Smithsonian Institution

If you are a local or just visiting from out of town, the National zoo is a must go-to location. They have a wide array of animals to sight see and interactive learning activities throughout the park. Entrance is free for everyone, but you should note you do have to download tickets before entering. You can bring your own food in, no alcohol is allowed in from outside but is sold within the park. As a local, I come here for the experience and also to walk when it is warm outside. Parking is slightly a hassle as you have to find parallel parking on the narrow streets of DC, the zoo also has parking but it is $30 per car. The shows are now back, which i really enjoyed this interactive bird show hole I was there. My only suggestions are removing the lines for indoor exhibits. Masks are not required nor is social distancing within the park, but they limit the amount of people in some of the indoor exhibits causing extensive lines which took about 15-20 minutes to get inside. Also, the bathroom facilities were not clean and did not have paper towels. Additionally, there was hardly an security and no one checking bags at entrance. Just a heads up I also went on Memorial Day weekend, in the morning there wasn’t much of a crowd but after 12 there were so many people it was difficult to walk. I would recommend during the weekday or coming at opening if you want less crowd. Overall though I had a wonderful experience and will be back.

Excellent zoo! Very clean, with friendly staff, and a great selection of animals on exhibit. They have places to eat, a carousel for the kids, a few gift shops. The animals look healthy and pretty happy. It is a bit of a trek though and pretty hilly. You will get a workout! The restrooms are spaced out pretty far from each other, but they do have good signage to point out how far the next one is. We did the parking pass which was a lifesaver and way better than parking on the street. We had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back!

The zoo is great and we really enjoyed the experience. You have to request tickets ahead of your visit. You can print them or it can be scanned on your phone/tablet. Not overly crowded when we arrived around 11 am. Some of the vendors were closed but for the most part everything was open and easily accessible. You have to walk a lot so I advise parent to bring strollers and any buggy/cart for the smaller kids. I overheard some younger people complaining about the strollers but it’s a lifesaver during the visit. There are carts you can rent as well but bring your own to save money. Also, bring your own food, drinks, snacks etc. The prices for food and souvenirs isn’t crazy expensive but we managed with our own snacks. We only bought ice cream for the kids and a small toy. Definitely recommend for young kids and all the young at heart. The animals were delightful to see.

Free zoo that is fun for all groups, if you really want to see it all, plan to spend at least 3 hours. You do need to reserve tickets online at the zoo website though. They have tons of vending machines throughout as well God food options. Our favorite parts were the small mammal exhibit, the pandas and the large cats exhibit. Do note that some animals may be sleeping or some exhibits might be closed for renovations. Check ahead if you are coming for something specific. They also have a really nice gift shop, 4 parking lots and cycle parking as well.

Went on a rainy day but it still e as very enjoyable. You could find most of the animals in their inside habitats. I would have loved to see them outside but it was great to have an alternative considering the circumstances. Really liked the idea of the food trucks and the snack/sweet treats they had. Just know that's if you drive there, there is a $30 parking fee. If you walk up its free

It's not bad to be a free Zoo, mostly animals look in great shape and are well fed. In this place you have so many places to go and watch different types of animals. There are a bunch of restaurants too, a bit expensive, but they have good food. Live shows, explanations, tiny and huge animals, if you are lucky you could see the orangutans swinging on the ropes. I had a great time here, a very good spot for everyone to enjoy the day.

Best FREE entry zoo. Must buy entry passes online in advance. Free street parking available if you go early. Food options available but take snacks too . Clean, some exhibits closed when we went but there is still much to see. Kids fully enjoyed themselves. Bathroom near bottom end of zoo by the kids farm has great facilities and several changing stations if you have a kid in diapers. Hand dryers are installed right on the sinks... you'll look for paper and think there's nowhere to dry hands. Look on the sink. Some people don't realize this. Cooling stations throughout the park spray water mist if you push the button below. Lots of easy connected trails to meander and several shady areas.

Fantastic zoo with wonderful spaces to exhibit all the animals. The orangutan high wire that allows them to climb over the pedestrian pathways has to be a highlight. Admission is free but parking costs $30. Or you can metro there then walk in for totally free. We spent 5 hours here including the bird show. It is hot and sunny in the summer and the food is way overpriced so be prepared.

You need to make reservations if you want to visit. I reserved my tickets a week in advance. I left my car parked in the parking garage and then took public transportation to the zoo. Street parking around the zoo is limited. Once in, I just took in the breathtaking environment. It was organized, clean and you can just walk around looking at the animals and the people. It was truly a lovely experience.

Always a fantastic time here! As usual, the Smithsonian Zoo is free to visit when there isn't a government shutdown, however online tickets are required a bit of a hassle as they require registering an account and the ticket checkers weren't paying close attention when we scanned our tickets. Be on the lookout for strollers and people who stop walking out of nowhere. The main entrance is at the top of a hill, so be prepared to walk on gentle but long inclines if you're heading out that way. Also pretty much no one was masking indoors except my party.