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Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Categories: Active Life Zoos Arts & Entertainment Museums Zoos, Museums [Edit]
3001 Connecticut Ave NW(at N Hawthorne St)
Washington, DC 20008
Neighborhood: Woodley Park
(202) 633-3055
- Nearest Transit:
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Woodley PARK-ZOO Metro Station (Red)
Cleveland Park Metro Station (Red)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
Amber F. said: "I got a pretty fantastic groupon deal for the Newseum, but they could have had my $20 with no complaints. This needs to be on your DC must do list! I could go on about the all the amazing things I saw in here forever, but I'll stop…" read more »
263 reviews for Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Review Highlights
"Pros: Pandas, Free, Lots of Exhibits."
(in 122 reviews)
"Highlights: Red Pandas, Orangutans, Small Mammal House."
(in 10 reviews)
"Animals aside, the National Zoo is an amazing place."
(in 150 reviews)
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263 reviews in English
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Review from wendelin y.
San Jose, CA
1/16/2012
The best zoo i've ever been too. This place is huge, quite a lot of walking.
There seem to be a lot of variety animals here and are more out and about.
It is free which is awesome, and i love all the different sections. -
Review from Mok-Yi C.
Rockville, MD
1/25/2012 2 photos
Maybe I have a slightly higher expectation because I have been to zoos in other countries, but I thought the National Zoo was A-OK. They are doing a great thing by keeping the zoo free, but it is a bit sparse and some of the facilities are beginning to show a bit of age (lots of acrylic / glass panels are scratched up).
Parking is tough there so I would recommend metro-ing in. Be aware that there is a ~10 min walk from the closest metro station to the zoo. -
Review from Jake J.
12/22/2011
I've been here several times with my wife to see the animals, enjoy a day outside, and to most of all, support the Smithsonian Institution!
Not being a big fan of zoos, I still enjoy my time here. The facility has been improved over the past few years so the exhibits are even more interesting.
To top it off, it is free.
If you decide to take metro, you do have a 10 minute walk up a slight hill to get to the zoo but in my opinion, it is easier to take metro than to drive and look for parking.
The zoo isn't massive however the price makes it worth an occasional visit - even for locals! -
Review from Heather K.
Falls Church, VA
1/29/2012
This zoo is a fun place spend an afternoon. On the plus side, it's free like many of the Smithsonian attactions in DC. Be prepared to walk as it does wind up and down some elevations. I have been to better zoos probably because they are privatized and I have heard some issues they've had here in the past. It is a good green place to be to get out of the hustle/bustle. Get a coffee before you go in and stroll away. Not too many tourists in the winter but I'm sure this place is hopping mid August.
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Review from Tai F.
Washington, DC
11/26/2011
A few points:
1. Drive. I always see families that got off at the "Zoo" Metro station, only to discover they have to push strollers up a sustained, unforgiving hill to get to the entrance. Which brings me to . . .
2. Join FONZ. Parking will be free, you get a discount in the gift shop, you get a panda cuddle toy for your child, plus other benefits. If you're local to DC, and you don't join FONZ, you're simply throwing money away. If you're visiting DC, join FONZ and make your trip that much easier/convenient by parking close, and getting to park free.
3. I suggest, if you have small kids, to park "downhill," so bypass the parking lots A, B, & C. Park "lower." You will walk uphill when you arrive, but your kids will have more energy at that point. That way, when it's time to go home, you can walk downhill to the car. -
Review from Lisa R.
10/26/2011 1 photo
How have I not reviewed this place?
First of all, it's FREE. Second of all, PANDAS.
'nuff said. -
Review from Christine R.
Fairfax, VA
11/9/2011 3 photos
Easy to get to, parking is always a breeze no matter what time I get there... luck? Maybe. AND free. I love that you can bring your own food and drinks.
I loved the meerkats! I'm absolutely convinced I was one in my past life :) -
Review from E Y.
Arlington, VA
1/11/2012
Great place for family trip.
Maybe 1 day is not enough. They have so many exotic animals. Fall or spring is better. They only charge for parking. -
Review from Brook H.
11/7/2011 17 photos
I certainly hope I don't need to write an in-depth description of the National Zoo. :P Compared to some places this is a decent-sized zoo and the exhibits are very well done. Even though everyone should know what's there by now, I feel I should note a few things to first-time visitors.
1) Show up early! Seriously, the grounds open at 6 a.m. even though most animals (and all exhibits) aren't out until 10 a.m. Parking fills up fast and the earlier you get there the less you have to deal with the afternoon crowds. I recommend getting there by by 9:00 a.m., which gives you time to park, take a look at a map, and begin the walking.
2) Prepare to walk! The zoo is decently sized and is on a hill; either you will start at the bottom and walk uphill half the day (coming down at the end)... or you start at the top, walk downhill, and then have to go uphill to get back to your car. Although the location is handicap accessible, I recommend ~not~ pushing someone around in a wheelchair. If you get their early enough (see above) you can rent a motorized chair for $25. Trust me, for those who can't walk it's worth it!
3) Prepare for crowds! By 10 a.m., the parking lots are filled up. By lunch, there's a ton of people. Even outdoor exhibits can get crowded and indoor exhibits can be downright claustrophobic. This is a reason to show up early and knock out a bunch of exhibits before everyone shows after lunch. Also, if you don't mind a little cold or rain, these are good days to show up; less people and most of the time the animals could care less. :P
4) Prepare to spend money! Unless it's just you solo or a group of friends, and you've already eaten... the "free" zoo can be costly. Smithsonian prices at the eateries rival stadium food (and taste about the same). In addition, God help you if your kids see the gift shop. Now, a nice aside is that you ~can~ bring in coolers and packs and the zoo allows picnics. So, if you want to save some money (and don't mind lugging a cooler along) think about bringing food! ~_^
Knowing these things will make your visit to the National Zoo all the more fun.Listed in: DC/Maryland Cultural Sites
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Review from Austin S.
Hopewell, VA
1/10/2012
LOVE THIS PLACE AND It's Free! The only thing you have to pay for is the parking. We were there for about 5 hours and it cost us $22 even so it really is a steal. Parking and 5 hours at the zoo for about 11/person. They also have the areas only pandas and an awesome orangutan/gorilla area! It was just perfect, pretty out, and if you hit up the kids farm (farm animals-goats, cows, alpacas)--you can pet them! There are just so many animals/reptiles/small mammals...We had a lot of fun and will definitely stop by again if we are up.
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Review from Victoria N.
Frederick, MD
12/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was so happy to see the elephants, they are pretty much my favorite animal and I can't wait for their new elephant habitat to open in a year! They have some great exhibits ranging from the elephants (of course) to lions. The Giant Pandas are a must see due to their rarity and I just had to much fun in the small mammal exhibit. Great zoo.
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Review from Teresa S.
Oceanside, CA
1/4/2012
Zoos in general always seem kind of sad to me. This zoo is pretty nice and my kids loved it. The pandas are popular of course and there is a little train ride through parts of the park the kids can enjoy if you can grab a seat when it stops. It seems to me to be one of the few attractions in D.C where you can actually park and not necessarily have to take the metro or walk (this is important when you are tired of wrangling two toddlers all day). It being part of the Smithsonian, it's free which makes it that much more worthwhile.
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Review from Merida F.
10/16/2011 5 photos
I love this zoo and who can beat the low low price of free admission! I haven't been to the zoo in a while and it looks like they have really improved many of the facilities. The zoo is very hands on for adults but mainly geared towards children. The big project has been the Asia trail which was supposed to be for Giraffe's and Elephants. When I went, I didn't see the Giraffes so many they aren't being kept at the zoo currently. I love the Amazonia house because once you walk through the bottom part of the exhibit you can go on top and experience a "real" rain Forrest.
All in all, if you are looking for a zoo, this is definitely as good as it gets. -
Review from Nick N.
Washington, DC
11/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Food: 2/5
Service: 4/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
Decor & Style: 4/5
The best part about the Zoo, is that it is lengthly and not too crowded for you to jog. It is clean and the least stinkiest Zoo I've ever been to! I hate how sometimes not all the animals are out. And yes, the Pandas sleep like 24/7. -
Review from Pegah Y.
10/11/2011
I've been to the National Zoo three times (twice in the past two days actually) and really love it. It has a large array of animals - elephants, big cats, big apes, small mammals, reptiles, birds, etc. A lot of the animals were not in plain view. I think they were hiding under rocks because it was a hot and sunny day. But we did get to see a lot of cool animals indoors. I loved the meerkat exhibit and also the oraungatans, at least until they started eating their own vomit...
In general, though, the zoo was awesome!
My complaint: it's very uphill a lot of the times and that's rather hard on people who have small children (most people at the zoo were families, so this was highly relevant) and also older people who visit the zoo. I really think they should install some sort of shuttle to take people up and down that hill because even for people in their early 20's without kids, the hill was quite a climb. -
Review from dana s.
Scottsdale, AZ
11/2/2011
This zoo was great! I was in from out of town and working. i am a nanny and was happy to hear the zoo was within walking distance of my hotel and FREE as many people have already mentioned!
The first day I strolled up to the zoo, it was a rainy day. I thought we'd see many of the animals out with the crappy weather, but I was wrong. The Pandas were the only ones active and that might have been because they were inside! I only stayed an hour this day.
The second day I went, the weather was better, at least the rain had stopped. We ended up seeing quite a bit of animals. I also went with other people who explored much more than I had the previous day. All the animal/bird houses were really amazing and neat.
I was pleasantly surprised by this zoo and enjoyed the atmosphere along with the variety of animals to see! -
Review from Julia T.
9/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
We loved everything about this zoo! The grounds were beautifully landscaped, the walkways were clean, wide and easy to maneuver and the zookeepers were happy to offer and any information we were willing to listen too. The exhibits were plentiful, despite construction taking place throughout the park. Lastly, the misting devices that are strategically placed throughout the park were oh-so-enjoyable on the hot muggy day we visited.
Yeah, okay...they charge $2 for a map of the park, but I was more than happy to pony-up a couple bones to get to enjoy the park to the fullest.
Fun Tip: If you do come for a visit and you are a member of any other zoo, make sure to bring your membership card! You will enjoy a 10% discount at the, already reasonably priced, gift shops. -
Review from Mariya K.
San Francisco, CA
12/20/2011
One of the few places in the country that has panda bears! Love it!
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Review from Donna Y.
9/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice selection of animals. You can always get out of the heat by going to the bird house, small reptiles, giant panda, and ape house.
I was hoping the elephant exhibit would be finished by now but .. the zoo is taking it's jolly ol time.
Pay for parking - $20-25 -
Review from Ethan T.
Miami-Dade, FL
12/2/2011
I love this place for quiet runs. To that end your runs can not be mid day on a weekend, or a summer day. Earlier in the morning or later in the evening (check the hours on line) are the best times to run. The best way to enter is from the paths along rock creek parkway, which brings you in the back of the zoo. The animals are all viewable from the paths, and I often stop to watch as a good excuse to take a break.
As a zoo goes this place is great. No charge to enter, wide paths, you are allowed to bring water, food, and snacks in with you. The animal habitats are large, and there are few cages, mostly just open areas with trenches. The monkeys can actually move between two habitats via a rope hung about 40 feet above the path. There is a standard reptile house, bird habitat, and penguin enclosure. Of course this is also one of the few zoos in America where you can also see giant pandas, which are always playing (at least each time I have seen them).
During weekend days and summer days this place is packed. There are strollers and small children every where, which is to be expected at most zoos. Going early works best. Take public transportation, there is a metro zoo stop on the red line, and the walk is not to far from there. Parking at the zoo and in the surrounding neighborhoods is crowded and limited. Be aware there are not to many places to escape the heat so bring ice water and cool clothes. -
Review from Michelle L.
Arlington, VA
5/24/2011
Is this a zoo or a museum for "this exhibit closed" signs?
I am unimpressed with this zoo. I don't like it. There aren't any animals to be found which goes for that panda everyone keeps talking about. You walk and walk and walk and walk and maybe you'll see an animal's tail. My only memory of this place is counting the numerous "this exhibit closed" signs. Ugh. It really kind of sucks.Listed in: It really kind of sucks
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Review from Robert O.
7/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
A huge fan of this zoo! Huge!
We frequently stay within walking distance of the zoo, so we visit a lot. I love this zoo. It is clean, well presented, and a joy to visit.
That it is free (not considering the taxes that fund it) is huge! It is usually crowded, but folks seem to be considerate here.
The pandas obviously are a draw. But there is an entire . . . get ready for it . . . zoo of animals here. :) I really like the misters to keep visitors cool. The gorillas are really neat. I like the tigers too.
This is a must-see when in our nation's capital. -
Review from Brian B.
5/10/2011
I hate zoos, and this particular zoo sits at the very bottom of the rotten, foul, filth encrusted barrel of zoos. I just don't understand why more people don't get depressed by animals in captivity. And I don't even mean that in a political way. I mean that in a "friggin' lions are the baddest muthafuckas alive and are supposed to roam freely across the Serengeti and rip the shit out of wildebeests cuz that's just the way of the earth" kind of way. If I were a lion, I would pray- PRAY- that some drunken teenager would taunt me and then fall into my pathetically small artificial lion's den. "Just give me one shot at that buttery sweet Bieber haircut havin' ass," I bet they think to themselves. When you taunt a lion and get eaten by said lion, much like the aloof wildebeest getting mauled in the wild, in my book, you've just got it comin'.
But I digress. Here are 5 reasons to strongly consider flinging poo at this zoo:
5. Wild ducks. These poor things are too stupid to recognize their freedom to come and go as they please so they congregate here. In a zoo. With captive, wing-clipped relatives jealously longing for 5 minutes of the wild ducks' lives. Dumb ass ducks. Where's a hungry lion or Dick Cheney when you need him?
4. Scrawny-ass, miserable looking elephants. Their skin just hangs from their bones. I've known an elephant or two in my day, and they ain't supposed to look like Karen Carpenter.
3. Cheetahs. There are four of them, and they DO NOT look happy. Cheetahs are supposed to daydream about chomping on juicy zebra butt and rocketing across the plain like tomahawk missiles covered in hot sauce. These little cheetahs have about 3 square inches of space and spend all day lying around looking like lazy, neutered Garfields. Poor little kitties.
2. Pandas. Well, we know where 95% of the zoo's money goes, don't we? The panda exhibit is gigantic and littered with panda propaganda at every turn (panda shirts, panda posters, panda buttons, panda candy, panda prophylactics, panda everything). Their "habitat" is relatively large with an exceptionally well manicured outdoor area which looks like a slice of China, as well as a winding indoor area with long windows through which all the sweaty visitors can stare. I still think the pandas must be miserable, but what really makes it depressing is how good they have it compared to the squalor of the great ape house.
1. Great ape house. It's unbearable to me to see gorillas and orangutans so downcast. They just sit there staring off in the distance with their eyes glazed over while idly ignoring all the wild gesticulations of the brain dead drooling mongoloid zoo visitors who try to steal a moment of eye contact from them. They look like they'd rather be dead than have to suffer such indignity. And why are they in such a small, confined space? They're practically shoulder to shoulder in lifeless boxes that can't be much more than 20 ft x 20 ft. There are no trees or vegetation, just white walls and a lonely branch or car tire or two. How is this acceptable?
I have a dream. I have a dream that one day, this world will be transformed into a world of equality and integration where little white leopard geckos and little black three toed sloths will be able to join hands, go to Starbucks, sit together at the table of freedom and enjoy a venti, sugar-free, non-fat, vanilla soy, double shot, decaf, no foam, extra hot, peppermint white chocolate mocha with light whip and extra syrup just like the rest of us. That's the kind of world I want to live in.
National Zoo, tear down these walls!Listed in: Disasterpieces., I came, I saw, I bailed.
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Review from George R.
Hamden, CT
8/14/2011
This is a very accessible zoo--no charge, right off of Connecticut Avenue, easy to reach from the Metro. There is parking (very limited), so you can drive if you'd like. Be prepared for a hike, though. The terrain is VERY hilly, so you'll get a work out.
When you consider the pandas, the zoo's collection is pretty unique for the US. That by itself makes a visit worthwhile. Major parts of the park are undergoing renovation, so it would be worth checking to see if the exhibits you'd like to see are open. Even if there not, the zoo is good destination for families and a great place to hook up with friends. -
Review from KaThy T.
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
The place is free to get in. Paid for by your very own tax dollars. This place would've been more fun if it didn't rain. A couple of the cages had no animals, which was kind of lame. My friend and I saw man birds, 2 elephants, and the pandas, etc. That's all I recall.
FYI - the viewing of the pandas has a long line. After it started pouring rain, my friend and I came back after the rain stopped. Good thing we skipped it and came back because there was no line the 2nd time around! -
Review from Beth G.
Newville, PA
7/29/2011
We took in the Zoo on a 95 degree day in the park but still managed to see a large number of animals. Just an FYI that there is a major construction project on the Elephant and otter habitats that will go on through 2012 and 2013. As a result there is a large stretch of no animals between the top and the bottom of the zoo.
The food price is high so if you can, bring your own. We were stuck because we were traveling.
FYI, you have to pay for your map, which is a switch if you've gone to the free Smithsonian Museums. You can wonder around and find maps though and that's what we did. The directional signage could be improved, especially on the walkway intersections so you can find a restroom quickly with a three year old who needs to go.
Parking is $20 for four hours. $15 for three hours or less.
The pandas are awesome though so they are worth the trip. It's the animals that gave the zoo four stars. -
Review from Mike P.
5/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
So I spent the last beautiful Saturday at the Zoo. This place is pretty awesome, and it's free. So you really can't complaint. Since I went early, the animals were out and about and we were able to see a lot of them before they start lazing around in the hot afternoon.
The houses for the birds' invertebrates', small mammals and Reptiles were nice. Not very crowed or overwhelmingly hot. The one housing the Apes and other Orangutans was both overcrowded and smelled pretty bad.
All in all I couldn't see why you wouldn't stop by for a visit, unless you hate animals, or doing stuff for free. You might then be turned off by this place. -
Review from Laura H.
Washington, DC
11/22/2011
FREE! Love it. Really interesting mix of animals to view. Clean and easy to navigate through. Relatively easy to get to from the metro. Get there really early if you're wanting to see pandas.
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Review from C M.
Washington, DC
7/15/2011
Star 1: there are red pandas!
Star 2: there are badass orangutans!
Star 3: there are BABY LIONS!
Star 4: there are hordes of adorable multi-ethnic children to look at!
Star 5: it's free, and makes a great early morning walk on a Sunday to recover from a hangover.
I love me some National Zoo.
Minus 1 star (sadly): Parents...I know that excited children can be loud, but every time I go to the zoo I'm distressed by the number of clearly STRESSED OUT animals being harassed by screaming and yelling children whose parents think it is cute or funny. I can't even set foot in the ape house anymore because its so depressing to see to the number of children (and adults!) banging on the glass, yelling at the gorillas, and causing so much panic in the among the animals. Please, use the zoo as an opportunity to teach your children to be considerate of animals and not harass them. The zoo should really have more attendants near some of the exhibits to minimize this. -
Review from Miss R.
Bethesda, MD
7/17/2011 1 photo
Unfortunately I am a bit disappointed with what had happened - during my visit, just this Saturday, July 16, 2011, t'was the purrrfect weather to be out, specially around nature, lots of people & I was excited to check out four specific animals which I heard were very well taken cared-of here.
HUGE ZOO!!!!! WONDERFUL NATURE-WALK UNDER THE SUN! CLEAN YET PARKING WAS EXPENSIVE, $25; especially if you get there at 4pm & they close at 6pm - should go down by mid-afternoon!
Lots of people, very new placings around the Zoo, beer, I guess you can purchase and walk-around with now, smoking areas weren't specific; poor kids though..
First, we went down the hill-looooong walk for the Gorillas-section, that was cool, they were moving around, pretty much action in that booth, good scenery-bamboo-decorations, just right! --- 5 stars just for that!
Second LION & TIGER! Literally no 'S' --- no TIGERSSSS NO LIONSSSS just one of each, it was kinda sad cause they were just staring out, laying there-sitting there-blank yet we wonder what they were thinking huh?! Guess their family weren't around to keep them company...
Then, we headed somewhere down to disappointment - the signages, yes were there-but as you get to certain corners you have 'under construction' portions which tourists aren't aware of - then you have the elephants very nice shady walk towards them, then as you reach the end - they weren't there, no signages - not even a resourcer was out there explaining why... we randomly heard from the other tourists that they weren't coming out at all....blah-blah-blah
Then you have the GREAT PANDA who I AM BIG FAN of... YOU HAVE TO LINE-UP well, we waited 10-15mins., moving line to see the G.P., but as you get there all we got to see was a panda in a monitor - OBSERVATION TEAM BOOTH, woooow, that was sad, and again block-off's - off limits, couldn't even get to the end of the GREAT PANDA - tunnel.
Basically, I'm planning on just viewing the G.P., online - live coverage!
Pick a day, spend the day, if you really wanna get around the whole-entire zoo, its worth the $25.00 (parking) if you start early, but as for me I'll come back just to take a peek at the great panda, when I can actually see it... -
Review from Jackie W.
7/25/2011 6 Check-ins Here
FREE.
Great view of the pandas, massive park for families/locals/tourists, and convenient (I live across the street, ha!). I try to avoid coming here on the weekends as much as possible because it's almost impossible to move around. However, if you MUST, go early in the morning when there are smaller crowds. You'll be glad you did so later!
Also, if you don't want to walk uphill from Woodley Park metro, take the Cleveland Park metro exit instead. -
Review from Kyle F.
Bellefonte, PA
7/3/2011 1 photo
Awesome zoo, if you're in the Washington, D.C. Metro area and want to see a wide range of wildlife--this is the place! Why? Cause it's the largest zoo in the area and most importantly, it's FREE.
The staff is friendly and a blast to talk with. If you're visiting during the summer, I recommend you visit during the week day and try to get there early when it opens up at 10 am. If not, you'll be rubbing elbows with a lot of other visitors and in the summer months when it's hot, not so cool.
They do have a handful of places to cool off with outdoor sprayers so if you don't mind getting a little wet, it works wonders. The food prices and souvenirs are of course a tourist trap so if you're desperate to eat something or must have something to remember from the zoo, go somewhere else.
Bring a camera, a good pair of comfortable walking shoes and enjoy! -
Review from Hampton C.
Washington D.C., DC
11/1/2011 13 Check-ins Here
The zoo is an amazing enclave of serenity (well okay, except on Saturdays) just off the hustle of Connecticut Avenue. The pathways are inviting with ample, seated viewing areas. The variety of animals is impressive (and will soon be even better once the new expansion is finished). The red panda exhibit is amazing. If you're visiting from further away you'll definitely want to dedicate at least 1/2 day to explore. If you're more local, evenings here offer a great opportunity to wander about in relative solitude.
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Review from Joe K.
San Francisco, CA
11/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very cool zoo! It's right off Connecticut so very accessible by transit. Parking fee is $16 if you are not a FONZ member. I ended up joining FONZ and got the first day free but watch out on the parking fee. If you stay past 2 hours then the fee goes to $22.
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Review from Erin D.
6/1/2011
Not the biggest or best zoo I've ever been to, but on the other hand being free, that is a-okay with me. Most of the facilities seem to be on the outdated side, and I'd really like to see more room for the animals in a lot of cases (see especially the hippos and elephants - yikes that's a small space!) Be sure to check out the Amazonian exhibit towards the back end of the park where there are fish as big as a small car and animals roam free in one part of the exhibit.
To get the most out of your visit, I'd recommend visiting in the off season - the animals seem to be more active, and more importantly, there are not so many strollers that moving about the zoo is a challenging obstacle course - it really can get miserable on a weekend visit in the summer. Also, if you come in the spring, there is a pool over by the tigers that has a ton of baby turtles. Not the most exotic animals to see, but it's adorable watching turtles the size of a silver dollar learn to navigate the water! -
Review from Susan D.
Pittsburgh, PA
2/22/2011
So let's see, I'm here on a business trip, it's a late February Friday, it's 70 degrees and sunny, it's my travel day and my train back to Pittsburgh doesn't leave until 4:00pm....Hmmm, you bet your sweet a$$ I'm gonna do something outside!
Like the Pittsburgh Zoo, this zoo is built on a hillside with some pretty spectacular views. Just be aware that there's a lot of walking up and down. If coming from the Woodley Park Metro Station, be advised that you've got a bit of an uphill walk from there too. But by starting at the Connecticut Avenue Gate, you can pretty much see it all by following the Olmsted Walk. Right now, a few exhibits are under construction, but don't let that deter you from having a good day.
So yeah, I played tourist and saw the Pandas. Gotta see the Pandas, y'know! But I also enjoyed the African Savannah, especially the Cheetah Conservation Station. I got to see the cheetah cubs, born in December 2010. I was also able to see some new lion cubs. Just so you know, the best time to view them is around 12:30.
No better way to spend a beautiful day, and an unseasonably warm one at that, than at the National Zoo. -
Review from Laura M.
2/14/2011 3 photos
Hello?! Free zoo. No pressure to look at all the exhibits. No pressure to learn anything. No pressure to buy the overpriced hot dogs. Just pure fun! Yeah there are other zoos out there. But are they free?!
This zoo has some very interesting animals and other creatures. The panda observing areas are so wonderful you can see them in their "habitat" then walk around the back and see them playing inside. I saw them chomping down bamboo when I went the first time back there. It was really cute! Plus, I love their selection of amphibians... LOTS of turtles.
Animals aside, the National Zoo is an amazing place. It is 163 acres of urban space, founded in 1889.
Go USA Zoo!Listed in: O, my [5] stars!, Momma's PROUD!, Green space!
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Review from Danielle S.
Prospect Heights, IL
10/6/2011
Love it! I love animals, and getting to see them for free is always great! Reminds me a little of Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. It was clean, plenty of exhibits, and even though it was crowded (it's free, what do you expect??) it was manageable. I would visit again!
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Review from Lexie D.
3/20/2011
1.) It is free
2.) It is small, so you can wander around for an hour or two before closing (less crowded) and still get your fill of adorable.
3.) Pandas.
4.) I could not possibly be more excited about the elephant habitat improvements.
What more does one need/want in a zoo?
EDITED TO ADD: Can we just talk about the small mammal house for a second? Who knew "small mammals" were so baller? And silly looking? And genuinely entertaining?Listed in: DC for Doers
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Review from Teresa H.
Fort Meade, MD
3/5/2011
This zoo is part of the Smithsonian, which means it's free! Can't beat that. It gets very busy on weekends during the summer months. The pandas are a big draw. The fishing cats are my favorite.
For adults who'd like to enjoy the zoo sans screaming children, I'd recommend going when it rains with an umbrella and a hot breverage. No people, no lines, and the many of the animals are more active when it's quiet and the light is dim. There was a grand total of four people at the panda exibit, including a zoo volunteer, the last time I went.
If you've got children, there's a really neat children's area set up like a farm. There's a whole display set up about the ingrediants that go into pizza, as well as a petting zoo type area. ( hopefully this will stay, since it's supposedly being nixed due to budget cuts.)
Bring your own food, and this is a fun cheap day out.
