Smithsonian National Zoo

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Smithsonian National Zoo

Photo: Rawpixel Ltd · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

🦒 Zoo · Washington

3.5 hours · Free · Reservation required

age fit
0–1 yr
★ 4.0
1–3 yrs
★ 5.0
3–5 yrs
★ 5.0
5–10 yrs
★ 5.0
  • 🚗
    About 25 min drive
    From Rockville · Parking: Zoo lots $30/car and often full; Metro Red Line to Woodley Park or Cleveland Park and a 10-minute walk (downhill from Cleveland Park)
  • 🍼
    Stroller-friendly
    Flat surfaces — bring the stroller
  • 🌳
    Some shade
    Great on sunny days · Good on cool days · Fine on cold days
  • ⏱️
    Typical visit: 3.5 hours
    Best seasons: Spring · Fall · Summer · Winter

The free national zoo, with giant pandas back as of 2025; the pandas and elephants on the Asia Trail, the sea lion feedings in the American Trail, the cows and goats to pet at the Kids' Farm, and one long slope running the length of the park make it the default first stop for DC with kids.

💡 Tips
Entry requires free timed passes reserved ahead on the website. The whole zoo is built on a hillside; from the Connecticut Ave main gate it's downhill in and uphill back, so a stroller earns its keep. Arrive before 10am on weekends for thinner crowds; the pandas are most active in the morning.

What this place offers

✓free
✓giant pandas
✓elephants
✓kids' farm
✓lots of slopes
✓restrooms
✓stroller friendly
✓free timed passes

Featured in these guides

This weekend's weather in Washington

Forecast at the destination itself (coast and hills often differ from home)

☁️
Sat 10/17
Overcast · 45–59°F · 22% rain
☁️
Sun 10/18
Overcast · 40–57°F · 4% rain

Location

Washington, Washington, DC

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