National Zoo

The Basics

The free-to-visit Smithsonian Institution is a stop on most hop-on hop-off trolleys and bus tours of Washington DC, which eliminate the hassle of navigating on your own. For a more tailored sightseeing experience, a National Zoo visit can also be added to private tour itineraries. While outside companies don’t offer tours of the grounds, the zoo has free public tours every day at 9:45am, weather permitting.

Things to Know Before You Go

• With daily demonstrations at the Kids’ Farm, the National Zoo is a must-see for families visiting Washington DC.

• Before visiting the Giant Panda Habitat, check the park's website for panda updates and closure announcements.

• Lines for the Giant Panda Habitat can be notoriously long. The zoo encourages guests to arrive early.

• Free tours are at 9:45am daily and are wheelchair accessible.

• Be prepared for indoor and outdoor walking with comfortable shoes and layers that are easy to put on and take off.

How to Get There

The National Zoo is located in Rock Creek Park, northwest of Downtown Washington. If traveling by public transit, ride the Metro to Cleveland Park or Woodley Park, or take an L1 or L2 bus to the zoo’s entrance on Connecticut Avenue. Alternatively, book a hop-on hop-off tour to avoid the hassle of navigating on your own.

When to Get There

With the exception of Christmas Day, the National Zoo grounds are open year-round, free of charge, from 8am to 7pm (5pm from October to March). It is busiest between 1 and 4pm on weekends, with weekday mornings offering a quieter experience. The park offers special exhibits on Halloween (Boo at the Zoo) and during the holidays (ZooLights).

Giant Panda Diplomacy

After first lady Patricia Nixon mentioned her fondness of giant pandas to Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1972, the premier offered to donate two pandas on the spot in the hopes of forging stronger United States–China relations. The connection still remains: In 2002, the Chinese government agreed to loan the zoo two more pandas (Mei Xiang and Tian Tian) in exchange for funds toward conservation efforts in China.

How long does it take to walk through the National Zoo?

Walking around the National Zoo takes about two hours and covers a distance of about 3.1 miles (five kilometers) or an average of 7,000 steps. However, you’ll want extra time to see the animals and watch the daily demonstrations, so set aside 3-4 hours to fully enjoy the zoo.

What is the best time to visit the National Zoo?

The most popular time to visit the National Zoo is between mid-morning and mid-afternoon, so you can catch the daily animal demonstrations. Early morning is typically when the animals are most active. To avoid the crowds, plan your visit on a weekday outside of the school holidays.

Are there multiple entrances to the National Zoo?

Yes, there are two different entrances to the National Zoo—one on Connecticut Avenue and one at Harvard Street Bridge. Both entrances are open to pedestrians, but vehicles must enter the zoo via the Connecticut Avenue entrance. There are also Metro Bus and Metro Rail stops close to this entrance.

Can I bring a backpack to the National Zoo?

Yes, you can bring a small backpack into the National Zoo, provided it doesn’t contain prohibited items such as glass bottles or alcohol. There are no lockers or storage facilities available, so make sure you can comfortably carry everything you bring. Bags may be subject to security checks.

Is the National Zoo free to visit?

Yes, entry to the National Zoo is free, but you do need to get a free admission ticket. It’s best to book your free entry pass online, but a limited number of same-day passes are also available at the zoo entrances. Note that parking is limited—parking passes all cost US$30.

How long can I stay in the National Zoo?

Entry passes for the National Zoo aren’t timed and give you full-day access, so you can spend as long as you like inside. The zoo is open from early morning until mid-afternoon in winter and stays open two hours later in summer. You can enter up to one hour before closing,

Ways to explore

All Smithsonian attractions are free to visit, and many are stops on hop-on hop-off trolley and bus tours of Washington, DC, eliminating the hassle of navigating on your own. Expect to spend a half-day here, especially if you have kids, as the zoo is one of the country’s most impressive—there are dozens of daily animal demos, restaurants, and even a carousel and watery play area.

For a more tailored sightseeing experience, a National Zoo visit can also be added to private tour itineraries.

Accessibility

All zoo exhibits are accessible for visitors with limited mobility; there are escalators, elevators and ramps, though the terrain is hilly.

Age limits

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For every five children present, there must be one adult chaperone.

What to pack

Snacks, water bottle, camera, umbrella (if the weather calls for one)

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed

Bikes/scooters, littering, alcohol

Amenities

Visitor center, gift shop, restrooms, multiple dining spots, paved walkways, benches, carousel, kids’ play areas

Address 

The Smithsonian's National Zoo is located in Washington, DC's Rock Creek Park, making it easily accessible by multiple transportation methods.

Driving

Parking Passes are available for pre-purchase at least one day in advance for $30, or for $40 on the day of your visit. Enter through the main vehicle entrance on Connecticut Avenue NW only—access via Beach Drive is not permitted.

Public transportation

Take Metro Rail’s Red Line, getting off at the Cleveland Park station. You could also get off at the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan station, but that requires an uphill walk.

Best times to visit

Mornings are ideal for avoiding crowds and seeing animals at their most active.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. If you do visit on a weekend, come early to beat the crowds.

Best months to visit

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable weather and smaller crowds. Try to avoid school breaks in spring and fall, though.

Special events

The zoo goes all out for the holidays, with fun events around Halloween and Christmas, including fun light shows. If you’re lucky, you might also catch a resident’s birthday celebration.