The National Zoo in Washington, DC is a favorite spot for parents with young children. With more than 2,400 animals including lions, tigers, and giant pandas the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoological Park provides young and old the opportunity to view animals from around the world. Asian elephants, gorillas and the world famous giant pandas are among visitor favorites.
Daily programs include animal training, feeding demonstrations and animal keeper talks. And if you are visiting DC during the summer don’t miss out on the Zoo’s free concert series, "Sunset Serenades".
Some of the demonstration highlights include:
- Amazonia Fish Feeding on Friday-Sunday at 11 a.m.
- Cheetah Interpreters on Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. (April-November)
- Elephant Bath Daily at 10:30 a.m.
- Giant Octopus Feeding happens daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
General Information:
Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Hours: Early April to late October: Grounds are open: 6 a.m. - 8 p.m., Buildings are open: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Late October to early April: Grounds are open: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Buildings are open: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (For exact dates, visit the Zoo web site below.)
Closed: Closed Dec. 25. Additionally, the zoo closes early for Boo at the Zoo.
Admission: Free
Metro Stop: Red Line - Woodley Park / Zoo / Adams Morgan or Cleveland Park.
Parking: Parking is expensive. There is limited street parking. The best bet is to metro there and back.
