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Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Zoo
National Zoological Park, Washington
"The black bean burger at the Lion's Mane restaurant is very good."(16 Tips)
"Great place for a walk because it’s free admission as well."(13 Tips)
"you’ll find features such as the Giant Panda Habitat"(10 Tips)"... 'O Line', watch the Orangutans as they 'commute' from home to work above..."(8 Tips)
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Jackie HennMay 25, 2014Nice zoo. Go early! It can get very crowded on weekends. Admission is free but parking is $22.
Alex BoozierSeptember 8, 2013Check out the sea lions on the America trail, there's a fun interactive space for kids
kirstie rApril 8, 2013Don't go when it's winter or early spring. Most of the animals aren't on display. However it is a great zoo. Beavers and seals are fun.
Tripsetc Travel CompanyAugust 14, 2011Part of the Smithonian. One of few places that you can see a Panda bear. Free admission but you will have to pay for Parking that is difficult on a weekend.
Download the app for iPhone or Android and find out what time feedings and keeper talks are for the day, as well as a map of the zoo.
Ferchichi AhmedAugust 21, 2011My favorite one, and it is for free, My Best places inside are the Amazonia and the house of reptile
Erica BrooksJuly 13, 2013Per zoo volunteer - the best time to see the elephants is early in the morning. When it gets hot they may not come put.
Michelle PeglerOctober 18, 2015Someone else said it had free parking, but it doesn't! Parking is $22 for the day, but admission to the zoo is free.
Serhii LutskoAugust 19, 2017The best thing in this zoo - it was free. Otherwise I wouldn't go there especially after visiting
The Bozzuto GroupAugust 6, 2012Two words: cheetah cubs. Stop by at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. this summer to see the baby cheetahs playing in their yard.- Christopher LongMarch 8, 2013The black bean burger at the Lion's Mane restaurant is very good. The staff is friendly too.
Lulu RamJune 11, 2014Get there early to get a good parking. Bring your own food. Lunch there can get pricey.- Dustin HedrickOctober 28, 2012I love this park. We actually saw EVERY animal!!!!!! Amazing! And everyone was so nice to us.
Shalynn H.July 31, 2015The biggest zoo I've ever been to. Definitely need a full day to view the whole thing.
Kate DrafzFebruary 27, 2013Best zoo I've ever been to! It has all different kinds of amazing animals!
Lynn MillerMarch 7, 2010If you plan to visit the zoo more than once by car, a FONZ membership is a must as it comes with free parking. One of the best values in DC!
Kent CurrieJanuary 27, 2014This place charges $2.00 for a map. Try downloading the app for free or printing one before you come to save some $$.
Caitlin RushFebruary 13, 2012Entrance to the zoo is FREE! Don't miss out on this great attraction. The large cats exhibit is awesome.
Want to get a good parking spot and avoid driving around for hours looking for one? Get here before 10am
Try the black bean burger at the Mane Restaurant (near the Kids' Farm); it's one of my favorites.
Jennifer DayJune 3, 2013Be sure and visit the Orangutan crossing. They can swing over the sidewalks!! Pack your lunch. Kids meals run $10.
Mike A. HallJuly 7, 2012Come very early during summer months. Visit the Indoor Bird House to cool down and pace yourself.
Pam DavisOctober 12, 2015The zoo is beautiful, it's getting colder so they're putting the animals away early.
James PantherApril 17, 2016It seems that you get what you pay for here. It may be free entry but I'd prefer to pay and see the animals treated to better conditions. Many enclosures are empty!
Take the metro and leave the car. Go early to avoid most of the small children.
- Ankush SaxenaFebruary 15, 2013The National Zoo is home to many exotic animals. Great place to take the family!
Ernie SpycherAugust 30, 2012Make sure to get there early in the the spring and summer if you want to find a parking spot.- Jennifer DayJune 4, 2013The map is the same cost as the app ($2). Our map didn't last the day. Also pizza play area is closed until late June.
Arnaud RéautéOctober 14, 2014It's free! Not very easy to know where the animals are but great environment!
John R. EakinFebruary 20, 2010Great location for parking at events at the Marriott at Wardman Park hotel... $20 and it includes a shuttle service to the location. Great bargain! ($33 to park at the hotel)
Bring food and drinks to enjoy a picnic on the large grassy areas.
Joni J.April 17, 2013If you are a nursing mom the visitors info desk will find you a private place to nurse if you ask
Andrea NewlandOctober 13, 2010The Pandas are adorable :) Free! Boo in The Zoo event is supposed to be fun....not the SanDiego Zoo but still fascinating, metro accesible/Woodley Park.
Greg BeutlerJuly 2, 2012Easy peasy train ride from the mall-orange line to red line- 23 min + 5 min walk and youre there
Chaz CarnageAugust 27, 2014Pretty decent Zoo, be prepared to pay for other things. Like parking is $22 for the day. Food is ridiculously expensive. MANY of the interactive portions of the Zoo were damaged, as well as ADA fails.
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Smithsonian’s National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave NW (at Hawthorne St NW)
Washington, D.C. 20011
United States
Washington, D.C. 20011
United States
Smithsonian National Zoological Park is a part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex. The words National Zoo represent a large, complex, and diverse organization with a multifaceted mission demonstrating leadership in animal care, science, and education.
Closed until 8:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Tue, Thu–Fri, Sun
- 8:00 AM–7:00 PM
(202) 633-4888
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- 9.1
"It can get pretty warm in here. Nice exhibits but the animals are scarce and hard to find."
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"Seating is really limited, but their selection of snacks is great. Their service is very quick & accurate."
Mel Ginsberg - 8.5
"It's definitely great to see the elephants here, but sometimes you can get a better view from the bridge on the Asia Trail"
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