ZooLights (National Zoo)

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ZooLights (National Zoo)

Photo: Ahbeall · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

🎃 Seasonal · Washington

2 hours · $ · 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; Metro Red Line to Woodley Park or Cleveland Park and a 10-minute walk
  • 🍼
    Stroller-friendly
    Flat surfaces — bring the stroller
  • 🌳
    Some shade
    Fine on cold days · Good on cool days
  • ⏱️
    Typical visit: 2 hours
    Best seasons: Winter

From after Thanksgiving to New Year's, the National Zoo lights up at night with hundreds of thousands of lights and animal-shaped light sculptures all the way down the big slope, with hot chocolate stands, a carousel, and a little train ($); most animal houses are closed on light nights, but the lights are what the kids came for.

💡 Tips
Recent years switched to low-priced timed tickets; buy ahead on the website (check the latest rules), closed December 24 and 25. The whole zoo is a slope, so the stroller earns its keep; dress warm, DC December nights are 30–40°F. Weekends are crowded; go in at the 5pm opening on a weekday.

What this place offers

✓holiday lights
✓animal light sculptures
✓hot chocolate
✓carousel
✓stroller friendly
✓restrooms
✓evening

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This weekend's weather in Washington

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

🌦️
Sat 10/17
Showers · 47–60°F · 54% rain
☀️
Sun 10/18
Sunny · 44–63°F · 3% rain

Location

Washington, Washington, DC

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