLeakingGenius

Zoos aren't really my thing typically, but I happened upon this one on an extended visit to DC. It is actually a really nice place! Not sure on the way they acquire the animals, but I'll assume a lot are rescued after being hurt. They all seemed well cared for and happy enough or at least as happy as wild animals can be. Very nice grounds, and seemed to be well kept the time I visited. Check it out if you want to go for a nice little walk and see some unique animals.

Aaron Ochse

Really wonderful experience. Great zoo. 6 year old niece had a blast. Pandas were playful and active. Other animals really diverse and beautiful. It’s a pleasant experience and the zoo is laid out really nicely and clean. Perfect day! Tickets free as well but book in advance.

Sherlock Holmes

Great place and it's free. Kids will love it. Ample vending machines n places to relax. Parking could be a challenge but you can find street parking meters around the zoo. Overall best place for the entire family and a good amount of walking. Must visit !

Håkon Kvalø Langtvedt

Fantastic place, good selection of animals from both near and far. Everything seemed very tidy and nice. It looked like the animals were having as good a time as they can have in a zoo. Of course, a big plus is that the entire park is free, except for parking which is $30. There were plenty of free places when we both arrived and left. We visited the zoo on a Sunday morning. We did not test any of the restaurants or shops. The zoo is in an area that is very lush with many nice parks. Definitely worth a visit, whether you are an adult or a child does not matter.

Alisa James

Entering through the main entrance, each pathway is laid out. Online registration is mandatory and access is free, but there is a parking fee. I took a rideshare so I'm not sure of the amount. There are maps all over the park so that you can go where you want or get back to where you were. The exhibits are spaced out to allow room and time for all visitors to see them. There are vendors here and there with food and drinks. Expensive for my taste. ($13 funnel cake that's heated up in the microwave.) The weather is nice this time of year and the outside and indoor exhibits have been so fun. The zoo is a downhill adventure. They offer shuttles at the bottom that will drive you back to your parking spot or other entrances. I decided to walk it and it was quite the workout. There's so much more to see than I could ever share here. Definitely visit this zoo.

Credible Critic

A very nice zoo, offers many entertaining options for families and for everyone from 3 to 83. Two exhibits that draw the most crowd are elephants and panda bears. Perhaps their speed and their sizes allow them to be the viewing magnet for the children. The reptile is quite good. The small animals section is nicely done as well. Admission is free. Steep price for parking. Expect to spend about 4 hours here.

anna yang

Great experience, had lots of restrooms and resting places so you don't have to worry about finding one. All bathrooms were all really clean. Saw variety pf animals and not too crowded and the habitats expanded pretty big and some had upper and lower level. It's also free entrance if you do not need to park in their garage. Recommend for people of all ages.

Nicola Johnson

We rented a sturdy electric scooter that could handle the up and down hills for $30. Get there early before the crowd. Pick a cool day during the week if possible. We were able to avoid the crowd. It was hot but not too hot.

Vanisha Owens

I love coming here. It's clean and the animals are usually always out. I love the kids farm with the playground. Also, thank God for the stroller rentals and misters. My baby always has a good time here. Pointer: the food and ice cream trucks are crazy expensive, bring your own.

Bryan Vig

I love the zoo in my opinion the fall is the best time to visit since most of the animals are more active in the cooler weather. You do have to get a pass to enter the zoo now, it's free but it's best to get your passes 2-3 weeks prior to your visit. I recently visited on a Saturday morning and the number of guests was marginal compared to past visits so the passes seem to be limiting the number of visitors resulting in a more pleasant experience. This was my first visit to the zoo since COVID.

Bianca Chang

There are many animals living in this zoo. Panda is one of the many highlights. Most of the walking path is covered by trees to avoid direct sunshine. There are many chairs and tables to allow visitors to rest or catch a bite. It's clean and orderly. The animals all look healthy and happy. We were lucky to run into some feeding times. It's amazing to see animals' food and how they eat. Due to advance, online ticket reservations, it's not crowded and parking is not a problem. It's a family friendly place to visit. I highly recommend it for any ages.😃

karrie Weddle (Sylestia)

A lot of animals aren't out when it's cold (it was 35 the day I went). There pandas love it though. The pandas got enrichment items around noon the day I went. They were also setting up for the Zoo Lights at night. The orangutans were inside and had sheets to play with. While it's free, you do have to register and get a time stamped ticket.

Tiffany L

Excellent zoo and the best part its free! Wide pathways and the best animals to see. The pandas were the best. If you go early it is not crowded at all. Many restrooms and snacks throughout entire zoo. Our favorite were the pandas and the bears. We will definitely be back! The maps are posted but not handed out so print a copy if you want before you go.

vib u

This is an amazing place to see a variety of animals. I recommend to book the parking lot in advance as the street parking is hectic. We covered the entire zoo with my 12 year old cousins in about 5 hours during August 1st week(summer) with breaks and lunch, except the small mammal house due to long queue, adding it might b a half hour more. Just follow the colors on the map and you won't waste any time, it will take you throughout the zoo. The food was pretty decent, I guess you can bring your food as there was no checking at the entrance. Water sprayers were very often on the path that will cool u down. There were huge trees across the path which is a good protection from the sun. Very good collection of animals that you view for free, the petting zoo was not impressive but cannot expect more from a free zoo. The animals were in a good condition as well.

Fernando Jose

Parking is well organized by the employees. I bought my ticket online the night before for the parking access. It was scanned and I was directed to Parking Lot B. We were very close to the panda exhibit, but all of them were sleeping. We stopped by before we were leaving hoping to catch a view on a panda, and we did! I liked how pandas could be visible outdoors and indoors as well. We walked throughout the whole sections, I wasn't too tired but the rest of my group were. Restrooms are spacious and easily accessible. Definitely recommend bringing walking shoes, no sandals! We saw all types of big mammals, such as elephants, monkeys, ostrich, cheetahs, zebras etc. But there was times where, the animals weren't even available. They were either not home, or they were cleaning their area. Food trucks are on-site.

Debra Johnson

I love zoos. I go to them wherever and whenever I can. This was a good zoo. I mean they have GIANT PANDAS and it's free. I will say that the employees I was able to interact with were not super friendly. Parking is a ot marked well either. I love how some of the exhibits make you feel like you are in a museum. All in all a must see in DC.

Mary Cook

Love Love Love this zoo! It is such a great experience and it's free! The panda exhibit is very large and extensive and even let's you see the animals when they go inside. Of course there are still rooms where the pandas can go to be out of the public eye. It's very cool to see them play with each other.

Kimberly Menjivar

I love love love this zoo. I had the greatest experience being here. Get there early and wear your most comfortable shoes. Lots of walking. It cost 30 dollars to park your car inside. Make sure you reserve your ticket. Don’t forget to do that. I drove all the way to this zoo because this is the only place close to me that have PANDAS!!!! Yes pandas. Any panda lovers I recommend taking the drive to go see them in person. Everything is section out nicely. We ate the bbq food at the food center and it was really good. Try to get food at a decent time because their food runs out. Highly recommend this zoo. Take your family and kids !!!!

Eric DeLaat

We went on a Friday morning, between 11am - 3pm. The crowd was light and very friendly. We felt like we had the place to ourselves, even for the indoor exhibits, because everyone was excited to have fun, and good times. Plenty of things to do and see. The place was extremely clean. I'm sure everyone will have their favorite part. Parking is $30, and should be purchased in advance. Park in Lot D, at the very bottom. Ot will make leaving the zoo easier, and the walk will be all downhill. Enjoy! We did!

Julie Helms

Lovely shade for the walkways throughout the zoo. Food and drink stations strategically placed so you can get something easily. Smooth walkways so good for strollers and wheelchairs. Some interesting animals I had never seen in person like the ant eaters and Pandas. The elephant sanctuary had a nice interactive facility.

Amanda Jo Konzelman

It was extremely hot when we went, so we went early in the day and glad we did. Not as many people early in the morning and by the time we were finishing up the zoo started to get pretty packed. Pandas are my favorite animal so it was a real treat to finally be able to see them. Even though most of them were very sleepy. Entry is free but parking cost which honestly was awesome.

Leilani-Z

Great experience! Beautiful zoo with lots of exhibits and educational areas. We parked onsite. The process was easy. We arrived around 9:30am and it didn't start getting crowded until around 11:30-12. The best part was the Pandas. There are so many different areas to view them.

Justin M

A few days ago I decided to visit the DC Zoo Lights show over the National Zoo. I have been once before and I will make sure to keep going. I definitely recommend reserving your tickets on the website for the day you want to go as early as you can. I also recommend paying for parking as the street parking is a giant pain. They do a really good job of setting up the displays throughout the Zoo and the lights are fantastic. There are plenty of little snack stands along the way and the gift shops are open. There is so much to see and it is beyond kid friendly. So bring everyone and make sure to ride the carousel.

Shelly Durkee

WONDERFUL!! We thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to the zoo! The pandas were a highlight but we loved all the exhibits. Great zookeepers…friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Come prepared to walk…zoo is on a large hill. We will definitely return!

Anderson Chan

Highly inclusive Zoo with animals of all sorts! Atmosphere: The Zoo is wonderfully designed and laid out, with appropriate signage and helpful information displayed. Animals: Our trip consistented of mostly the Asia trail due to our limited time there. Unfortunately we did not see many animals, as half the exhibits were empty, but I'm not docking stars because it is not the zoo's fault. However, the variety of animals presented is very impressive, most notably the Panda which is rarely found in other zoos. Reason for five stars: This zoo feels like your typical Zoo, but thanks to the special attention by the Smithsonian team, free admission (not including parking fee), inclusiveness, this park earns a solid five because it checks all the boxes. It's not absolutely shocking but it's definitely impressive.

Ron Shelby

Our first trip to the National Zoo with our grandkids was a great success. They loved it. The carousel was popular and fun. The Tiger looked regal and the Pandas a huge hit. Looks like this will be a regular hit. Oh yes, you Must Reserve a ticket in advance. The tickets are free.

Matthew Peregoy

First time at this zoo. Had a great time with the family. Easy to navigate in one day and plenty of cool animals to see. We loved the red pandas and the cheetahs. Just know that some animals get moved for the colder winter months. Several displays were empty (mid-late October). Buildings close 30 minutes before the park closes, so make sure you factor that in. We missed the reptiles because of this. We will have to come back!

ChasnChuck DidntSuck

If I was able to see some Otters, I would rate this a 6/5 if I could, alas, the Otters were nowhere to be found on this trip. This place is excellent though. Parking isn't really that expensive and the zoo is free. Lots of animals and it's not so large of an area that you can't see it all in a few hours. Posting some photos to show some of the animals there, but this is nowhere near all we saw. I will definitely be going back with my kids.

Sarah Martin-Torres

Nice zoo. Lots of animals to see. Especially for free (only $30 for parking). We went on a Sat afternoon so it was busy, as expected. Most of the indoor exhibits had lines. The panda line was very long so we didn't wait. As many reviews mention, it is hilly. Definitely bring a stroller, even for 4-5 year olds as they might tire out. Only thing we bought was Ben &Jerry's ice cream, which I did find to be kind of insane ($17.50 for 2 kids cones... Said $5.75 per kids scoop, I guess they charge $3 each to put it in a cone). Read several reviews about rude staff-- was not my experience at all. Everyone was friendly. Will go back sometime when we can go first thing in the morning when I hear animals are more active. Overall, I recommend.

Christopher Yue

Very nice free zoo. Make sure to order your tickets online ahead of time. Quite busy on the weekend - go early if you can. Very well designed Asian Trial. Lots of food options and parking. And pandas. I really enjoyed the Amazonian pavilion.

Thomas Abraham

Very nice zoo with a variety of local and exotic animals! Highly recommend to reserve your passes in advance. Plenty of food options within the park. Be prepared to spend an entire day if you plan to visit all the exhibits and attractions.

Sunny Latty

We were disappointed with the Asian animal area, as it had absolutely NO animals in the exhibits. We spent the first 30 minutes walking around looking at empty exhibits. That was disappointing. That means 1/3 of the zoo was empty of animals. Once we got to the 2 other areas we had a great time. The Apes were awesome! One Panda was out and it was so cute. The elephants were amazing!

Abigail Morales

This zoo is an awesome free day out with the family. I am a tourist from Miami but really enjoyed the walkability and variety of exhibits. Parking is flat rate for the day in adjoining lots. The zoo itself is pretty large. There are kiosks selling typical zoo food like pizza. The animals include elephants, a farm animal area, aquatic animals, bears, felines, primates, the beloved pandas and more. We really enjoyed the reptile building that houses everything from snakes and lizards to a giant dinosaur looking turtle. Note there are lots of gradients/inclines along the zoo property that might make a trip with a wheelchair a bit of a mission. A total of 4 hours recommended to enjoy every room and all the exhibits.

Jonathan Beary

Terrific afternoon out, parking was cheap and convenient. Snack bars and shops were available throughout the zoo. I would recommend at least 4 hours to try and make it through all the attractions. You can bring your own food and drink if you are looking for a cheaper option.

K RV

Smithsonian National Zoological Park is a great place that children would enjoy. They have all sorts of animals to see. There are also a lot of interactive learning activities. Entrance tickets are free and downloadable online. If you want to park in the Zoo, it will cost you $30 ! Some of the exhibits may have long lines. There is a carousel a few gift shops etc. The place is kept clean. The staff are helpful and friendly.

Jessica Durney

A must-see DC experience! Tickets are free but must be "reserved" in advance online and scanned when you arrive. I went on a rainy Sunday afternoon in October and there were very few people around, which was lovely. So many animals and exhibits - this zoo is easily up there with my favorite zoos ever.

Dhruv Jaiswal

Great zoo in the middle of the city ! We were able to see all the major animals we intended to see. They have labeled the paths and area pretty nicely. Best part was definitely the panda and big cats ! Great place for an animal lover and a zoo enthusiast

Yani Chavez-Ynesta

Make sure you book your tickets ahead of time, the entrance tickets are free you just need to book them. Lovely zoo, animals were well taken care off, clean, lots of selection for food and snacks. I would recommend and visit again. Prepare yourself for lots of walking but lots of nice beaches to sit at to take breaks.

Abby Chavis

Wonderful zoo! We visited Tuesday April 12th and it was super busy for a spring weekday but it’s spring break so be aware. Lots of crowds. But so many animals to see! Pandas, elephants,tigers,….the only thing that was closed was the bird house for renovations. Lots of places to sit to rest or eat. Bathrooms were decently clean. We reserved tickets online but no one checked them at the gate. Highly recommend!

Jo Anna Arnold

We enjoyed this stop. Free admission, plenty of parking for a fee if you arrive early in the day. Must reserve passes online for admission and parking prior to arrival. The Zoo was a relatively small geographical area with a wide variety of animals and indoor exhibits. We spent 2 hours and did not see everything. A little hot today, but plenty of shade and seating to rest. The crowds picked up significantly after 11am.

Zachary Briddell

It’s been a while since when I was back at school that I was able to go to the Washington D.C. Zoo. But now on my birthday weekend, I finally got a chance to go the the Smithsonian National Zoo for the first time and I enjoyed it a lot. There’s a lot of changes that happen while I was at the zoo. *I did wanted to go in the reptiles home but my sister told me she dosen’t want to go in there!* But still I had Fun!

Abdallah Dibs

Nice experience, was my first time seeing elephants 🐘 a nice variety of all kind of animals. Loved the cards in front the animals with interesting information about them . My only complaint is There’s no animals out early in the morning I had to wait till 11 o’clock to start seeing animals . Highly recommended but don’t come before 10 am!

Giovani Guarnieri

Zoo is huge. We couldn't see it in one day only. We will be back soon to finish it. It's free to get in but you have to pay $30 for the parking lot. Some attractions were closed. I don't know why. There were no signs saying why. Could be better. Be prepared to walk a lot... There are many attractions waiting for you.

Desiree Martinez

This is a really fun zoo that takes really good care of its animals. Make sure that when you go in that you start at the main entrance at the top of the hill where parking is not. What you want to do is start at the top and work your way down the hill so you don't have to go up the whole time. Get there early or after lunch for when the animals are most active. Also, if you can spend some time in the misters they're super fun.

Sue Laprise

Super beautiful zoo. The staff doesn’t engage with the people like those in San Antonio and houston. Go online and pay for your parking-super easy and have your email ready to scan. If you park in D it’s at the bottom of the zoo hill and you can go up one side and down the other 😂😂 if you’re really just wanting to see pandas walking in on Connecticut avenue is quick or arriving early and parking in A - enjoy!! It’s easy to bring your lunch and parking area D has picnic tables

missy

such a wonderful experience, especially considering that it was free. if you want to skip the line, get tickets on the website and come with your tickets ready to scan. the top bit of the zoo is hit or miss, a lot of walking and not very many animals, but the reptile and mammal room made it all worthwhile. it was weird to see the panda indoors when she has such a large outdoor space to roam, but i think she chose to be inside due to gloomy weather. if you don’t want to spend $10 on a slice of pizza, i highly recommend bringing your own snacks. plan to spend the whole day at the zoo if you want to see all the sights. overall a great way to spend your time in Washington DC.

Natalia Kosyanenko

Nice zoo. Would recommend bringing your own food. There are places to eat, but the food is not good and expensive, which is typical for places like this. Some of the animals were hiding from summer heat, so early morning would be a good choice during summer. The admission is free, parking is $30 per vehicle. Nice gift shops with cute stuffed pandas.

Rena Correia

So much fun at the zoo!!! We spent a lot of time talking to the Elephant techs learning about them and how they are taken care of!! We saw the pandas and lions and tigers and chimpanzees and orangutans and gorillas!!! And bison and gibbons and so many more animals!!! It was a great day at the zoo.... definitely going back again!!! It was so much fun!!!!

Adam

The fact that the pathways were clear from snow is a plus. No wait times and no crowds. I did get there early (9:30). The enclosures are huge for the animals. Disappointed that some of the inside exhibits weren't opened and wish the zoo had an app to see the layout. The signs are small and I felt like I was in a corn maze. Interesting that they're all about the environment but only had papertowels in the restrooms and didn't have the air hand dryer. They should also think about having an adults only day once or twice a month. Some of us want to see animals and not hear other people's kids screaming.

Jasmine Arnold

The zoo was just ok for me. The bird conservatory was closed (for renovation - which is understandable - but still sucks). Most of the animals weren’t out because of the heat (again, not the zoo’s fault, but still sucks). We did get to see a Zebra - which was cool. We’ll have to come back in more comfortable weather.

Enzo Lopez

Had a great day with my family here at DC Zoo. Parking was $30, but free admission!! Visited Panda, elephants, bison, small mammals, lions, apes, black bear, orchid, turtle. All of them are energetic and very active. Quite disappointed that Red Panda is sleeping. But funnel cake is the solution to disappointment! Coming back soon, highly recommend it!! The weather was great by the way.

Natalya Kosyanenko

This was a very nice family experience. Due to summer heat, some animals were hiding in cooler places, but we got to see most of them. There are some indoor pavilions to take a break from the heat. The purple amazonian area is pretty cool. I feel most of the animals have enough space. I do appreciate all the effort the Smithsonian Institute put into the conservation of species. Food options are typical for such places - not so good and expensive. I'd recommend bringing your own snacks. If you drive, make sure to get the parking pass for $30 per vehicle. The entrance is free.

J

Great time at the zoo! Haven’t been to the National zoo in years and loved seeing the pandas! But all the animals and exhibits were great! Most of the animals look very well taken care of and had great clean habitat! The place is super clean and staff is very friendly and knowledgeable!

Jason Ewen

Nice place to visit when in the DC area. Affordable because you pay for parking only which was $30. Very clean zoo, loads of animals and friendly staff especially at the elephant and sea lion exhibits. Some of the areas seemed too small for some of the animals. Areas were closed because of construction. Food prices were high but you can bring your own which we did.

Thomas Henegar

Very nice time with good opportunities for food and snack although expensive. Recommend going on a cooler day where it is not predicted to rain since it is outside mostly Animals are great and seem well taken care of. Pandas are always a great site to see

Life with Ashleigh M

This zoo is absolutely beautiful. Very well kept, friendly staff, the animals were very sleepy or sad I did feel bad😔. The orangutans were full of life except one he hid under a cover it was cute. The elephants are beautiful creatures. I would recommend and also come back. Best part of my DC family vacation.

Michael Richardson

Clean, modern zoo, with plenty of exhibits (a number indoors). It was too busy when we visited, but it was still a pretty good experience. Limited food/beverage options is the one aspect I would like to see improved.

Zied Kallel

Great zoo. Of course you should not miss the giant pandas section. If you don't see them in the outdoor area, go behind there is in indoor section where you can see them playing and eating bamboo. My suggestion is to come at 9:00 AM even if the zoo opens officially at 8. We arrived at 8 but most animals were not out yet (maybe sleeping(?)).

William Martin

Truly a world class zoo. They have countless animals and are free to the public. Parking is not free and is limited. The orangutan skyway is unique and magical to watch but don't stand directly under it or something unpleasant might be dropped on you from above. Kids might even touch an animal at the farm section, but only there.

David Meyer

Neat zoo with a variety of animals including Pandas. We arrived pretty close to opening and the animals weren't really active so if you arrive early, plan on doing a second lap. It took us about 3 hours to cover the entire zoo. Reserve tickets and parking in advance.

Matthew Vaughn-Smith

What a WILD adventure! This was not my first time going and The Smithsonian Zoological Park never disappoints! All the animals were out and lively. The crowds were minimal and the distance between exhibits was decent. The reason why it didn't get the 5th star was because of the lack of parking. I understand the need to encourage people to take public transit. Unfortunately for me, I have three small children- one of which is still in a stroller- and to lug all the stuff on the Metro while still making sure my school-aged children were safe would have been a difficult feat at best. I also need to explore my membership benefits some more, because I feel like I am not taking full advantage. Overall a solid experience that was memorable for my kids. I recommend it!!!

Michelle

Go to location! We hosted my in laws from Washington State with our young niece. Definitely bring a stroller or rent one they have available. The zoo is downhill from the entrance and all uphill back to the exit. Keep this in mind! Plenty of stops and seating areas along the way. They also have misters along the park to help beat the heat if you need to! We visited when it was 80°+ and it started to thunderstorm. We hung out under a tent for the rain to subside- they have PLENTY of ponchos for less than 5$ if you forget to bring rain gear! If you are only going one time and want to see everything, recommend a good 5-6 hours depending on your pace of walking and desire to read/watch everything! Parking is 30$- we didn’t drive, we came in from the Woodly Metro Stop which was close and convenient.

Gicela Saucedo

The entrance is free, but if you want to park you will need to purchase a parking ticket. The zoo was calm and fun. We got to see a lot of animals and in some of them their history with the zoo. I would highly recommend to be there at the time they open since you will run out of time. So plan accordingly, they have food trucks and souvenir stores if you didn't bring a snack.

Jessica Anderegg

One of the best thing about living in DC is having such a great (free!) zoo you can drop by. We like going earlier in the morning when the zoo is still pretty empty and the animals are more active and then leave once it starts getting crowded, but there's also plenty to do for a full day if you're making more of a trip!

Anthony Steele

We very much enjoyed our time at the zoo. The main walkway is pretty much a continuous incline so needed to pace ourselves. Some animals were not on display due to time of year, but we saw the pandas so that was good. Food and services were good. The weather cooperated enough to see everything we could.

Ian Bozung

I would say this is a great place. I loved the exhibits. It was really fun to get to be able to see pandas!! I also really loved the extremely creative orangutan tightrope-like passageways-- they are very memorable! Overall it is worth the visit, 100%

Angela Baron

The layout of the zoo is so perfect. You rarely feel crowded, the animals always look healthy and with room to roam. The food offerings are fun and imaginative for any kind of park. Top notch experience yet again.

Meaghan MacKenzie

It was adorable and well laid out. It’s also FREE which is a rarity! You need to get tickets before arriving, online. It was clean and was pretty quiet despite it being such a nice day. Parking is $30 and stroller rentals are $12 for a single and $15 for a double. Food is EXPENSIVE! $11 for a 16oz latte. $8 for an ice cream cone. Would DEFINITELY recommend going! Takes 2-3 hours on average I would estimate.

Max Rosen

Beautifully kept zoo with countless animal exhibits that will keep you entertained for hours. Feels like you’re strolling through a forest full of wildlife, so much so you hear the animals before you even see them. Animals are well taken care of, staff seem passionate about what they do, and the park was super clean. Must check out if in DC.

Imelda Cruz Avellan

The zoo is beautifully maintained and the animals were happy and healthy, it’s such a beautiful place to go and the work they are doing to preserve and protect these animals is admirable. Only downside is it’s difficult to navigate. If you struggle with any mobility issues definitely rent a motorized wheelchair.

Mohammad “Mo” Mumtaz

Amazing place to visit for the family - especially if you have younger kids. HUGE Zoo, lots of great exhibits. There is food available at the zoo, which was nice for a lunch break. I was, however, let down by the chaotic the lines and zoo syadd. Sure, I expected lines for popular attractions, but some wait times were more than 30 minutes. Staff was also pretty frustrated and yelling at people in the panda exhibit - making it a bit uncomfortable for everyone trying to just enjoy the moment. Overall, would recommend - but maybe avoid going on the weekends.

Naz Kebede

Such a lovely zoo. Surprisingly enough, it doesn’t seem that big from the outside, but once you get in, you can stroll through the trails for hours. You can get super close to some of the animals, which is great for pictures. Nonstop fun, beautiful animals and caring workers!

Nireekshit Addanki Tirumala

One of the best zoos we have seen. Especially loved the small mammals, reptiles section. The Amazonia exhibit was also beautiful. Worth a visit if you are in DC, especially given its free entry !

Daniel Morales

Memorable!! Used to go here as a kid and decided to revisit with my kids. Amazing as always! All of my childhood memories were refreshed and my kids loved seeing all the animals. Also make sure to make reservations online (it's free) as they don't accept anyone without online tickets.

Virtual World Tours

Even though it was wintertime, and during the latest Covid surge, it was awesome. I heartily recommend buying the parking pass for $30 - especially if you have a wheelchair, elderly people, or small kids who can't walk very far. The viewpoints are great, so you won't be stuck seeing an empty space with a sleeping animal in the very back, or under a shelter. Also, the pandas are not to be missed!

Farhin Momtaj

This zoo has PANDAS. OMG! I saw them sleeping. They're so cute. It has other animals too. Bird section was closed while I was there. There are reptile house. Great ape, elephants, horse prairie dog and other animals too. You can see them very closely. And the entry fee is zero 🥰 but you have to pay 30$ for car parking.

Richard Dahlstrom

Absolutely a must for anyone in the area. My family and I visited on Thanksgiving day and were happy to find the crowds to be incredibly thin. We were able to walk at our pace, linger at animals we enjoyed, and never feel rushed. That I am all but certain would not be the case during a busier time of the year but that would just mean additional planning in preparation to going. We opted to pay the $30 parking, which is kind of steep but not when you remember the rest of the zoo is free and driving there was a choice we made. Parking in lot E was great as it put us at the bottom of the hill and allowed us to make an easy loop of the park without fear of missing things. The exhibits I feel were all well maintained and adequately sized for the type and number of animals houses in it. The amazonian house was wonderfully designed and immersive with the animals. The zoos obvious pride and joy are the pandas which can only be seen at two other zoo's in the country. They were super cute and entertaining but good luck find merchandise that is not panda driven. The only food we had available was Sapporo pizza and that wasn't a bad thing. We enjoyed it very much and did not feel overly ripped off by the concession price. There is also a fun bar trailer with an assortment of drinks that will hit the spot. This is a zoo that is proud of it title and one to be proud of. Please go and support.

Lindsey O'Neal

For more travel blogging and adventures, check out my website at: lindseyoneal.com - The Smithsonian Zoo was fantastic! We went on a weekday during Thanksgiving holiday and unfortunately the weather was cold. We still got to see a lot of animals though! The trees were lovely and it wasn't busy. We got coffee at the Zoo restaurant/cafe and at first it was cold, but the staff politely made another pot of coffee for a few people. I would highly recommend going in the spring when the elephants and Asian animals are out. Lovely time for the kids and for romantic walks (or both!) Would highly recommend. Also you can get to the Zoo via metro. It was not a bad walk. You do need tickets to enter, but they are free and easy to get from their website.

Nick Pratt

make sure you reserve parking online. flow of traffic getting in sucked but it's dc and when does it not? park was clean. last time I went was over 10 years ago and I remember the experience being unpleasant. Much better experience this time around.

Christopher Lew

The Smithsonian is truly a gift. Imagine a zoo with no gate where you can just walk in and walk out FREE OF CHARGE, and that is this zoo. On top of that, it's a world-class zoo with a wide selection of exhibits with a pretty strong focus on Giant Pandas, Red Pandas, Elephants, Apes, and other primates. In addition, all the other exhibits, which hit every continent, are equally pretty awesome. When I visited, it looked like the bird habitats were undergoing renovation. I believe currently, because of COVID or the summer season, there are timed entry passes that you need to grab online that are free, but it's to crowd control the area. Easily accessible from the Woodley Park Metro Station, and if you are driving there is plenty of street parking for people coming in and out of the zoo. I'd arrive early though the beat the crowds. I personally really enjoyed the small mammal exhibit and elephant trails! I think the pandas are cute but sorta overrated as there's a pretty big line to see them. Plus there's a 24/7 panda cam that you can find online as well to watch them. Overall a FREE-nomenal educational experience that you can spend with family, friends, and animals.

Leno

Awesome zoo. Free admission (which means it is inclusive and easily accessible for anyone that lives in the city). The zoo has a good balance between providing a good view for visitors and providing privacy for the animals, and most of the big animals are in huge exhibits (some unfortunate exceptions are the komodo dragon ans bison that are in exhibit clearly smaller than they should, as well as others reptiles). There isn't much to complain, except that the public transportation around the zoo is pretty bad.

Joel Shapiro

A wonderful national institution - and it’s free! We paid for parking for the day ($30), which is a pretty nominal fee for four adults. Our favorite part was the apes exhibit - there are some fascinating orangutans and gorillas.

abdiel blas

Very nice experience here at the zoo. It was a little bit difficult getting into zoo with the phone scanner. When you don't have Internet. I would highly recommend screen shotting your tickets. Other than that it didn't take too long getting in with the large crowd. It is very well kept and organized. There is a lot to look at. You won't regret going here. Just wear some good comfortable shoes because it's downhill going into the zoo and uphill coming all the way back. which gets you very winded and tired lol. Highly recommend!!!!

Alabama OUTSIDErs

Amazing zoo, as you would expect from the Smithsonian. We went the week after Christmas, and most of the animals were still active. The Amazonia building was awesome. Birds and monkeys are flying and climbing, untethered and unencumbered, all around you. You'll want to allot at least 4 hours for the visit, if not more. And don't forget the most amazing part: it's free!

Cassandra Brand

Fantastic zoo. The grounds are clean, staff friendly, and lot of unique experiences with the animals are available. Wasn't too crowded and almost never waited in a line. Pretty hilly, would advise wearing a good set of tennis shoes. Prices were incredibly good, free entry, but with 30$ parking per car, food was a bit cheaper than other parks, and stroller rentals were very reasonable. Highly recommend!

Michael Valdivielso

The Smithsonian's National Zoo is near the Red Line and well within walking distance. Tickets are free but have to be reserved in advance online. A five dollar map is available which also has info on all sections and coupons. Some of the animals, when I visited, were inside because of the heat, or elsewhere because they were sick. But a majority of the aninals were out and could be seen. Lots of shade from trees, lots of restrooms, a shuttle, places to eat, gift shops, signs and maps on display, and exhibit buildings. Took me about three hours to go around on my own and I really enjoyed it. The meal I had, hot dog, fries, and drink, was reasonable when compared to the prices of other zoos/museums. But the birds are pushy.

Mainey On Google

What a wonderful time at the zoo! It was hot , I can say that much. Also make sure you get the tickets before hand when planning a trip to the zoo. Yes the tickets are free right now lol. Make sure you bring your water and snacks. I would go back

Kay Pepper

Its nice to finally see where my tax dollars are going! Its a beautiful zoo with a wonderful walking layout that will keep you busy for a few hours. The enclosures are big and spacious for the cute fluffs and non-fluffy animals, though if I compared it to other zoozs, it wouldn't beat Taiwan Zoo for enclosure space and quality. All the staff seemed attentive and hard working. The place is very clean and the food is well, junk food as always, so nothing gourmet about it. It is easy to get around thr zoo and there enough maps to look at. Its a good walk for sure and great exercise. I was able to get many shots of the animals, but it seems like they all rather show me their rear then pose... I think goat in a bucket on a bridge was the highlighy of the visit Beautiful zoo~

Debra Ketchner

It's a free zoo! They're doing great conservation work, and there's always something cool to see there. The educational signs make this an easy-to-justify educational field trip. I enjoyed checking out all the info on their Panda breeding program, their Asian elephants, and their variety of antelope species. Right now there's baby lesser kudu and a 1yr old baby panda, but the cool things when you go might be different.

Natalie D’Mello

Some construction and closed paths (making it harder to see the animals) when visiting in October. It's great that this zoo is in the middle of the city in Woodley Park, making it easier to tag on more things to do with your day. The path for the exhibits is primarily linear, except for when you get to the Kids Farm - that turns into a loop.

Brandi Bernow

The zoo is free but if you are driving, it will cost $30 for parking to buy in advance online. We’ve got to see pandas in the morning. I like seeing spoonbills (type of bird) standing on the sign (seen in photo), gibbons were howling, mist fountains are almost everywhere, water and the orangutans were active. Only downsides are the humidity and lot of the hills, do wear comfortable clothing and shoes. If you know someone who can’t handle walking on hills, don’t hesitate to rent a scooter for $30. Be aware that not all animals are active in the summer season.

Vikram Seshadri

Need to make reservations to park in the parking lots. If you are lucky you can do it on the spot as well but would recommend to book it online. Was a little hot so most of the animals were indoors or not home. Must visit for the Elephants and Pandas at the least.

Michelle Durham

Nice & clean habitat for all the critters. Wish they had a giraffe. Will return. It was fun watching the seals! Entry to the Zoo is Free. U just pay for parking which was extremely reasonable & close to tge entrances.

Devin Campbell

This is an awesome zoo. Reserve your tickets ahead of time and go early in the day before it gets crowded. I can't pick any one exhibit to detail, because each one was great. My wife loved the pandas. I enjoyed the Komodo dragon. Take snacks and water.

Nicole Wimmer

My girls loved this zoo! I wish there had been some additional signage to demystify some of the locations during construction; we tried to reach the large cats, but could never quite find our way around the construction. Quite a few of the larger animals were not out the day we visited, so that was a little disappointing, but we can't control wild animals--so that's no fault of the zoo's!

Laura Lindsey

Free. Parking $30 per vehicle. Love the layout of the zoo. Panda were very active. All other animals zebra, Cheetah, big cats were active. I love coming to this zoo!

Tiffany Adams-Darby

The zoo is still free but you must reserve your tickets online. It's easy to navigate on their website. You can either download your tickets to you mobile device or print them prior to your visit.

Emily

Love this zoo! Great exhibits! Takes about 2 hours if you hustle or a little longer if you take your time. Several of the exhibits are also inside which is a nice break from the sun

Mia Driskell

This zoo is free! It does require a timed entry pass. If you want to park on their property it's $30. We parked down the street and walked to the gate! Amazing! They even have a Panda!!!!! Their souvenirs aren't over priced either. Please buy food and souvenirs to keep this zoo open and free! Great fun!

Gordana Richardson

Great, huge zoo with lots of animals and activities for kids. Entrance is free but parking is 30$. Buy tickets in advance as they limit the tickets number per day. Metro is a good option and then it's completely free. Metro station is close by.

X. V.

Thank goodness this place was free. (Parking was $30 though) It was so small. Seen the whole thing in 30 min. The best part was the panda exhibit. They didn't mind the cold and were outside eating.

Ankur Dhanuka

My zoo experience was amazing! We spent about 4 hrs inside zoo! It’s huge and there’s good amount of walking! Panda was highlight for us however we actually ended spending least amount there. We spent good amount of time at orangutan area. They are so so fun! Entire place was well kept! We found all restrooms to be cleaned and many options for eating and drinks were there. It’s advisable to get the free passes blocked in advance from the zoo website!

Oi Lin “Chinagirl568”

I could not come to DC and not go to the zoo! I was so excited to see PANDAS 🐼 in real life! And the other animals too. :D It's a big zoo so be prepared to walk a lot! Go early when there is less people!

Jesus Romero

Not a lot to look at. Pandas were active, and elephants were kind roaming. But everything else was just in shady spots and hard to find. But it was FREE. (Order tix in advance) If you’re parking on the street, it’s very tough to find anything. We spent about 45 min searching for parking. Highly recommend the $30 parking pass if available.

Ryan Rieboldt

Took advantage of one of the last warm days of the year. Coolest thing was the “O-line” where orangutans would climb across and above pathways. Recommend making sure you get passes ahead of time and arrive early since it gets packed midday.

Jay White

The Smithsonian National Zoo is always a great place to take the family and take in the sights of the animals, both inside and outside of the enclosures. Sunny, warm days are the best times to see the sights. Bring some refreshments or some money, it's a hike to see everything.

Zakkiyya Malik

It was a nice zoo and it was free. However, there was something off about the animals. First, the tiger. He paced back and forth and he was this way for hours, he walked weird, and as he was pacing, his tongue was out and he was panting. It was a chilly foggy day so I doubt he was hot. Next, the elephants. They stood as still as statues. One elephant just paced around with his trunk dragging the ground. Then the 2 male lions. They both paced erratically. One of them kept going to the corner of the enclosure and making this awful guttural sound. Like he was in pain. I think they use drugs on them. Something was definitely up. One of the gorilla's just sat with his side facing the enclosure glass holding what looked like mashed avocado. Not eating it, but holding it and not moving. So bizarre.

Amit Ray

It's very well kept zoo, with animals from different continents. The animals are kept very similar to their natural habitat. People flock to look at the various animals. The zoo has a few eateries ,ice cream and other snacks , and thus presents a wonderful day out for family and friends.

Leslie M

I wish this zoo was more organized telling visitors when animals will be on display, unfortunately they do not and the one animal you came to visit may not be available for viewing. The place is huge and it is easy to miss what ever it is that you are here to see. There could be more organization here but there isn't. At this time entry needs to be reserved and parking is $30. all in all, I would still visit this place as they have a wide array of animals and free entry.

Destinee B.

The zoo is free. We did pay to park in the lot but you could try and find parking nearby and walk in. Reserve tickets online. We went in the morning right when animals were eating or just finishing up! The zoo had plenty of active animals! We will be back!

H. Chang

Zoo Lights was a lot of fun. I was surprised at how good a time the kids had. It was mini theme park to them, and a low-key family outing to me. Very enjoyable! Thank you to the Smithsonian Zoo staff. Tips: Get free passes online (dated). Passes for Zoo Lights are separate. These Christmas light displays are periodic events (usually Halloween and sometimes the winter holidays). The event has moved around in the calendar. Bring snacks and a water bottle if you have kids. In the Zoo food service center, an adult chicken strips meal (organic and olive oil fries) is about $14, and 6-7 oz of mulled wine was $7. The food center food was definitely better than expectations (better than school cafeteria food).

Darnella G

Was a little more crowded than I thought it would be. We parked in the zoo parking lot which I believe was about $30 for all day! I was super excited cause we got to see the pandas!! Great way to spend the day and the restrooms are super clean for a place that gets so much traffic! The staff is doing a great job

kevin archer

A beautiful zoo that's well laid out. Most exhibits you can get up close to the animals. Lots of indoor interactions with the animals. All the animals and fun for free, there's no charge to visit.

Alic Wired

Part of the Smithsonian Institute system, the zoo offers free entry to patrons. The only requirement is to reserve your free entry pass online and bring the printout with you. This zoo has a lot to offer. If visiting in the winter months, you may find that some (quite a few) animals are removed from display until the weather warms up. Still, there is a lot to do and see the. I've been to many zoos, and still found a few creatures here that I haven't seen anywhere else. Plan at least 4-5 hours plus any breaks to briefly see everything. Also, several food places inside are closed, making food selection a bit limited.

Eric Hoffman

Love this zoo. Free admission, $30 parking fee. Still requires reservations for either walk-in or parking needed visits. As of 07/15/2022 the bird house is closed for renovations. Allow at least 4 hrs to fully enjoy this zoo. Also, there is a pretty steep incline in the paths in the zoo, so be prepared/able to go up/down inclines.

Joanne Neil Jackson

The Zoo is wonderful. I truly enjoyed it. I'm from Philadelphia and was visiting my relative and I Love animals so they took me to the Zoo. It's free unlike Philly where you have to pay.

Sandi Jackson

I shared an incredible experience with my grand children. It was the perfect size. The zoo did not take long to see all of the animals, especially with the grands.

Jessica Martin

Love seeing the baby panda, even though he's 2 we follow him on webcam. The new Asian part of park is really pretty and very open for the pandas. Prepare for a lot of walking up a hill. Lots of variety of animals. Lots of bathrooms that are clean. Water bottle filling station throughout park. Misters on main path are great in heat and entertainment for kids.

Helen Rodriguez

Great for everyone, if taking metro exit the stop right after zoo otherwise you will be walking uphill to get to zoo. We took Uber this time it was even better. There are plenty of eateries nearby and a Starbucks across the street

Bianca Garcia

Greetings from Phoenix! I visited this zoo alone for a day out and I had such an amazing time. I got to see many of the animals and learned so much at their small museums and displays. The zoo itself is MASSIVE so make sure to bring plenty of water and good walking shoes.

kacie schlecht

Great place. Don't underestimate it. On theor map it looks smallish but it has a lot of hidden gems. Lots of hills, come with good walking shoes. This place also has tons of hands on activities. Small gift shop. Carousel didn't have the music running but the experience was great.

Art Ferreiro

The Smithsonian National Zoo proved to be an enjoyable and relaxing experience. Visited and found ample parking nearby within a short walk to the main entrance. Enjoyed watching zookeepers coaxing a red panda into an enclosure and watching the Asian pachyderms or Elephas Maximus wander around their habitat. All in all it was a great time at a very nice place.

Cyn Brown

Nowadays, you need tickets to go in. They're free, but you have to give up a lot of information. I and my grandson didn't have one, but we were coming in with a nice couple from NJ who were there with their son who we met on the train who HAD got their tickets online beforehand, so the nice ticket takers let us go in anyway. Many animals were out, including the pandas and cheetah, so the boys got to see quite a few. There were a few places to eat and some vending machines for drinks. Kinda pricey, but supports the zoo, which is expensive to run. Drinking fountains are also throughout the zoo and have a place to fill water bottles, but it's unfiltered tap water.

David Shoop

The zoo itself is wonderful, but as with any other public place there were a lot of adults who let the mini mess run free and unchecked... not a big deal if the would teach them to respect othe people's space... but still was nice. Just don't expect a quiet time in the park

Christopher E

Will definitely come back! Elephant house staff A+! Very informative. Relaxed courteous atmosphere! Bring walking shoes and dress comfortable. We parked for free a few blocks or so away which was a little challenge. Paid parking in my opinion is worth it but not necessary! Creatures are amazing!

Brittany Staltare

Very nice zoo considering it is free admission! Just make sure you sign up online so they can scan your ticket when you get in they also had barcodes you can scan to get the entry that way if you don’t do it in advance. A lot of animals to see as well and very clean.

Janeth Alvarez

We attended the zoo lights event for the first time last week and I was pleasantly surprised. I had never seen animal lantern displays before and I found it very appropriate for zoo lights. Very cute and a perfect simple holiday activity to do in the DMV. Can’t wait to come back when it’s warmer to see all the animals!

Ebony Simpson

It's a beautiful zoo but nothing to brag about.. the kiddos enjoyed it.... if you don't mind walking for parking it's free to get in with a pass.... I'm use to seeing more animals but it's good for what is worth

Marie “Monkies” Vigo

I didn’t know what to except going to the Zoo in January. It was lovely! Although they didn’t have all the “dippin dot” stations opened, do we really need them during this time of season?.. the crowds were very limited. Again, if you ask me, that’s perfect! Not having to dodge other people not walking shoulder to shoulder. This was a very peaceful experience. And the animals? Yes, they were out. Panda’s eating their bamboo leaves and the big gorilla throwing their stomach contents and then ingesting it again.

Rami Bannourah

This zoo is outstanding, features all types of animals, food vendors, a merry goround, kids farm and playground, and mkre! We got to see the red panda and the giant panda during our visit. Parking is available onsite for $30, the metro stop is convenient and a short walk away. Another option is to use spot hero for parking or if you are really lucky find a parking meter nearby. Highly recommend visiting this zoo, it is free, but you need to register in advance on their site for your free tickets.

Holli Croope

The Zoo was a little busy on the Sunday we chose. We found parking on the street and walked in around 11 am. The parking lot was sold out and we were worried however, this was not difficult! If this is you, don't worry! Just circle around a few times and you will find a spot within a few blocks! I think we went at one of the busiest times ever so... If we can do it, you can too. That being said, there was a long line to get into each exhibit building and my 10 and 3 year old weren't about that life. There are several excellent elephant viewing areas and we got to see the elephants from all angles! One of our favorite parts was Amazonia, which was Amazonazing! The animals roam freely in the exhibit and the birds flying around made this my children's favorite part! Plus there is a frog exhibit and multiple fish tanks and every animal was visible and my 3 year old was able to see everything from her height! Awesome! I thought the kids zone would be more of a petting zoo however, it was no contact! Just FYI, this area is barn animals that you can not touch. The panda area was also very cool... the animals were visible from their inside and outside enclosures, even from a 3 year old level! They ran out of the awesome bubble wands I told my children we would get on the way out... EEK... after a quick meltdown and an ice cream we decided this was still a highlight of our trip to DC! P.s. I recommend bringing a lunch or eating a picnic as the dining options are very pricey (per usual) and not very delicious.

Tiffanie (Tiff_Upon_A_Star)

Absolutely LOVED this zoo. Came from out of town and got there when it first opened, it was nice because it was quiet and the animals were more awake. They walked around more and it was easier to get pictures of them feeding and their morning “play”. Bathrooms were all clean and kept up. The kids play area was also a nice touch and it was nice to have a break while the little one ran around. Will definitely return

Amanda Baity

We have been to this zoo before. We were a little disappointed that several of the animals were not available to observe but my children had a great time and that's all that truly matters. All the animals appear as if they are well taken care of and healthy.

Zay McCullough, MSW, LCSW-A

My son and I visited here in the wintertime on a Thursday afternoon around 12:45pm while visiting from NC. Since it’s DC, I decided to walk or catch a Lyft. At the time, you had to get free tickets online. It was pretty chilly, being about 50-55 degrees. Asia Trail: We didn’t see many animals on the Asia trail as they like warmer climate. We did see otters, giant pandas, Northern Snakehead, red pandas. We didn’t see leopards, fishing cat, sloth bears, or Asia elephants. The Bird exhibit closed due to renovation. We saw American Bison, cheetah, and more at another exhibit. Food: Initially, Asia Trails ends into food court. They have SBarro (Pizza), Dipping dots (closed), and food truck. There were ample beverage machines were present. Additionally, just past the food court area were the restrooms. American Trail: We saw river otter (2), wood duck, bald eagle, gray seal, harbor seal, brown pelican, and California sea lion. With the sea lion, i observed kids having items and sea lion was following it as they moved it along the glass, which was interesting.. We didn’t see beaver, maned wolf, or Andean bear. Amazonia: This was an inside exhibit that had Stingrays, turtles, fish, birds in one area. Upstairs was a rain forest where animals roam free. There were no monkeys. I did see a beautiful roseate spoonbill. There were amphibians on another level of the exhibit. The Seal rock cafe/Ben and Jerry’s was closed. The underwater exhibit for sea lions was open but none present. The Kids farm had goats, donkeys, koi Carp, and channel catfish. The cows and alpaca(s) wasn’t present. Exiting was HORRIBLE. Lyft drivers couldn’t get in from Connecticut Ave., which was where we were. Due to this, we were switched drivers 5 times. Another couple waiting too Stated that drivers kept canceling them or either they had to cancel. It took 6th drivers and over 45 minutes.. to leave. In order to do so, we actually had to walk and leave out of park through pedestrian exit in order to catch the lyft. I feel like that’s something that should be properly communicated. Ride-share drivers should be let in to prevent this from happening. Overall, it wasn’t a bad experience. We didn’t get to see everything due to running out of time but I’m sure I’ll return during my next visit.

Adam

Not as good as the Portland Zoo but they do seem to tend to the animals well. Bathrooms are readily available and there are some food options (expensive and ok). Worth the trip, definitely liked it, but not a loved it.

Marisa Sterling-Abram

We go to the zoo about once a month and although it is a smaller zoo, we just love it. Every time we go we find something new. If you want to avoid the crowds get there right at 8:00am because it doesn't start getting busy until about 9:30am and you will almost feel like you have the zoo to yourself. Then it starts to get packed by 11:00 a.m. as far as weekends go. Weekdays are much less crowded. The carousel doesn't open until 10:00 a.m. and is about $3 per person. They also have a splash pad near the sea lions that I never knew existed. The bathrooms are always very clean and the staff is always friendly.

Andrea Magness

One of the best zoos we've been to. They had animals I didn't even know existed! Definitely a must when visiting DC and it's FREE.

Tanmay T

Best zoo experience ever and that too for free. Conveniently connected by public transportation. It is huge and took me two hours just to walk all the spots.

Prabha Shankar

A must go location in Washington DC if you are local or out of town. You need at least half a day to cover the area but doable. Well shaded walking area at most of the places. Refreshments stands or store are reasonably priced. Ice creams , drinks , food , auntie Anne’s pretzel, Kwality ice creams etc , are free I saw . Parking is available of zoo you need to book the parking before hand if it going to be busy day you may need to look for street side parking and challenging to get a parking spot in the streets. There is a public garage parking at .5 miles from the zoo. Water mist thrower at many places for kids and adult enjoy the cool water on hot summer days. Food portion at mane grill was good . We had 4 chicken strips with frys ($12). Auntie Annie’s price was $6 reg size. Carvel iceceam tasted good. Well maintained park , informations are posted across the park. Restrooms were decently clean and would not say very bad. I would strongly recommend this park. Free entrance for the park is added bonus but must reserve online is suggested.

E Blount

This is a very nice zoo! I'm sure you'll have a great time. A couple of things to consider. 1. Admission is free. Go on the website and reserve admission tickets and you will not have to wait in line upon entry. We walked right up and passed a bunch of folks waiting to go in. 2. Parking is very limited onsite. You can reserve parking in nearby lots online. However, they will be expensive and some will require a walk of 0.5-1 miles. DC METRO has a stop for the zoo but be prepared to walk almost 0.5 miles to get to the entry. 3. It's hot outside.... The animals are hot too. Depending on the time that you go it won't be a lot of activity. 4. This place is huge & very clean. The food is delicious. However, I think you can bring in outside food if you wish. 5. Our kids enjoyed the misting stations! They are spaced out around the zoo and really help to cool you off on those hot and humid days. 6. Wear some comfortable walking shoes! 7. Grab a map. The zoo is broken into sections and there are lots of animals and attractions to see.

K S Zanika

I have been to many zoos in my life. This zoo was okay but it seems to be lacking a soul. Many of the exhibits were closed. I wasn't impressed with the $30 parking fee or paying $11 for ice cream. There is supposed to be national funding for the zoo. Why all the price gouging? And then after spending all this money, the zoo is in pretty poor condition with no much to see. This zoo doesn't deserve the national zoo title.

DD Henderson

Great day trip..Free parking on the side streets. Members get free parking but there seems to never be any free parking available. If your not a member parking is 30. Since covid you need to register online for tickets but the zoo is FREE. Take your time and enjoy the peaceful walk throughout the zoo. There is plenty of animals to see and some interaction activities you can do. kids will enjoy the snakes in the reptile house and weighing themselves in the elephant house. Pack a snack or lunch since food is allowed. Enjoy the free movie in the visitor center or talk to a caretaker. Either way it is an enjoyable trip and a great way to get your 10,000 steps in. Have fun.

Nicholas Williams

Always a good time. All exhibits were open with the exception of the bird sanctuary which is being remodeled. Ne sure to bring your own food and dri KS. 4 dollars for a Gatorade is a little expensive. Go online and reserve your parking.

Jacque Bradley

We had a beautiful day to explore the National Zoo. Plenty of animals to see. However, the giraffes (my favorite) were no longer there. The hippopotamus snd rhinoceros were also missing. Otherwise we had a great time. Be prepared tonwalk a lot and over many hills.

Louise Brady

We love the zoo. So many different species of animals you don't often see or not at other zoos. Plus there is the added benefit of Pandas. Only downside is the hill but thats only really minor as there are loads of things to see. We took sandwiches and drinks on our last visit so could then splash out on ice cream and slushies. The water mists along the main path were a welcome bonus on a very hot day. Plus all the anumal buildings were air conditioned. We also recommend the christmas lights when they have them on.

Tony Vawnz

The Zoo was great. If you can book parking ahead of time please do it. Parking in DC is terrible. Ate at one of the food trucks, food was decent, definitely not worth the price but you can’t expect great deals anywhere nowadays.

Linden Yee

I can't believe this place is free, never change Smithsonians! The animals seem relatively content and have well-maintained, attractive spaces. Though I do get emo when I can't see the red panda, I appreciate that they give everyone the opportunity to hide from us visitors when they need privacy. The park is nicely landscaped and there are a lot of supplementary exhibits that are very informative. The Maras and Eastern Box turtles go so hard for no reason, highly recommend.

Trevor Bingham

Great zoo. You can get free tickets before you go out on your cell phone at the entrance. On a Saturday, it wasn't too crowded.

Armida (Justmida)

We don’t reside here and decided to pay a visit. Definitely you have to get ticket’s, it it’s free. It’s not as big as our zoo in Phoenix. But we enjoyed it and definitely a must when you’re in town.

Jeffrey Engebretson

Loved the zoo! Great options for all kids and ability levels! Go early in the day, fewer people and more active animals!

Bill P

Great day trip for the whole family! I spend the day walking around the zoo as one does. There is lots to do and lots to see here. Give yourself about 2.5 hours to soak in everything the park has to offer while you're here.

JP

Zoo seemed small at first, but went on forever. We spent a good 4 hours here. The Amazon part was incredible and we were able to be surrounded by animals, mostly birds that were not caged. The orangutan area was so cool to see.

Travel Girl

Wish they had Hippos..I for some silly reason thought all zoos had them but I love all animals so they were all great! Really enjoyed talking with one of the ladies who worked with the elephants as it was very refreshing to hear the extent she cared about them.

weiss gabutan

First of all there is no entrance fee which is a plus. However, you may have to purchase a parking ticket to park inside. Even though the weather was scorching that day, the trees around the zoo were a welcome respite. We get to see the pandas and the zebra being fed by the caretaker. The red panda was being kept indoors because of the heat and we didn’t get to see it unfortunately. Visit in the am so you will have the chance to see all animals.

Russell Nagle

Totally worth the train ride! The first couple animals (right inside the entrance) are not out due to the cold weather. But the pandas and everything past the pandas are out. The small mammals exhibit was probably my favorite parts.

John Anderson

Our family had so much fun walking through the zoo's exhibits. It's great getting to know about the wildlife. Lots of amazing photo opportunities too!

P O

My family enjoyed our trip to this Zoo pre pandemic. The parking was a little crazy and tight. There was plenty to look at and it was clean. Overall a fun day at the Zoo!

Monique Bonner

This zoo is very extensive. I really enjoyed how many different animals they have. They also had a petting zoo, a mary-go-round, a playground and tons of places to eat. We barely got through half. We will go again. Definitely get the parking pass.

Showmick Zaman

Awesome zoo. Pros-zoo is free to enter, very large zoo, so many exhibits to visit, place was fun, there are many different things in the zoo, zoo is built well. Cons-you could easily forget where you are in the zoo, you aren’t given a map to see where you are, and some employees are rude.

Sherry R. Goff

The zoo was smaller than I thought it would be. It's a great thing to see the pandas a d they are very well cared for but I'd like it to be bigger.

Arielle M. (Mermaid)

Since school is out For the summer it is a great way for my kids to be able to go to the zoo, the zoo is free we have been at least once a week every week since they have been out of school. The zoo is so big everytime we see some animals we haven't seen the last visit

Charles Butterfield

This is a really well laid out zoo with lots of interesting animals. The Fennec foxes were adorable, wish they had some more room to roam. The panda exhibit was great.

Jani Sennerblom

Nice zoo. I don't like zoos generally but here they do a lot to save the species and I like that part! It's worth a visit.

Yvette McGreen

For our first time visiting the zoo it was a little crazy. Google Maps sent us to the entrance but the entrance roadway in was closed for traffic to drive over the bridge. So then we googled another way and that entrance was also closed but it was not indicated to Google maps that the entrance was closed. Finally we went back to the main gate again drove up the road parked and then walked back to the entrance to get into the park. All in all it took us 30 minutes to finally get into the zoo. Once inside it was a memorable experience and visit.

Peter M

Bring your own water bottle as prices are crazy high. The zoo doesn't charge an entry fee so if you want to support then buy stuff from there. Went when it was raining and barely saw other people. It was the best time to go.

Marius K

Entrance is free. Parking cost 30usd. Metro is located close to entrance if that is an option. Great place to take your kids (at least off-season) because it is not too crowded.

Zainab Ariyibi

Love the zoo. Family friendly, clean and so much to see. You can also pack a picnic and eat inside.

Brandon M

The zoo is huge with lots to see. You’ll probably spend more time than you think. Went around 1030 and a lot of the animals were sleeping, but still fun to see animals I’ve never seen before! I would definitely go back. Prepare for lots of walking as well.

Sebastian Petzing

Always a wonderful experience visiting the zoo. I've been coming since I was a young child and this place has never lost its magic. It's clear that the employees truly care for the animals.

Randy Robison

The Zoo is free for entry, but parking costs $30 for the day. If you have to drive to visit, you can pay in advance online and find out when parking is available for your visit. People can run through the park and is a great way to exercise and see the animals while doing a workout. Make sure you see the pandas and my favorite, the red panda.

J O

For anyone visiting during this time of year, you need to get a timed entry pass before going. Also, get ready for most exhibits to be mostly empty or closed. The reptiles, small mammals, and pandas all require waiting in line, which can be lengthy. There was a single elephant, one tiger, 3 sleeping lions, 1 zebra, 1 red panda (these are like pet size for those unsure), and honestly just a smattering on other animals. Overall it was very underwhelming. Of course it is a free zoo so it's not like you are losing anything but time. We have a free zoo in Chicago as well. It is usually nicer but I have definitely gone and felt underwhelmed there too. So amm in all, your results may very.

Gregory Coe

Amazing zoo! The panda family was incredible. We had a very fun time with the kids on our trip to DC here.

Kyle Durant

Great zoo, and was free to get in. We loved the large cat, great ape, and panda exhibits. A lot of great exhibits to see. There were misting machines scattered around the walkways, which was a nice feature on a warm day. Worth the visit.

alyssa mckenzie

This zoo is a wonderful place to visit beautiful animals. I recommend taking a trip to the zoo especially if you have kids that love animals. We didn't get the parking ticket for the zoo's parking so finding parking was a bit of a nightmare but other than that it was pretty great.

Monae Verbeke

The zoo needs a lot of updates. Unfortunately, the cost of the pandas is holding them back. The gift shop is mostly full of unsustainable materials and junk. It’s be great to see the zoo move forward.

a traveling Mom

Loved the orangutan sitting on the wire watching everyone go by!! First time seeing pandas in person and got to watch them climb trees. Also, first time seeing a sandcat and wild horses. We went early so there was no crowd. I recommend a visit here.

Gerum Haile Lincoln

It's free, it has many animals, and info on just about each animal. What's there not to like! I didn't get to explore the whole zoo on the day I was here, so I may not have had the pleasure of getting the whole experience. But, the exhibits so far proved to be informational and fun to see. If it continued like this for what I missed, then this zoo is great!

Scott Smith

This is a great attraction and good time for kids. The panda exhibit is cool and if they are out and about they are really playful. Be sure to go to the orangutan are to see if they are running the ropes.

Heather Tome

It's a beautiful place to go. There is definitely a lot to see in the zoo. Friendly service and the kids loved it.

Dominic Possoch

Really nice Zoo! The pandas are the main attraction of course. Food and drinks are rather expensive, so better come prepared. But otherwise this Zoo is a very nice way to spend some time. If you have the time, and the other Smithsonian seem not to be very attractive to you, the Zoo is the way to go.

Theresa Rollins

We visited this zoo last week on a weekday, was not too crowded and the staff were all friendly and polite. Some exhibits we're closed for maintenance (birds and clouded leopards) so we couldn't access some parts of the park.

Katheen Hall

I love going to the zoo. I got to see many animals and visit their shops too. It was not very crowded as well.

elizabeth bruchmann

I saw a few animals but nothing compare to what people saw here. The park is beautiful and well preserved. Enjoy your visit ♥️

Elizabeth Villalta

We'd tried to go a few times but couldn't get entry passes so it was a long time coming. Our main reason for wanting to go was the pandas, especially with the Pandaversary this year! They did not disappoint. The red panda would make short appearances, dashing out from an A/C area for a few seconds, seeing that it was hot, and going back into the A/C. The giant pandas were amazing, but too far to get a picture. They also had many elephants, apes, and lions. The aviary was closed, which was a bummer, but the rest of the zoo was really well done. Don't miss Amazonia to see some really cool fish (and really massive tropical plants!)

Tanzim Vadsaria

Really enjoyed being there. Had a great time watching different animals espically the Panda. Watching was all worth it.MEI XIANG (thats the name of the Panda) is super adorable. You should definitely visit this place and visit MEI XIANG. Will plan another trip soon to meet my friend MEI XIANG..

Hazar Hallaje

Nice zoo. There is elephant, pandas, red panda, horse, clouded leopard, and a lot more. A bird show was wonderful. Highly recommended for family and friends

DJ/Don Heinz

Good diversity of wildlife. Most enclosures were as animal friendly as possible. I saw NO docents educating the public. Restaurants were, of course, pricy, but food was good.

Inawis Neupane

I visited this zoo last tuesday and I was really surprised to see that the zoo of this broad scale is free. I did have to pay $30 for parking but I am not complaining. I paid it online, you can do it online or pay it on the spot. The zoo is big, you'll need about 2 hr to just walk around the whole zoo. It was wheelchair accessible. And the Biggest thing, the bathroom was clean which I was very surprised because I was dreading to use the bathroom. Whoever is visiting DC, make sure you visit the zoo.

Patricia Martin

It had been YEARS (at least 5) since we had been to the zoo. A lot of nice changes and apparently still more being made. This is a great place to go as a family and learn together or just be amazed at the places we have lived and discover that we were neighbors or lived in the same area as a lot of the animals. Be prepared to WALK. Be sure to take your water bottle- there are bottle filling stations. Very nice! Allow yourself to take breaks as well. That climb back up the hill wasn't as bad since we didn't have to push a stroller this time and we went on the 2nd day of fall as opposed to the middle of summer!

Adriana VH

Have been before but this is the first time in the snow. It was cold and wet but so much fun to see the animals outside. My kids had a blast.

stephanie

I may have gone too early in the morning, I got there at 9:30 and for the first hour, all I saw was sleeping animals. Later, I saw the trainers with the seals which was neat and not something you get to see all the time. I saw the sloth move super fast which was funny. one of my favorite sections of the zoo, is the farm. It sounds silly to live the farm section the best, when it's a place filled with animals you never get to see and farms you can just drive an hour away and see plenty. The farm, however, is more interactive...and it's free. The playground is also a nice addition for children. The base is pizza and there's an olive tunnel, as well as other things. I didn't buy any food, it's way to pricey, so I bring my own lunch/snack. The stores were closed because of Covid, but they were able to bring many of the products outside so people could still shop.

Krista

The zoo is always a great place to visit. This zoo happens to be a 2 for 1 special! You get to see amazing animals & workout on incline level 6! It is all Hill folks so, wear super comfortable shoes! I would also bring my own personal hand sanitizer. Masks are required at all of the inside facilities like the reptile house and the ape house. The lines for the carousel can get pretty long because 1single person sanitizes after every turn. We went in the morning and all the animals seemed to be still sleeping but all in all its a good experience.

Kajol Khatri

Great free place to go on a weekend. So many animals to go check out and it will take you most of the day to finish seeing all of them. Pandas and orangutans were my personal favorite here. Don’t forget to book passes online in advanced.

Monica C

We had a great time at the zoo, there were a lot of animals. We saw elephants, bears, lions, tigers, etc. The zoo looks clean and it's very nice.

Belén Trujillo

Beautiful but a lot of the animals are in very small cages or small enclosures. These animals need to run and exercise. The apes, elephants and big cats specially looked very unhappy.

Janice L

If you want good and front views of all the big animals, then arrive right at opening! We had an amazing view of the elephants and the lack of crowd made it feel very safe. Masks are required when indoors.

Tiffany Belcher

Super fun zoo! Free unless you need to park (which is super limited so plan ahead)! Loved the pandas! There are lots of great animals and exhibits! There are misting stations to help stay cool and several vendors for treats and food. They do allow you to bring in outside food and drink so that’s awesome for parents of kiddos.

Johny Mccahill

A Washington icon that’s worth every step you take. It’s clean it’s efficient and it’s free What joy it is to see animals well fed and cared for. Bravo ! Smithsonian national zoo.

Victoria M

I visited the National Zoo several times over the past couple decades. It's great fun for people of all ages. I'm addition to animal exhibits the interactive areas build on knowledge to inspire curiosity. A recommended addition to anyone's itinerary.

Taylor Rafter

This zoo is fantastic, great walk! The orangutan exhibit is really neat as they have an obstacle course above you so they can climb between two different exhibits

Shiels Studio

It was AMAZING! in the amazon area a bird came super close to me and we saw all of my favorite animals. The food is a bit pricey and if you wanna take your drink with you while you walk you may get yelled at but i will always go back! Its so worth it! I highly recommend the amazon house where the animals are free roam!

Morgan McCoy

I really enjoyed the zoo. The walk from the metro was not as close as they made it seem however. Alot of the animals were asleep or trying to keep warm so I wouldnt suggest early in the morning (although they say that animals are more vibrant in the morning) or during winter. Fall might be ideal as it isnt hot but you're not freezing either.

Jeff Smith

Visited on a rainy day. Make sure to pack rainboots if rain is in the forecast. If not sneakers/walking shoes are a must. The entire park is on a hill, so leave time to walk between enclosures. No wait at any of the indoor houses because of the rain. If you are driving, parking does cost $30 and is limited. Great exhibits, staff was knowledge about the animals. Many places for photos. Panda enclosure is next level.

financeranger

Free admission, close parking ($30 per car and can reserve in advance), great exhibits, good facilities to support as you experience the park!

Cathy Ribarchak

Visited the Smithsonian Zoo for the very first time last week. It was a gorgeous day. I had been planning to visit the Giant Pandas for a long time. They did not disappoint! Beautiful bears with personality!

Gaming Bear

Lots of very interesting animals! However, a lot of the animals were unfortunately hiding or away. Other than that, it is a very clean and nice zoo.

Nathan Blackham

Great zoo. We caught the two toed sloth eating and that was super interesting. The zoo had lots of shaded areas to stay out of the sun when it got hot.

Yesenia D.

The park is pretty big and involves a lot of walking so be prepared. Had a lot of fun but we only got to see half the zoo since we arrived late. Parking is hard unless you pay for the entry parking. Love the Amazonia exhibit the most.

Ez Moneyshot

Anyone and everyone should go and experience the zoo. Educated staff that can answer questions about the animal before you. The male Lion is a sight to see and hear. His roar will give you chills down your spine

Chloé Martin

Great day with the kids! It was extra hot but there are fans and cooling stations along the way! Plenty of ares for food and snack!

Sinopa Amor

Now on my 5th visit I love visiting this zoo! I do prefer to take the metro in as traffic and finding a parking spot can be frustrating. The Red Pandas and Maned Wolf are adorable!

Candise Carter

Highly recommend this place weather your a local or visiting from out of state, with or with out kids. This zoo is very well kept and all the animals look happy and healthy. Saw a few of the zoo handlers and they really seem to love their job.

Lisa Orcutt

We went in the morning and it was nice to see the animals eating and being very active. It's always exciting to see the pandas! The zoo is clean and well kept and staff was setting up for Boo at the Zoo with funny and "scary" displays.

CC Bee

Free zoo. We went on a weekday around 10am, a little calmer. Ape house is close likely due to covid prevention. More of a park than zoo but overall a nice area to spend an hour or two.

Andra Meyers

This is a well maintained zoo with a wide-variety of animals. 🐅 The greenery and flora is mature and provides ample shade on a sunny day. 🌳 It was difficult to find the Amazonian exhibit. However, once we asked an employee, we were pointed in the right direction. 🧭 This zoo is 125 years old, and during our visit many areas were under refurbishment. 🛠️ We splurged on a pretzel which was moderately priced. 🥨 The bird feather attached was free of charge. It is a zoo so I wasn't too surprised 🪶

B W

For a free zoo this place was really great. Saw some animals and had a great time overall. I have no reason to complain about a free experience.

Reviewer 51

Enormous zoo. We loved that it was separated by different regions. Plenty of bathrooms and snack areas. The pandas were the cutest. The elephants were splendid.

Berkay Kaplan

Very nice place overall. Tons of amenities, and a high variety of animals. They’re mostly inside buildings, so the winter cold didn’t affect us that much. Though the 30$ parking was exorbitant, so beware.

Jeffrey Kanne

Excellent zoo free to the public. Entry passes must be obtained online first. One of the few zoos in the US to have giant pandas including a 1-year old juvenile. The zoo also has a wonderful Asian elephant habitat and a large habitat for western lowland gorillas and Sumatran-Bornean hybrid orangutans. The zoo is on a hill so expect some walking. Some concessions were closed during the week. Signage could be improved in a few areas. Close to Metro stop and easy busy ride up Connecticut Ave if you choose not to walk

Joshi Milestoner

I enjoyed my day in Washington zoo it was a remarkable day got to see lot of things that I have seen in reel though I been to many zoo in india but this is different as the best is one of the oldest and with species more than 370 and 1800+ animals ...What I like is the centre mammal and reptiles and the ape centre there is lot to explore best for little ones the authorities have maintained it well ...I will soon post more photos and videos and a video soon of my trip on my YouTube channel I.e Joshi Milestoner.

Janeth Henderson

The Zoolights were amazing, everything was well organized, and even though there was a good amount of people, it wasn't too crowded for pictures. DEFINITELY A MUST SEE!

Daulet Nurmanbetov

The Smithonian Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country. They have a great variety of animals, and the pandas are especially comical. The staff is also very friendly and helpful.

David

Very good zoo, biggest issues is that it is very remote to get to so if you can't walk through at least a mile of DC I highly recommend buying actual parking at the zoo. FYI you will still have to reserve tickets online at this time

Jason Holder

There are plenty of animals here so everyone should be able to see what they want. The only missing for us was giraffes, but there are plenty of places to purchase drinks for both adults and those not interested in alcoholic beverages

sky ain

the cost of parking has increased from $20 to $30 per vehicle since the last i was there in september/october. still very worth the visit. the lions were out this time and more of the animals were in a better mood since it was an unusually warm day. it was a good time!

Lynn R

The zoo has a wonderful variety of animals including several different species of alligators, hornbills and tamarins, a kamodo dragon and pandas. There are plenty of places to eat. There are mister poles set up around the zoo to cool off the visitors. My wife andienjoyed our visit seeing all of the animals.

Ryo Tanaka

Always great way to enjoy your neighborhood zoo! There’re some animals that are staying inside since it’s winter now. However, the zoo still has a wide variety of animals and it is good to see that animals are not confined to a small cage. I appreciate the efforts that the staff make every day!

s p

The Zoo is free, parking is $30. It’s a very nice zoo, well maintained and plenty of options for food and drinks. Bathrooms were clean as well. I recommend arriving as early as 8:10, so you beat the rush and enjoy the Zoo. It takes about 4 hours to slowly enjoy everything.

Jack Blattner

Wonderful grounds full of an array of animals such as tigers, pandas, lions, otters, and many more. Due to Free admission, it is a great spot to take a stroll, spend time with family, or jog along the very wide paths. Small critique that should NOT detract from great experience. The food is poor quality.

Kiro 1121

Decent size zoo. Be prepared to walk up hills. They have a large open area where some people were having picnics and playing catch. Little food options with little seating. You can bring your own food and drink in. Gift shop prices are about average with any zoo/museum/theme park (pricey). Bathrooms are spread out, and they do not offer a breastfeeding room like some places do. Parking is $30 and you have to do a reservation before you get to the zoo. If you have a stroller or wheel chair DO NOT park on parking lot C. The entrance from this parking lot is not stroller/ADA friendly. Definitely expected a little more out of the Smithsonian.

APRIL Kissel

The zoo was awesome to visit but I just didn’t have enough time to see it all. Parking lot C though was not exactly my funnest area to park, especially with a stroller and granddaughter. You have to be go upstairs to the zoo entrance. So next time will not park in lot C. But I loved the cheetahs and pandas.

Virginia Milius

The zoo is always a fun time with family and friends. I went solo and really enjoyed myself. Indulged a little but why not, it’s a free exhibit so buying stuff helps them out. The more intelligent animals seem a little sad and bored. They are usually in solitude so that makes me a little depressed when I see it. The staff is friendly and helpful. Lots of walking and don’t go when they first open because the animals are not out of their cages until an hour after opening.

biplav shrestha

Great place to visit with family during weekend. Ticket is free but advace reservation required. Don't trust google map to lead you to parking lot, for some reason it diverts the traffic to the bridge where the gate is closed. You can park in the residential area although spot not guaranteed.

Amanda Leibensperger

Pre -ordered our tickets which was helpful to bypass the longer line... Always enjoy seeing the animals at the zoo and glad the zoo helps with conservation efforts for their animals.

Anita Wright

Had a great time, weather was absolutely beautiful. Got to see the Pandas even though not up close. Definitely worth the trip.

Rojina Al

We went to the light show. It was fine as a new experience especially it's free for people. We just paid $30 for parking. There were food trucks and a singer.

kimberly reyes

Free zoo other than 30$ parking if your lucky to order that we spent the whole day it was nice! we did walk thru the wrong exit and actually got an uber to our car

Kelcie Gebhard

Amazing zoo, plan to spend 3-4 hours there to see all the exhibits. An excellent mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits with great interactive trivia facts. My highlights were the clouded leopards and the panda bear cub, but all of it was awesome. The fact that the zoo is free is an extra plus as well. I also appreciated the mask requirements and how safe everything felt during covid. Fun place to visit with family and friends, no matter the age group. Everyone can learn something new!

AMIT JAIN

It was not a very big Zoo. But it’s a good one for half a day outing with kids. Open space and a good time to spend with kids. Many of the enclosure were closed.

Sam Johnson

Awesome zoo, and admission was free. Parking is somewhat difficult, but there are some pretty good spots if you're willing to walk.

Amy S

It's been a long time since I've been there and it was great to revisit. It was a very hot day...misting stations and lots of water. The zoo is very hilly and being in a wheelchair I'm glad I had my assistive motor. I was able to cover the whole zoo including the pandas but I was there from 11- closing. It was hot and lines formed for some of the buildings since they were still limiting numbers. All was good...animals were hot and hiding...but there always something to see that brings you joy and a smile on your face...great place.

Ted Tokarski

Pandas are amazing and worth a visit alone. Rest of the zoo is neat, but standard zoo stuff. Free admission is a plus

Nestor F Menjivar

It's always a great time to go to the National Zoo. I give 4 stars just because the parking in there is $30.

Ay-Ay Ron G.

Yay!!!!! Zoo time again! This is a HUGE and world renowned zoo, and like all Smithsonian's, it's free. I Love the think tank, and pandas!!! (They have giraffes, lions, tigers, and all the favorites also). They also have many others you haven't seen and the educational exhibits and information about the animals are second to none. With the huge hill and all the animals and exhibits, make a plan of attack to maximize your walking, check on line for special talks or sessions to hit, or just get a ticket to there, show up without a plan, and go wild!!!

Shaneisha McMillan

Not sure if it's the time of day that I came or what, but there wasn't much animals. It was quiet and not too packed. Today is Tuesday and I arrived around 3pmish. Parking is $30.

Samantha Schoeneman

Had so much fun! It was a beautiful day at the zoo and the crowd level was so low for most of the day it felt like we had the zoo to ourselves!

Krissy Kallemyn

We love the National Zoo! Lots of fun was had looking at all the different animals. I would recommend getting there early as the animals get sleepy and hot as the day goes on.

Amelia Bedelia

This is the best zoo I've ever visited. The animals had larger enclosures than I usually see, and I was impressed with the amount of enrichment activities they have for their animals. It was great to see such well-cared-for animals.

Alex Neumeier

Great Zoo with lots of animals, distributed over a very vast area. Best suited for a visit with young kids when the weather is nice!

bookiedaboss

It's a lot of walking not to many animals to see' a lots of people, but I did like the water sprinkles it helps with this summer weather' and the stores where cute.

Ron Bryner

The zoo is clean and the employees are polite. On the day we visited the outside temperature was quite cold, but many of the animals can be viewed from inside as well. My granddaughter loved the merry go round.

lani blanco

Tourist coming from the airport please read! Beware of the guy in Connecticut Ave main Entrance checking / scanning your passes Ugly , disrespectful personality , I have a copy of my email and I showed it to him! Make sure you Have your QR passes comes with your email it’s my first time and I overlooked ! He then told me in a irritable way “ that’s it not it “. Instead looking and said it’s attached in your email “ Ma’m / Sir” He is on his phone talking and cursing! When I went to the other side finding email from my phone. Anyways, there’s 2 people same as me too have the same problem. There were too ladies chitchatting not helping too I don’t know if they are on break! It just frustrating how unhelpful , unaccommodating Frontliner people are! It paid off how Lovely the park , animals and some are empty kinda cause it’s naptime. Gate closes at 3 so go home find a Uber early as 2 if you have no car early! Or it will be a Looong walk from the exit!

Yunlan Zhu

Great zoo! The animals seems happy. The zoo is clean and there are many spots for water refill and ice cream. Enough restroom. And there are many things to see and explore. The entrance is wrong on google map, so need to look up before your trip.

Anthony Scampone

Nice and clean. Animals seem like they are well taken care of. Don’t bother with the BBQ food truck near the panda exhibit. Very Slow and food was below par.

Will R

Was an Amazing experience, my family had a great time. Its free to enter, $30 to park, no wait time to enter IF you get there when they open.

Tamer Mahmoud

Always an awesome place to be. Even if half of the zoo is closed (the bird exhibition at the time of this writing is currently closed) there's still plenty to see and never short of wonders (or photo opportunities) to be had..!

Tanvir Hassan

The zoo is free walk-in entrance. If you want to park at the zoo its $35 per vehicle. Highly recommend making reservations in the website if you don’t want to look for street parking. Theres lots of exhibits, gift-shops, and animals. Wear comfortable shoes/check the weather beforehand.

Ayodele Fashogbon

Nice and educational. Many animals that gone into extinction in the wild are here. The giant panda is great to behold. You need a pass to get access into the zoo.

Claire Trivedi

The zoo was fantastic- I would rate 5 if I wouldn’t have stressed so hard about how long it was going to take with 3 small children to walk around and how to get a wagon or larger stroller there. Turns out it took about 5 hours with some snack and bathroom breaks to do every exhibit. Online it only gives a two hour option but not all exhibits. I recommend driving and paying the $30 parking if you will do the whole thing. Also the zoo rents double stroller buggies $12 and super easy to push up the enormous hill and through all the accessible exhibits (everything is accessible only the Amazonia elevator was down so we left it outside for that). You have to leave your license as collateral but it’s worth it. I fit all 3 little kids in when they were tired and tied our bags to the handle. The website says nothing about the double stroller rental. Everyone was happy and completely exhausted after this trip.

Epiphanyt

I loved our trip to this free zoo! Found free parking across the street! We got an awesome Gelato inside and my daughter loved seeing so many animals!!

Jonathan Jacks

One of the best zoos in the nation. On par with San Diego and OKC albeit smaller than either of those. The panda and orangutan exhibits were extraordinary.

Aubri Wentz

We went during the week first thing in the morning, and there was barely anyone there. We got to see so many animals since they were all awake. As of Dec 2021, tickets are required to enter, can be reserved on their website. However, they’re free and not timed entry. We came by bus, easy to get to. Nice variety of animals, loved seeing the red pandas. Clean bathrooms. Great for families. Wheelchair accessible. We saw everything in about 2 hours. Really enjoyed the Amazon exhibit and the small animals exhibit.

Fred Rafferty

Not the biggest zoo went there to see the pandas only a couple of zoos in us have pandas ,. The price is $30 for parking admission is free. Food is available inside as well as a gift store

Matthew Chin

The National Zoo can be difficult to travel to (pay for parking ahead of time if you are driving), but well worth the effort. The Small Mammal, Reptile, and Amazonia buildings are full of interesting animals! They have Komodo Dragons, Fennec Foxes, and Arapaima! The outdoor parts are exciting as well and should satisfy any animal lover. Note that the zoo is on a hill. The northern part (where the pandas are) is the high point and the southern part (the farm, Amazonia) is at the bottom. I would recommend starting at the bottom and walking north so that you can walk downhill at the end of the day on the way home.

Cristea Raluca

6 h walking around this Beautiful place and you can see that they care about the animals in their care. Very clean and plenty of restrooms, with water refills for free.

Dayle Varuska

The zoo is free. But if you drive $30 to park. Nice zoo, not very big, easy to walk. Recommend parking in D lot. You can start by walking up and finish walking down. Not that it's difficult, just easier for younger kids, parents with strollers, and older folks.

Brian Flores

Very nice Zoo, clean, and helpful staff. Also is free. You only pay $30 for parking if you decide to drive and park in their lot.

Brittany Clark

We enjoyed this zoo throughly! Plenty to see and experience. It’s on a hill so bring your walking shoes!! Since admission is free, what you get to see and enjoy is easily justifiable. The parking was $30 but worth it to be close by.

Rebecca Francis

Great way to spend some free time. Free access if you're walking. Kinda costly to park BUT majority of parkers are subscribed to Friends Of The National Zoo so if you go a couple of times a year, it's worth it. Maybe I wasn't looking hard enough but there's not enough food choices.... unless you leave the zoo and patronize the restaurants along Connecticut. I haven't been to the zoo for several years.... so it was nice to see the Asia Trail all done and 'established'. Check their website for 'tickets' before you go! You can print or download onto your phone. Easy peasy! Majority of patrons masked up 👍🏻

Louis Ackerman

The zoo will take up most of the day to see the exhibits. You have to get tickets, but they are free. Just go to the website and download.

Philicia Thompson

Wow what an amazing zoo but... We saw an injured fawn while walking through the park and attempted to call it to park staff attention but were met with such rudeness and attitude. Having said "can we call someone like a wildlife service for this fawn" the staff members response was "who do you want me to call for a wild animal?" Wasn't asking the zoo to house the fawn just thought those working in wildlife conservation would care about the animals not just in their cages 🤷🏻‍♀️

Diana Woodward

Parking was 30. The park is free. We had a great time. The kids loved all the animals

Richard Nelson

The zoo is great and free. They have pandas, which is rare in zoos. You can just walk in just need a free e ticket. They have tons of exhibits and its a fun time

Rich Kessler Photography

We have pandas! Always a fantastic time whenever we visit the zoo, and the kids absolutely love seeing the new habitats. If you don't mind walking up and down a hill it's 100% worth spending the day.

Austin Howard

Was a great free experience, lots of exhibits to go inside and cool off. Had a great time

Stan L

It's a very well maintained zoo, and if lucky...... will be able to see animals so close.

Aharoni Zisling

Great little zoo with easy Metro access. Free to the public and very manageable for a half day visit. Really beautiful today on a sunny fall day in foliage season

Rezk Elarby

One of my favorite zoos , Its landscape , architecture and animals varieties make it unique - Panda house and Amazonia are my favorite spots.

Sierra Kiss

Zoo is GREAT! Can’t beat free either. Only cons are that it’s hard to find parking if you don’t want to pay and it’s hilly, so just be aware.

Rebecca Morgan

Loved the experience. Gift shops are limited and the food is pricey. Animals come out 10am or later. Keepers were actively cleaning the shelters.

Michael Berna

It's free and has cool animals. Nice of them to set this up so that people and city folks can experience animals.

Madhu Kalepu

Fun place for kids! Bring in your energy for a bit steep and long walk. Reasonable places to eat, but should have been more choices. We visited around 1pm, had to leave by 4pm due to closure. If you would like to spend more time, better visit in the morning

John Varkey

Must visit on a trip to DC. Entry is free but you must make a reservation online prior to visiting so plan ahead. Animals were active. We really enjoyed the pandas.

Joel “Jay” Toyen-Fuentes

I've been to this amazing zoo twice this year and loved it the first time. The second time was not as pleasant, HOWEVER, this was NOT the daily of the zoo! The first visit was amazing! Beautiful animals that are maintained with respect and love, great friendly workers and a clean park made this such a wonderful experience. The second time going was for their lantern experience where they have colorful animal shaped displays. I was expecting more of the park to be open for this, but because it was nighttime, animal exhibits were closed. So all we got was about a quarter of the park setup with glowing paper animal displays. They were beautiful, don't get me wrong, but they were really not much to fawn over. All in all, it was still worth going there and we DEFINITELY will be going back during the main hours. It's a huge place that should really be done in 2 days to capture everything they have to offer.

Heriberto Gonzalez (Heri)

There was a lot of construction. That might be annoying but it tells me they are expanding and upkeeping for the animals. Sold. With the pandas in San Diego leaving, a must see for pandas. The habitats are awesome and the panda cub was cute as hell to watch.

Emil Sandbakken

Had great experience here for a second time. It's free and at the same time deliver enough animals and information to fill three to five hours.

Michelle Mosher

Who doesn't love the zoo! The pandas are adorable and very active. Unfortunately we got rained out.

Rashmi Khatuja

The best part is that the entry is free but it's recommended to buy (free) passes for the day ahead of your visiting time. Again, good if you don't want the parking ticket, just buy a $30 Parking pass for easy space. The zoo is amazing but be prepared to walk a lot. Mist fountains in summers work like a relief. Get a water bottle as there are filling stations everywhere. Not worth buying a $4 bottle and adding additional plastic trash. There are ice cream trucks, coffee spaces, soda machines, and restrooms all around the entire zoo. They have one food court and one elevation burger joint inside so just carrying snack would work for the families with kids. The animals are well kept. However, I did feel that many spaces were stinky and could have taken care of well. All and all, you won't be disappointed visiting the zoo. 🙂

Cassie McVey

Could spend a whole day at the zoo. Got there early in the morning and most of the animals weren't out yet but there are plenty of buildings to check out until the outside animals come out. Spent 3 hrs there and still didn't see everything but needed to get on the road.

Dan Urban

We love the zoo. You can't beat the wide stay off animals and exhibits at the National Zoo. We have fun every time we go, and we always seem to find something new to see. It is free to get in, but you pay to park... Still way cheaper than San Diego Zoo. Then you just pay for food and souvenirs. The location is pretty amazing in Rock Creek Park, and it makes for a lovely place to see the animal exhibits. Really can't say enough good things about this zoo. Absolute must for families in the DC area!

Stacey Robinson

Really great zoo! Took our own water and snacks, as they are somewhat pricey but that's to be expected when the admission to the zoo is free! Kids loved it but be prepared to do alot of walking mostly up hill! All around great experience though!

Shelley Pence Van Noy

A great escape from the busyness of the National Mall. About a 20 minute Uber ride from DC. A lot of walking and a steep incline. Uber stop is close to the main entrance .

chparatrooper88

We ran out of time. Much larger than it appears. Very nice zoo. Go on line for entrance tickets. Free admission which was nice.

M Khairul Kabir

Exceptionally good! I think it's good to everyone to visit this Zoological Park to understand the life style of all kind of animals and birds and more!

Leonard Ngumbah

Free entry for all visitors with free parking too. This was a very good surprise for a zoo in the heart of Washington DC. Lots of animals we couldn't imagine...Ostrich, cheetah, elephant etc. Amazing place to spend the day with kids

Robert Vida

The zoo has some nice exhibits, shady paths, free entry, and some nice educational information. The best part for me was the demonstration with the animals and in particular getting to see the male Asian elephant Spike get groomed, trained, and fed. I left off one star just because many exhibits are closed or were closed for part of the day and it'd be one thing if there were live updates provided on an app or at the map locations throughout the park but unfortunately no you just have to head to an exhibit and try your luck.

Sule D

Very organized, the entrance is free, you just have to scan and ask for the tickets, I saw the month of November and I was able to see the panda bear.

Jing Zhao

Great place for family event, very popular place while visiting DC and tickets can be reserved in advanced and no walk-in, can park off-street by the hours outside the zoo for a low price, the highlight were the giant pandas!

ANGIE TERRERO

We loved the zoo! We paid $30 just because we drove and that is the charge to park on the zoo. If you walk in it is free. The kids had icecream, pretzels, limonade was great. We love the animals we got to see, we missed some that were not on display. You have to see the Pandas! They were adorable! Overall, recommended if you are visiting Washington DC with kids.

Doa Al

Beautiful zoo in the heart of DC. Tickets are free but must be reserved ahead of time and scanned at the gate upon entrance. We found street neighborhood parking free of charge. There are restaurants,cafe and ice cream shops inside. Lots of seating too. The zoo is big and will require lots of walking. We went on a rainy day and didn’t get to see everything, hopefully we will come back again.

Diana M

Reserved our free tickets online, walked in right after opening and had a wonderful time before heat and crowds arrived.

Grace Martinez

Big nice place, beautiful environment, I loved Must get tickets before to enter. You pay if you need a park.

Syed Ahmed Ullah

Amazing experience. My kid loved every bit of it. Will definitely comeback to check out the birds park which was closed due to the weather. A day well spent! Also, there's no charge by the zoo for entry which was great. Highly recommended!

Collin Donoho

This Zoo is a great one to visit. Tickets have to be reserved in advanced, but they are free. The Zoo is expansive with plentiful exhibits for everyone. The Zoo is built on a hill, so on the way back to the entrance you’ll be walking up hill. However there are many stops, shops, and foodstuffs that allow you to stop and take a rest. Definitely being a water bottle too (there are refill stations). Also the zoo is in between two metro stations on the red line!

Sam Haselkorn

nice small zoo, couldn't fully review as it started to rain halfway into our visit

Petunia

Very diverse species and excellent layout. My favorite part was being able to see the Giant Pandas.

kyle carr

Very laid back atmosphere. I guess it depends on what time of day you are there to see alot of the animals. Most seemed to be sleeping or in their cages. Be prepared for a steep walk if you start at the bottom. And keep plenty of fluids if there on a hot day! Really enjoyed the lions and tigers exhibit

Spencer Naomi

Great zoo!! We went at 1-3pm (at previous zoos the bird exhibit has been boring until 1pm) but I was still surprised by how few animals I saw. I think it was in the low 50s.

Margaret DeVico

What a fabulous zoo! We booked a parking pass in advance and arrived promptly at 8am (we were told when we arrived that parking passes were completely sold out for the day, so we were happy we snagged one). We parked in Lot A and be warned - it's at the highest point in the park. We walked all the way down to the other end (by the carousel and playground), but the walk back to the car was entirely uphill. Wear your good walking shoes! And give yourself lots of time to enjoy everything - we stayed for 2 hours and that wasn't nearly enough.

Fatima J A Naptural Queen

Took the family here this past Sunday and we enjoyed it. Several of the animals that we wanted to see weren’t in their areas or hiding, but that is to be expected. The animals that we DID see looked happy and healthy 💕 …

Navin Mahabir

Right now, there a few exhibits which are empty. You go here for the pandas and the elephants and the orangutans. If you're there at 2/3 in the afternoon, a lot of the animals may be napping inside Pack your own lunch as the food there is not that great, and pricey. If it's your first time there and you're pushing a stroller, start by the pandas and go down the "side road" instead of going down the "main" road...use the main road back and that will save you having to push uphill most of the way. There are many sprinklers to keep you cool, and lots of places to rest. Lots for kids to explore in a scientific context.

Jason Tancil

The zoo was a great experience as usual. We picked a great day to go. It will just be nice when everything is completely open again. We did see great sights. Differences every time we go.

Neil Parsons

Zoo was a great experience. We really enjoyed the Panda exhibit, apes etc. we also liked the elephant community center. Buy parking in advance. Lot B seemed to be at best location. The zoo is built on an incline that is steep in locations. I would recommend starting in upper part of zoo and make your way down the American trail first and then loop around and back up.

Karen Atchison

It's always a nice time at the zoo, the only downside is that not all the animals are always out.

D Littlejohn

Fantastic day spent at the national zoo. What a great way to spend quality time with the family. Lots of food options and places to sit for a rest in between animal worlds. We had a blast!

Zahra Sarembafande

If you have experienced visiting a good zoo, don't waste your time, it was very ordinary.

rajat jaiswal

Nice place to visit but not found 🐼 pandas and other animals closed around 415pm so didn’t visited entirely. …

Colette Anammah

Great family experience....a lot of animals to see...will definitely be going back....well done Smithsonian staff

WE. BR

The place was beautiful but it seems they don't have much compared to the other zoo's. But the only animal that i"ve not seen in other zoo 's that i was able to see there was the giant panda.

Chigirl D

It's free admission so you can never go wrong with that. I went yesterday morning around 1045. There was a good amount of people but it wasnt unbearable. I had a great time although I didnt get to see all the animals that I wanted..Big cats. I blame it on the HOT weather. My FAVORITE moment was checking out the Reptilian center, mainly the turtles.

Danika Okpaleke

The vibe is different depending on what time of year you visit but definitely worthwhile visiting. Kids and animal lovers will enjoy!

Violeta Warner

We went on a weekday (Monday). We park in the neighborhood near the zoo. We got to see a lot of sections with no waiting in lines. Our favorite of course was the giant Pandas. We ended the day with a ride on the Merry Go Round ( $4 fee for children and adults).

Felipe Rodrigues

I love this place. I didn’t realize how big it is until it was time to leave. The Amazon exposition was my favorite because the animals are free inside of the building. Some parts of the zoo seem to be abandoned because the grass is tall and messy, but overall is a great place to visit and take a walk. And it’s free!!

Marcus Pritchard

I've loved the National Zoo since I was a preschooler at ncrc in Cleveland Park! Its always been free admission. Even though the Zoo recently started requiring tickets to enter, the virtual tickets are still free and emailed to you instantaneously. If you don't plan ahead it's no problem! It'll just take you a minute on your phone to sort it out. Zoo secrets: 1: It's always busy. Weekdays are the best days to go but prepare yourself bc it'll still be packed! 2: Pack your own lunches & bring plenty of water! It's $10 for a lemonade once you're inside. ($20 for an alcoholic beverage). There's tons of benches and tables to park your butt while you eat. Also said benches can be moved so drag one a few feet into the shade if needed! 3: There is free parking in the neighborhoods adjacent to the zoo! Walk is only 5 mins! Save the $30 parking fee! 4: Walking the main path gets you to your desired exhibit faster, but walking around the backside of the animal houses yields the best views! The best way to see the Golden Tamarin Monkeys and Lowland Gorillas is not from inside!

Sachin Jangam

Must visit place, free zoo with $30 full day parking. Take a walk through main Street and visit centers along the way - monkey, panda, elephant, fishes, sea lion and lot more

Jennifer Williams

The zoo and staff were very welcoming. Everyone was so polite and answered all of our questions.

Randy Wesselson

Excellent zoo! Love all the shaded paths and park-like setting. The animals look comfortable too.

Robin G

It was really fun looking at all the animals. This zoo sit on a hill cause I was walking up and alot of down hills great excise.

E.

A national treasure trove of biodiversity. There's much to appreciate for all walks of life. Remember to book a reservation ticket! You can't just walk in. Note: there's a separate charge (everything else is free) for the panda exhibit. The bird exhibit is currently closed. I did not ask until when. Bring drinks in a mini cooler! It's hot and you'll need the refreshments

Eve Galvis

Went early in the morning and walked the entire zoo. Grew up in the area and had great memories but it is not in the best shape. Saw the pandas, the elephant, and tiger and lion. Most other animals are nonexistent and there is a lot of empty cages/displays. Was actually sad. Be prepared to do a lot of walking. Put on mosquito repellent. If you have small children rent the stroller or bring your own.

D. Rich

First time being at this zoo during Spring Break. Exceeded my expectations by far. With the variety of animals and attractions, there was plenty to see and do with the family. Definitely coming back. Some lines for exhibits were long so I didn't get to see all of the zoo. But Definitely worth a visit. I saw enough. The food situation is outrageous in there by far. Good look trying to feed your kids in there. Bring snacks and sandwiches as a backup plan. Trust me.

M Rodriguez

Loved the zoo. Beautiful animals. Great maps and very clean bathrooms.

G Oulee

A zoo, free too, with mostly endangered species, amazing! Took about 2.5hrs to go through all the exhibits (:

Brighton Young

One of the best zoos I've ever been to. The cows were so life-like! It was free also.

William Zondersen

Always liked "The National Zoo" And what the "FONZ": Friends Of the Natl. Zoo do to create a place to leep some of these Beautiful Animals around. My only wish is that the dear Animals would have more room to roam and be free just as in their Natural environments. Photograohs of a few Animals from "The National Zoo" and a momento from years ago. (And of course I think it is a mislay of U.S funds to subsidize Chinese Panda breeding programs; whereby, the U.S. could spend those funds to sure up Our own Park system).

Akshat Joshi

You get to see a panda here. Plan your day in advance and book a pass online beforehand. Parking is difficult so book the parking slot in advance. Public bus stop is right at the gate.

Charles-Stephen Laubhouet

Went with the family. We had fun! Its a lot of walk as expected. Everything is well maintained, great parking! Staff is super friendly and helpful. Didn’t see the apes but its okay i would have been sad. Zoo are the only prisons where the occupants are innocent.

Lana Roberts

This is a great place...weekday, the traffic was very light so, that was great; no wait to see any of the animals/exhibits. They were setting up Boo at the Zoo so, we got to see the decorations and that was fun. So much to see. The zoo is free but, they require that you get online tickets (probably to manage the number of people there). They check tickets when you get there. We had them but, the people in front of us didn't so, they had to do that, in line. There was another attendant so, they just waived us over. Just wanted to mention that it's best to be prepared with the free tickets ahead of time to not cause yourself or others delays. Oh, there's also a fun park with fun bee, etc. designs. Fun Tip: This park is a great place for adults to rest a but while watching their kids expend more energy. 😴 😀

Megan Hobaugh

Nice zoo. We were able to see pandas. Keep in mind the zoo is built on a hill. We walked down first and then walked up at the end of our visit.

Susan Egley

It was a lovely little zoo! Being able to see pandas was a true highlight! As with any zoo, you wish some of the animals had more room, but they all seemed well cared for. Be aware it's a hilly walk. So if you're not in great shape, or need to push a wheelchair it may be tough. They have some food trucks that serve things like lemonade, alcoholic beverages and a little food. There is a pizza place in their food court. As one might imagine, the cost of refreshments is on the high end. The bathrooms were pretty clean. Much of the walk is shade covered, but I still strongly recommend a hat and sunscreen.

Takeya Mason

Took my niece and nephew at the zoo they had a blast was able to see a lot of animals but most of the animals was put up do to it was raining zoo is free but you just got to pay for parking good to get there a little early so you'll be able to have time to look at everything

Mary Brown

What a amazing place. So easy to get there as the bus stops literally outside the front gate. You need a (free) ticket for entry so make sure you have applied for one before you go. Large range of animals to see. They all look well looked after / cared for. I spend 3 hours here on my own drifting in and out of areas. It's a big place! Loved it. Very pleased I went.

Di R (FSM Media)

When does it specifically to see Luke but unfortunately the enclosure was closed coming later. Found out that he died that day. We waited to speak to a tiger keeper that was scheduled for 11:00 a.m. but they never showed. There needs to be more signage at the zoo as to what is open and what is closed.

Pavan M

It's a good experience. The only problem is parking. The zoo is free but when you can reserve parking in zoo before day for 30$ and its the best option

Brandon Kline

Fun, exciting animal exhibits, a little crowded at times (to be expected) but engaging and overall very neat. Expect to see animals, not to be educated, as it is lacking in information beyond the foundational aspects of zoology.

Johnny Kong

I bought the $30 parking pass so that I can have easy access to the park. It was worth it. Driving through the DC area to get here took about 40 minutes from National Harbor due to weekday morning traffic. The zoo has a great layout with very good walking paths that accommodates everyone. Some exhibits were closed like the butterfly and aviary. The zoo is clean and there were quick service food counters and bathrooms throughout. I liked that there were no paper maps because of the waste it produces. My family and I had a great time here. First time coming here.

Egley Pérez

It is a good family plan. However, it's the same lights every year, nothing outstanding to point out.

CommonJ12

Even thought the panda and big cats were on exhibition there weren’t as many animals as we thought and some of the enclosures felt very small for the animals. One positive was the funnel cakes sold by one if the food stands!!

Myron Robinson

Parking was hard to find, next to entrance. The zoo was nicely mapped and it's easy to find all the animals. The in door exhibits are a great way to beat the summer heat.

Macina Horton

Extremely hard to find a parking space near the Zoo and most of the animals were nowhere to be seen. The Zoo itself is made beautifully and a very nice atmosphere tho. Be sure to screen shot each ticket you purchase. They email it to you but there is no service at the gate, you will be there forever waiting for it to come up, so screen shot them! Prices on food and drink are expensive so my advice is to pack a lunch and drink in a cooler book bag. Wasn't a bad experience but could have been a little better in the ways listed above.

Lava Light

It's a great zoo, wear good shoes & prepare to do a lot of up hill walking.

Rachaelbeatsworld

This zoo is amazing! We went in the morning when it was a little cooler and there was still shade to be found. It felt like we had the whole zoo to ourselves until about 11am. The animals had just been given their morning meals so we watched several of them enjoy a snack! The tiger had a lot of opinions and wasn't shy about roaring at us. What a thrill! The enclosures are spacious and the grounds are clean and well cared for. A zoo map costs about $5, but you can just snap a picture of the map if you don't want to donate.

MarKeith P.

A wonderful experience plus it was completely free! Make sure you have good walking shoes and if you have little ones have a stroller this is an enormous zoo. Parking is $15, but you can ride around and find free street parking. There's several water fan spray stations to keep cool on those hot days. About 20 min away from 14th st where there's lots of restaurants to eat at before or after. Make sure you drive the speed limit. They have cameras everywhere! I got 2 tickets mailed to me for barely going over the speed limit!

Keb

Great Zoo, animals are visible and seem to be kept in great health and comfort. Very enjoyable although alittle crowded.

Clara Theresa

Fun. Some area always seems to be down for maintenance. But the zoo is large so there is enough to visit if parts are closed.

Heather Flores

The National Zoo is truly a must see for anyone visiting DC. They enclosures for each animal are so varied, spacious, and beautiful. It's clear that the needs and comfort of each animal was the top priority. The layout is also easy to navigate for visitors, so you're not likely to get confused. And on top of it all, admission is free for everyone. So glad I got to visit.

Irma M

Lots of walking, wear good walking shoes. Kids under 6 bring strollers, snacks and plenty of water. Come early it gets hot and packed. Food is expensive make sandwiches. I went at 9am spent 4 hrs there just in time to eat lunch outside. Just 1 frozen lemonade alone cost $9.00 and they dont even fill it to the top. Other than that the animal experience is awesome. Definitely check out the lions and tiger!!!

Angella Hanson

Attended in the August afternoon with the family. That was a mistake; go in the morning when the animals are more lively and it is cooler. That said, we still had a good time. The Zoo has misters throughout the park, and all the buildings are air conditioned. My kids loved the foxes, the giant pandas and the red pandas. Small Mammal House was a favorite. The Elephant House was a lot of fun, and the Orangutan can choose to climb over the heads of visitors if they choose. We didn't see that happen, but it is a cool concept. Beverages were pricey and several of the vending machines needed to be restocked. Some of the enclosures seemed a bit small for the animals inside.

Adam Billen

Good zoo but it’s worth bringing some water! Gets hot walking around. Not crazy busy, even in the summer on a 3 day weekend.

KnightInd

Such a delight. It’s a zoo, can’t really do much to explain what a zoo is other then: animal hotel with concierge service lol. It is a lot of walking but ample sitting spots. For those with mobility issues, there are 3 locations to rent mobility scooters. I would highly advise you look into parking lots before choosing one. The lots are along the edges of the park. If you have small children who are interested in select animals, you can save some hassle there. The staff was really friendly and fun. Highly recommend if you haven’t been and enjoy zoos. Wear good shoes and plan to spend a while there.

Steve Davis

HD a great time, definitely remember to bring your walking shoes!

Celina Cohen-Knapp

Our national zoo is free and amazing...always love the pandas! On site parking was $30 but worth it to avoid related stress. 😁

Alexander Ferrara

Nice zoo and you can't beat the price (free). One of only a few with pandas in the US so that was obviously the main attraction. It would be cool if they offered any add-on options to enhance the experience further. Also at peak hours (read: feeding time) the line can get quite long for the panda house so be sure to set aside enough time for the wait.

Shanice Hayes

We went early and got to see a lot without having to mingle through a large crowd. I think this is a great zoo! Nice family time and so much to see.

Justin Chen

The zoo is free, so it’s hard to criticize anything. It isn’t the greatest zoo I’ve been to by any means, but it is quite good. Decent selection of exhibits, good size, and staff are all generally friendly. The area is also relatively well kept and clean.

Celieboo

What a wonderful zoo. This was an August 2022 visit. We arrived around 0830 and walked right in after showing our tickets. Initially, i was concerned about the quality of the exhibits as the ones closest to the main entrance are older and smaller. However, as you go further into the zoo, the exhibits get better and better. The reptile house was especially exciting for my 7 year old son as you could see every animal. Other memorable exhibits were child's zoo, the otters, the sea lions, the lions, the tigers, the elephants, and the gorillas. Unfortunately,we had to leave around 1 pm to catch a flight, so we didn't get to see everything. I recommend giving yourself at least 6 hours to get through it all without rushing. We definitely want to return to DC to experience this zoo again.

Mary Grace Rodgers

I particularly loved the reptile house, it was one of the best I've been to! There are a lot of hills, so be ready for that. It was pretty crowded but the place was huge so it wasn't too bad.

Vivian Dulce

Free. The hill is a walk, a good walk. Alot of the exhibits had the animals missing but that was alright. Not much to the visitors center. Wish they had more of a gift shop at the beginning/end.

abe alhaeri

Always enjoy coming to this zoo. I love animals and I love photography so this place is perfect for spending time observing, capturing, and vibing with these animals. If you're into photography, you might want to bring a nice zoom lens because some of the animals are far away and deep into their enclosures so it's hard to get a close up with a non zoom lens.

Steven S

It was super hot and humid but we thankfully got there when it first opened. Some of the shops and facilities were closed still because of Covid, but our little one had a really great time. It was definitely worth a visit while in DC.

caylee mann

We went in November so it was pretty cold and a lot of the animals were indoors but that kept us out of the wind! Lots of beautiful animals to see and very interactive. I also appreciated that there were stands set up to sell beer, wine, hot cocoa and cider!

Vil Ramirez

I took my daughter to the zoo while on vacation. She absolutely loved it. We went in March so it was kind of chilly out. We saw lots of animals. She loves the mammal exhibit.

Andrea Rodriguez

Parking is $30 and you have to buy ahead of time because there aren't very many spots. Otherwise you have to find street parking. The zoo is a nice place to walk although there aren't a ton of animals on display. It's a cute place to go, pack a picnic and take your time walking around. They have misters around the park to cool down on hot days. Little play areas for kids and a carousel (extra cost).

Raymond Jordan

Getting the parking pass ahead of time was conveniently $30 with no wait time ~ treated like V.I.P! We love getting there early because there is so much to see. Over 160 acres at the world’s largest research complex, its so easy to loose track of time. Wear comfortable shoes. Wearing crocs was an excellent choice for me! Be mindful when they close and please clean up behind yourselves. Don’t forget to get your hand stamped if you have to step out and come back in ( visitors desk towards the front ) There is also plenty of indoor exhibits as well as outdoor attractions. A few souvenir shops or for change of clothes / rain ponchos . Food , drinks, snacks , funnel cakes, dippin dots ect. This is our family tradition to visit the Smithsonian in early spring and end of summer! Our spring visit we prepare for rain showers - clear waterproof cover over the stroller’s, rain ponchos, waterproof slip resistant comfortable walking shoes and a spare dry set of clothes. Summer visit we bring sunscreen, Epipen (bee’s) , electrolytes, light clothing and plenty of spring water! Were looking forward to going back soon!

Sergio Ayala

Well taken care of, friendly staff and easy to get to. Better than many other zoo's I've visited.

Clarence A Ratliff Jr. (METALFNGRZ88)

Its free and it was a nice day to go. Paid for parking which took care of the only issue otherwise I would suggest using metro as transportation since there isn't an abundance of street parking. Pandas were cute. Slice of pizza was like 11 bucks but you could get the whole pie for 30-40 bucks. Kinda steep and wished their were more beverage vendors or tours.

Dawn Hlavacek-Gillis

Parking is a nightmare if you go on a nice weekend. We were willing to pay the $25 for the lot, but they were closed because they were full, even when empty spots were clearly visible. After driving around the neighborhood for 20+ minutes, one of the lots opened. We love the animals and the exhibits, but some other people were disappointing. In the Amazon, adults and children were petting the birds, even though they shouldn't. Adults were crowding the windows in the Ape House so my little guy couldn't see the gorillas. We'll go back, and maybe even join the FONZ, but we'll make sure to go only at off-peak times. February 2022 Update: Not crowded on a cold weekend morning, but lines to get into the animal houses. Most outdoor areas were pretty empty. December 2023 Update: I'm not thrilled I had to pay for parking even though I'm a member. The carousel was closed and there were no extra attractions besides the lights. Half of them were standard Christmas lights on trees. Honestly not sure it was worth the drive from NoVA.

Sai Mithilesh

Need passes to visit that can be booked free at the website. One of the best places to take a relaxed walk in DC. The parking is 30 bucks but you can also find cheaper parking nearby using SpotHero. The indoor exists like Amazonia, mammal and reptile house are slightly crowded but it's good. There are a couple of cafes and food trucks where you can get burgers in pizza. You can see the orangutans swinging and moving from the ape house to their habitat just above you if you're lucky. Great place to spend a day with kids if they like watching animals. Visited here many many times and will continue to do.

Jennifer Morris

Smithsonian national zoological park is a wonderful place to spend the day. The animals seemed well cared for, and the demonstrations given by zookeepers were informative and engaging. It was easy to get to the zoo via the metro, and admission to the zoo itself was free. The concessions areas offered the usual overpriced food and drink offerings, but visitors can bring their own food and drinks into the zoo.

Mark Klekamp

The National Zoo is well worth seeing. It is clean, well designed, and the animal enclosures/exhibits are outstanding. Buy a parking pass online before you go. $30. Also get entry passes, which are free. We had a great time with our grandson. Go!

Sanda Bailund-Vana Wolk

Such a nice, clean zoo. Awesome water sprinklers! Cute animal houses. The panda exhibit was amazing! Many exhibits very nice to look at and nice for the animals, most importantly!!!

Lyn M

Relaxing place to be. Just look at the pictures I posted. A good place to walk and bring families and friends.

Sean

Free zoo! Great day out. Went on a monday hoping it would be not so busy. Worked out. The staff were lovely, the guy running the bird show was engaging and happy. Lots of animals on show, the highlight probably being the bathing tiger. The pandas were quite far away and few others didn’t come out to play that day but they’re not born for our entertainment. If you’re walking back to the metro, don’t make my mistake of leaving through the parking lot at the bottom of the hill, walk back up to the entrance and go that way! Great 2.5-3 hours spent, loved it.

Octavia Shaw

Great place to visit for a family afternoon. I will state; purchase a parking pass online immediately or you will dread the day driving around looking for parking. If the site does not have parking passes available for purchase do bring a stroller for your child's small legs at least up to age 5 or be prepared to be a human pack mule; the trek to the zoo entrance may surpass 5 blocks as finding parking in DC streets is nearly impossible. After entering the zoo you will find the trek is mainly uphill. Once your family is able to catch a breath you will see great exhibits of elephants, zebras, panda 🐼 and more. The zoo also has emergency services poles with press buttons that are stationed throughout to assist you if necessary. There are cool water misting stations along several paths to allow one to cool off during your visit. The zoo has a food court that serves large portions of chicken tenders, fries, pizza etc. to enjoy while sitting under the trees.

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