Explore Washington
National Zoological Park
Type: Family Friendly, Zoos
10Best Says
Lions, monkeys and elephants. Oh my! Located in Northwest Washington, D.C., The National Zoological Park features a variety of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. The stars of the show are the pandas.... Read More
Lions, monkeys and elephants. Oh my! Located in Northwest Washington, D.C., The National Zoological Park features a variety of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. The stars of the show are the pandas. The newest cub is Xiao Qi Ji, known as "little miracle." Born in Aug. 2020, he is already a huge favorite among visitors. Fans will line the fences at the panda exhibit with large telephoto lens to capture every movement. The best part is visitors get to see all of these unique animals from around the world for free (Yes. You read that right.) Make sure you wear good walking shoes because the 163-acre park has hills. Also, don't stand under the ropes when the orangutans are on the move. You will thank me later. Metro: Woodley Park/Zoo/Adams Morgan or Cleveland Park.
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Hours:
Due to COVID-19, please check with the attraction for the most recent updates to their opening hours. Admissions:
- Free;
Parking $10 - $20
EXPERT TIPS BY:
Gina Gallucci White
Washington Local Expert
- Best Attractions & Activities: "The zoo is free but entry passes are now required as part of their COVID-19 protocols. Folks can reserve their passes weeks in advance so be sure to plan ahead especially if you are going on a weekend."
- Outdoor Activities: "Timed entry passes are required to enter the zoo. If you plan on seeing the pandas, you will need to secure additional free passes."
- Free Things to Do: "While the buildings don't open until 10 a.m., you can still go early to see animals kept outdoors like the pandas and lion."
- Sightseeing: "While the zoo buildings don't open until 10 a.m., you can still come early to see some animals in their outdoor environments."
- Things to Do with Kids: "Come before the 10 a.m. opening to see animals that have outdoor exhibits before the crowd show up."
- Recommended as Best Attractions & Activities Because: Two words: Panda bears. The National Zoological Park is one of just a few places in the country to host pandas.
- Best for Outdoor Activities Because: See some of the world's most fascinating mammals, reptiles and amphibians in one of the best zoos in the country.
- Best for Free Things to Do Because: Have you ever seen another free zoo with this caliber of animals? Not likely.
- Best for Sightseeing Because: Few zoos in the United States have pandas so be sure to get some pictures of the four-legged cuties.
- Best for Things to Do with Kids Because: Where else in the U.S. can you see mammals, reptiles and amphibians from around the world for free?
