A Day Trip to Smithsonian’s National Zoo

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum complex. It includes The National Zoo, a 163-acre park in northwest Washington DC. We try to make a trip every year and can still easily spend hours exploring all it has to offer. Here’s what we saw last spring.

The Animals

That’s why you’re here, right?

From domestic to exotic, the National Zoo has quite the collection. You can find the entire list online and prioritize your favorites. Here are ours!

Of course the overall favorite is the giant panda. My kids are panda crazy anyway, but seeing one in person took it to the next level.

One surprise this time around was that we spent most of our time with the elephants! They happened to be very active during our visit and the kids really connected with them.

If you’re lucky, you might catch an orangutan on the O-Line!

The system of towers and cables is 50 feet high and allows orangutans to move between the Think Tank and Great Ape House. If you’ve ever seen a goat walk at a local farm, you’ll know it’s unusually exciting to watch an animal cross overhead.

The zoo says that the best time to see the orangutans crossing is on warm days just before lunchtime.

And, of course, I couldn’t resist snapping a shot of the fiber animals.

Alpacas produce between 5 and 8 pounds of fleece each year!

Activities at the National Zoo

Daily programs include feedings, trainings, demonstrations, and talks by zookeepers and trainers.

There are also play zones, like the Me & the Bee Playground.

The Conservation Carousel and National Zoo Choo Choo cost an additional fee (around $3.00 each).

The zoo also offers special events. Boo at the Zoo and ZooLights are two of the most popular, but programs are offered year-round or other times of the year.

Dino Summer at the National Zoo

The special event Dino Summer ran from June through August 2019 and included animatronic dinosaurs positioned throughout the park. They made noises, moved, and spit!

Though they weren’t live animals, we spent a significant amount of time with them! They were frequently positioned along walkways, giving little legs a reason to stop, rest, and take a look.

No news yet on whether or not it will return for 2020.

The Architecture at the National Zoo

It’s not something you normally think of when you think of zoos, but the architecture at the National Zoo is some of the most beautiful in the District.

Most of the buildings and exhibits have been updated since the zoo’s 1891 opening, but many buildings still date back to the 1930s.

This clock has stood at the main entrance since 1922!

If you have the time, poke around the buildings, read the plaques, and ask a staff member for a little history lesson!

Food at the National Zoo

Mane Grill is the primary option for in-house dining, offering up burgers, barbecue, shawarma, and vegan sandwiches. Kids’ meals are offered and include a souvenir cup.

An assortment of local food trucks set up shop daily, usually around 10:00AM.

We couldn’t resist the smell of Funnel Fare! We settled on fried Oreos and weren’t disappointed.

Familiar chains Sbarro, Auntie Annie’s, Dippin’ Dots, and Carvel also offer meals and snacks throughout the park.

You’re also welcome to pack your own food and bring it to the zoo.

Good to Know

Admission to the National Zoo is free! Parking is $25.00 per car, but the lots fill up quickly. Sometimes you can find nearby parking (metered or free) if you don’t mind walking a bit farther. You can also take the Metro, which also requires an extra bit of walking. (Take the red line to Woodley Park or Cleveland Park.)

You might not expect it from an urban zoo, but it’s also is very hilly. Some of the hills are quite steep. Factor this in when considering how little ones will handle walking or how you might adjust your plans to accommodate strollers or wheelchairs.

Plan Your Visit

The National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20008
website