The cost was $30.00 for parking only. Should book entry tickets online. Quicker entry and less time consuming. We loved the grounds, everything was easy to locate which was awesome. Some food places withing near the front for anyone who needs refreshers or fast food of some type. Have a few options which was great for kids. Ice cream as well. Wonderful idea - bring re-usable water bottles as they has water stations you could fill up at. Awesome idea as during the summer it gets pretty hot In DC. Water Spray stations another wonderful idea as a cool way to "cool down" from the heat. Every single kid loved this! Extremely busy so suggest getting in around 9:30 am and can be out by 3pm. It starts getting really busy in the summer after 12pm. All the enclosures were well kept and decent for a zoo. All the animals seemed well cared for but with one exception, the Orangutans. One in particular seemed so sad. Our little one placed his hand up on the glass and blew him a kiss and the orangutan placed his hand on his. It was priceless. Soon after he went a little forward and spit up (barf) and started scooping it up and eating it. Must of done this 4 of 5 times. Everyone gaged at this point and left the poor little orangutan alone. This is not what they do when they are happy. I hope the employees bring this up to their up above's as we mentioned it. The only other thing that would be nice to see more staff throughout the grounds. We were a little surprised as it was very busy and thought more staff would be around for guest. Get the map at the front, it will steer you everywhere you want to go within. Great place to spend a day with little ones or people who like animals. Just a few photos to view. Would recommend!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park, commonly called the National Zoo, is a national treasure of the United States. It is a hugely expansive and beautifully-designed public space spanning many city blocks. The grounds are very well-kept, with the buildings in good order, and everything is quite clean. As far as such opportunities go, our animal friends who live there seem to have adequate opportunities for enrichment and good healthcare. I went in the afternoon on a Monday from 1-4. Ideally one would want to arrive early in the morning and spend the entire day there, as I didn't get to see every exhibit. However, since there's no admission charge, you don't feel bad if you don't get to see everything. There is an option to donate when you acquire your free entry pass, which I recommend. We focused our attention on the pandas, as we read that they were scheduled to go back to their native China next month (November 2023). It was worth the trip just for them, but I thoroughly enjoyed the Elephants, Birds, the Small Mammals, and the Paws n' Claws Path. I got to see a manul (Pallas's Cat) in real life. Wonderful. I highly recommend the National Zoo to anyone in the Washington, D.C. Metro area!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Absolutely UNBELIEVABLE that this place is free. Truly incredible, I've gone back twice. A MUST SEE in Washington. Possibly my favourite thing I did in a whole month in the city! Advice: -Bring a refillable water bottle, there are lots of fill stations -Pack snacks. There are lots of places to eat, some with moderate prices, but you'll want to spend a whole day there. -Arrive early. Lots of animals take little breaks after lunch, taking naps or going inside where you can't see them. -Go on a weekday, if you possibly can. Weekends are bananas busy. -The elephants (Pachyderm plaza) and the orangutans (Great Ape House) are not to be missed. Definitely try and stop at those buildings! -The Small Mammal House is also surprisingly great, with a huge amount of creatures and lots of variety. -There are some benches, but not huge amounts, so if accessibility is a concern, just be aware of that. It's all very accessible, but if you need lots of rest stops, make sure you take advantage of them when they come along. -There are no hippos, no giraffes, no rhinos, and no pandas (as of Dec 7, 2023). If those are your dream animals, make sure to manage expectations!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

We drove 4 hours just to see the Pandas and I havnt been to a lot of other zoos but I can say this is the best one I have ever been to, the animals have so much room to move about and it's equally a great view of them for the people as well. Other zoos have small enclosures and areas where you never can see the animals and for the most part this layout is great on both ends. The actual layout of the park overall is very confusing even with maps posted everywhere there isn't a right path to take that will lead you all the way through the park which is the only bad thing I can say about this zoo, you really need to study the map and prepare for a lot of walking and backtracking to see everything. Overall it was an amazing visit, we come to see the Pandas but enjoyed all the other beautiful animals as well and even though the Pandas are leaving we will be back to spend more time here again soon!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Yet another wonderful visit to our treasured zoo. We wanted to come again before our beloved pandas leave, so we have planned a few visits over the coming month. Not too crowded, no lines to the restrooms, stores, or food outlets. my favorite time of year to casually stroll through the zoo. It is lovely to see all the animals and people of all ages enjoying the wonderful array of creatures of all shapes and sizes. The pandas are my favorites, whether it's the black and white super cute panda beauties from China or the equally cute red pandas. The staff at the zoo are really helpful, giving time and knowledge, and it's clear they have a passion to care for and preserve their house guest. Our National Zoo is an absolute must to visit ant rime of year to appreciate the animals and learn about their lives and the risks if we don't protect them
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

We parked down the street, we knew we were only spending two hours, there is also parking on site and metered parking. Iconic residents are the giant pandas, but the zoo also has birds, great apes, big cats, Asian elephants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic animals, small mammals and many more. We loved seeing the big cats, pandas, bears, elephants and otters. They were closing a bit early due to Halloween (they close a few nights early for Halloween parties) and they are closed on Christmas. It is free admission but you need to make a reservation. They do have a few places to eat/drink/get a snack but we had breakfast before we went. The line at one snack bar looked a bit long so perhaps bring a snack if you have cranky kids. It was a lovely time, we have been before, if you have not plan to spend most of the day. Have fun!!!!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

This is great for a free zoo, but it's honestly carried by the pandas. Once the pandas leave, I doubt it'll be as popular. The problem with the zoo is not the animals but rather the layout. The purpose of a zoo is for people to view the animals but this is really hard to do here. The habitats for popular animals are at eye level or higher than the places people are allowed to stand. The animals are really far away too. As a result the zoo feels either really empty or really congested. Rather they should be more like pits with viewing areas all around (like an amphitheater). The Omaha Zoo in Nebraska and Berlin Zoo in Germany are much better at this. The staff I interacted with were friendly though. The zoo was clean and educational too. I would still recommend coming here if visiting Washington DC.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

The National Zoo is super fun! We went to see the giant pandas before they leave and ended up spending most of the day at the zoo. I would say it takes more than 3 hours, we (two adults) were there for 5 hours walking around. We had a great time seeing the different animals. As for the zoo grounds: The exhibits were really nice and well kept. There was a lot of staff about cleaning enclosures, feeding animals, and talking about them. The zoo layout maps weren’t the easiest to follow and the zoo is built on a hill so be prepared to walk up hill both ways to see every thing. I only wish I had been able to find a nice magnet with the Smithsonian Zoo name and a fun animal on it. Paying for the parking was worth it.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

This was pretty good. We wanted to see the Panda before it goes back to China in December, and we got real lucky! GO AS EARLY AS YOU CAN. Most of the animals will be livelier then, and you'll get a much better experience. We got to see the eat right in front of us! Sooo cute. Also the Elephants and monkeys were great too. Food is $$$ so if you can avoid it, do so. Also, it was HOT , we had to buy multiple waters and ice cream just to keep going, so if you can bring water and be prepared, also do so. There is a lot of walking, and not much cover from the sun. But still a great zoo! Would go back in future. I had great moments with multiple animals that will live long in the memory
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Amazing zoo and it’s free. Make sure to book your ticket before you go. It’s close to the city, has convenient transit, and crazy amount of different animals. The zoo also have great nature aesthetic. It’s super cozy to walk around the path under the bamboo shade with chill autumn breeze and just right amount of sunshine! A lot of areas are divided into an outdoor zone and an indoor house, so you won’t miss a chance to see the adorable animals no matter they are outside playing or inside eating/sleeping. I really like the Amazonian rain forest house. It’s a two-story building with birds wandering around freely on the lower level and fish ponds. Second floor is a mini rain forest where you can see various types of plants. It also have the mist dispenser to create the warm humid forest feel.

I was there three days ago and it was very enjoyable. First of all the tickets are free, so it is preferable to book in advance on their website. (Because it caught on quickly because in Washington, D.C. most museums are free). There is wheelchair and stroller accessibility without problems. There is an ice cream van (prices are quite cheap), drinks and sweets machines (reasonable prices) and restaurants (reasonable to medium prices). At every corner there will be an information booth whose name you can get a map of the zoo in order to know where to go or where it is shorter to get to the enclosure of the type of animals
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

I try to check out zoos everywhere I go. This one did not disappoint. There were lots of exhibits to see here, however, we did go on a hot summer day and it seemed like a lot of animals that would typically be outside were in indoor enclosures or nestled out of view in the shade. One of the coolest parts of this exhibit was that the orangutans could climb above you across the walkway. There was a lot to see and do here and we spent about 3 hours seeing everything. Tickets are free but it is strongly recommended that you reserve a time slot in advance to guarantee entry.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Took Amtrak into DC and then the Metro to get to the zoo which was way better then trying to drive and find parking. The zoo is amazing, although the lines to get into certain exhibits did take 10-20 min to get through. Bathrooms could use a bit more attention, but with the volume of users they weren't too bad. Very impressed that there was a food truck on premise with gluten free options which was a lifesaver. Starbucks is right across the street from the entrance which is super convenient. Admission is free but does require ordering tickets online before you go.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

We always love visiting this zoo. It is free to get in, although parking is a little steep in my opinion at $30. But worth it to have close and safe parking available. There are so many different animals to see and very nice buildings such as the Great Apes and Small Reptiles. There is an Orangutans crossing above which is very cool. I've only seen them close overhead once but it was amazing. There are several different areas with food options, and ice cream / drink areas throughout. Restrooms are located throughout the park and are kept very clean and stocked.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Family of 3 with a toddler spent the morning at the zoo and had a terrific time. Entering in from Connecticut Ave. will give you a downhill trek, so if you’re looking for an all day affair, opt for this entry. Pandas were active at opening of the zoo and around 9am when they were fed. Have to give a shout to officer Richardson who greeted us at the entrance of the park, gave our daughter a pin, and directed us out of the zoo so we could grab an Uber from Harvard St. This saved us from the uphill walk back to Connecticut. Highly recommend on your trip to DC
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

LOVE, love this Zoo. Really amazing 'Free' day out. Of course there are many fun purchases to be made there to support it. Great Layout and even on busy days we haven't felt crowded. We go as often as we can and have a different awesome experience each time. If you haven't ever been or it's been a while -- GO!! See the Pandas before they are sent back to China. That alone is worth a trip. You might catch the Orangutans up high on the o-line which is a real treat. So much information about the animals and conservation efforts - Really incredible place.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Very nice zoo !! There are tons of animals , reptiles to see .. they have indoor exibits which can make it very refreshing on hot days along with outdoor shower mists. There are also nice walking trails & lots of little food stands , gift shop on site. . Admission is free!! But the parking pass is $30.00 which id recommended to pay ahead of time to make sure you have a parking spot. To view all the animals , reptiles , to walk the trails id say a good 3 to 4 hours is roundabout how much time you would need :)
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

Great zoo to visit with kids or without. Lots of animals to see. There are plenty of places to get snacks, restrooms, and gift shops all around the zoo. Also had a carousel and a train for rides, but both closed early due to us going during the Boo at the Zoo event. Will bring the kids back another time when it's not an event night. In between two metro stops and a short walk to get to the zoo entrance. There is no need to drive, but plenty of lots are available if you want to reserve a parking spot.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

My January visit to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park revealed a limited presence of large animals, likely influenced by the cold winter conditions. The park's overall maintenance left room for improvement, but the standout was undeniably the captivating reptile section. Despite some seasonal challenges and maintenance considerations, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park remains a compelling destination, particularly for those intrigued by the diverse world of reptiles.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

If you want to be outdoors most of the day and walk up lots of hills this is the zoo for you. There are many animals to see but younger children especially will need strollers as the exhibits are spaced out around the whole zoo. There was a heavy smell of marijuana in the entrance of the small mammals exhibit. $30 for parking. $26 for lunch for a family of three. $4 per person for the carousel. Overall based on the drive into DC, parking and all the walking around the zoo this is not a zoo you will want to visit even annually. But if you are in town from out of state it would be worth your time.

I've been to several zoo's. This one blew me away. We arrived shortly after noon on a Thursday, which was the gradual feeding time. We got to witness so many animals up close and take so many awesome pictures. The zoo wasn't too crowded so it was easy to stand in place for a minute without bothering others. There were workers everywhere and some very knowledgeable willing to give information. Even though we live 6 hours away, we will definitely return again as soon as possible.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

This large zoo is maintained fairly well and there is great decor throughout the park. There are numerous exhibits including several that are indoors which allow for a break from the outside. The spaces for the animals appear larger than most zoos I have visited which I appreciate. As with all zoos, some animals may be out of view, but that is a need for the animals. It’s a large zoo; we spent over 4 hours. There are ample food choices throughout the park.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

I have loved going to this zoo ever since I was a kid. The animals are well taken care of with nice sized exhibits, and the zoo is always well maintained and clean. Prepare to be there for quite a few hours with the walking, but also for the number of animals to see and info to read. They also have water misters outside for hot days, and plenty of buildings to go into to cool down. My absolute favorite is always going to visit the pandas.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

You absolutely must go see the giant pandas one last time before they depart for China later this year. We were very lucky that they were very visible and very active during our visit today. We hadn’t been to the national zoo for probably over a decade, and I must admit, we were pleasantly surprised. They’ve definitely upgraded a number of their facilities, and had both elevated and ground level viewing areas for most of the key animals. The extensive mature tree canopies make for a very park like and shaded setting. And the price can’t be beat. Free is good.

This was my first time here. It was a lovely place with large habitats. The gorilla house and small animal house were the highlights for me. My only complaint is there was so much glare on the windows, you literally couldn't see the gorillas unless you were right up at it and shading your eyes. The zoo is free, but we paid for a parking pass because we wanted to drive in. The parking is close to the entrances and was well worth the $.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Wonderful zoo. We went to see the pandas before they leave for China. They weren't out in the morning so we went by back in the afternoon and got to see all three inside eating. Animals seemed healthy and well tended to. Wear good shoes and prepare to walk a lot! Also, get there early so you can see everything and pack a lunch! Reserve your tickets online beforehand. There's no charge but they are required during Panda Palooza.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

This was my first visit and I was very impressed. Had a free day in DC and the weather was gorgeous and it's free so why not visit the zoo?? I was able to see the pandas before they return to China. Zoo was very clean. I had walked to zoo from my hotel and I had a little difficulty finding the exit to Connecticut Ave after several loops around the zoo during the day. Other than that, no complaints.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Amazing zoo, I can't believe it's free to enter (though you need to book a free ticket online in advance). A lot of different animals to see, paths are pretty straightforward and not confusing, plenty of food stands, water fountains, and restrooms throughout. Also very clean. You can spend all day there, I'd highly recommend arriving early so you can see everything, as the zoo closes at 4.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

I'm from San Diego and we have the best zoo. So when I say this Zoo is amazing it truly is. It's a pretty decent size and it will take you around 2-4hrs to see everything. They have so much to offer plus it's free!!!!! You only have to PAY for parking. Which I think it's $30. But still worth it as the park is free. They have a few pandas that were really active which was so amazing to see!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Great zoo but make sure to bring a pair of comfortable shoes. The zoo is on a hill so you will be heading down the hill one way, and back up the other. Bring your own drinks as the vendors/carts are about 3x more expensive than what you can get outside the zoo. Depending on the day you go many animals may be hiding in the shadows or indoors. So don't come in expecting to see all of them.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Loved the zoo... It's very big and has a lot of animals along the vast landscape. It has pandas, rwd pandas, elephants, squirrels, ostriches, zebras, and all kinds of birds. The reservation is quite simple and free of charge. The place is very very very, well maintained and clean. The signs are also super informative explaining each animal and their species and where they live ...etc
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

It’s a pretty good zoo! Some things to note are that you need to reserve free passes online ahead of time. You can purchase a parking pass but they sell out quickly. Street parking is free in the neighborhood but can be hard to find on weekends. The zoo also has longer summer hours so be sure to check. The fall/winter hours means the zoo closes at 4 pm.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

LOVE IT!!! One of the highlights of my Washington DC trip was this zoo! The Amazonia area was very cool, so was the reptile area, the statues are VERY cool and this is a large spacious place, with animals ranging from snakes and poison dart frogs to lions and tigers and porcupines! Tons of photos below, plus a VERY pretty green boa!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

Perfect November day. We visited to see the infamous pandas but they'd been shipped back early. Be sure to check early morning if yu saw parking tix for your pass was full. I got a pass same day, perhaps because of reserved cancellations. See below entry is free to the zoo for walk-ins, Metro riders; $30.this year for parking.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Always a treat to see so many amazing animals in one place. Zoo is easy to get to via metro or parking ($30 per car) and typically not very crowded during the week. If you are visiting over a weekend or around a holiday, make sure you reserve your passes and parking well in advance. Knowledgable staff and clean habitats.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Great zoo Free- only pay $30 to park Great environment for kids and family This was the first time I had seen a panda, great habitat. Lots of walking, the exhibits are well spread out around a very scenic setting Snack and food options everywhere Small water areas for the kiddos that need to cool down Great experience
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Had a great time. The animals are spread not so far out from each other so you're almost always seeing something while you walk. Unfortunately the pandas are gone so do be aware of that. General admission is free but you should pay for a parking pass before coming in if you're going here by car. Great weekend trip to waste a solid 3 hours.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

This is a very beautiful setting which is well landscaped. We enjoyed seeing a lot of animals, but unfortunately did not get to see the pandas and many others. It then started raining so our visit was cut short. I used to live nearby 40 years ago and have seen the pandas in the past. They are so darn cute.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

The weather was hot. We arrived early and ran out of steam early as well. Food and drink were pricey. I recommend bringing a refillable water bottle. Red pandas were hiding, gorilla building was closed, and a few others but overall an amazing experience. Animals seem well taken care of with plenty of space.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Well spaced zoo with a great variety of animals. Recommend getting there when it opens to not only see more animals but to avoid the crowds. We arrived at 8:15AM on a Saturday and didn't have to really deal with crowds or lines until about 11:30AM. Also, be aware that this zoo covers a large area on a bit of a grade so you'll be doing a lot of walking and about half will be uphill. Wear comfortable shoes.

The zoo is free to go in. The weather felt great. We were able to see the pandas before they were transferred to another zoo. There are many sitting/rest areas. The bathrooms are clean. A lot of foot traffic. The animals were shy, so we didn't see them out. It was still a wonderful day, and the area is very beautiful.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

It's free to enter, there's food and gift stands available in lots of areas. A lot of walking is included and some of it is on an incline so just be aware of that. It took a while to go through it and if you look at everything it takes about 2-4 hours depending on how fast you walk.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Great Day at the Zoo! Weather was great! Best to get your free tickets online. Beware the zoo is on a hill so be ready to walk up a hill (both ways). Panda are here for a couple more months and back to China. Great exhibits - specially the panda house and the bird house.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Beautiful place. I saw a lot of new species new for me. Clean and organized. Kids love it. It is big, you should go early to see all, they close at 4pm. Free entrance, just scan code in entrance and check ✔️. You can enter food and drink, always save for animals.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Great zoo! Free to enter, not too busy on a Saturday in November. If you do go, make sure to reserve parking in the parking lot. We didn’t and got stuck trying to find street parking for 30-45 mins. Closest parking garage is a hike. Once there, had a great time.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

We were very impressed with the zoo. Every animal enclosure was extremely clean, and there were very little signs of wear from the animals pacing. The online entry was easy to get. We ubered here and drop off, AND pickup is best from the front of the zoo.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

We visited the Zoo Light for the first time and it's was so beautiful! So many beautiful displays. The carousel was available and so much fun with the employee hyping up the kids to scream. Lol plenty of food options and gift shops were open. They sold Xmas light up necklaces for $2.00.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

It is a large Zoo, we were over 3 Hours there and couldn't not watch everything in this time. Most animals were outside, the Animal Houses were very nice too. And all this for $0. It is necessary to get a ticket online but the process is under 2 min.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

The day was great for a leisurely stroll through the Zoo. Not crowded either. Animals were out and active. We did however encounter a rude employee at the merry-go-round. She was not very respectful of the small children and the handicapped. Otherwise, the day went well.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I recommend going there during a warmer season but in the morning. During the winter months a lot of the animals are in hiding, during the morning there aren’t too many people there. Attention: the entrance is free but you still need to sign up for a ticket online.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

My wife and I visited for the first time. We were so looking forward to seeing the giant pandas before they went back to China. Spectacular! The rest of the zoo was amazing to see. Lots to see and the layout is convenient.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

National treasure. Free to enter $30 parking fee. $5 map fee ( kinda crazy should be donation). Clean. Lots to see Allow at least 4 hours to really enjoy. Sad the pandas just left before we had a chance to visit. You can tell DC took pride in their care.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

They have well managed trails to walk. Collection of species and you can see panda as well. Mostly crowded in weekend but not much during weekdays. You are allowed to take your own food and have a small family picnic. Entry is free however you have to register at their official website.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Amazing!! First-time visitor and I have to say I was truly blown away. The layout and pathways are great! They ensure shade coverage in several clever ways. They would surprise you with different viewpoints of the animals.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

We traveled 3 hrs to visit. Was disappointed that 2 buildings were closed and the reptile house had a line to get in. A few of the exhibits didn't have animals. Overall it was a nice zoo but it was a one and done for us.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

Great visit! The exhibits are very well laid out so you can see everything without too much back and forth. My suggestion is to start at the bottom and move up. Then when you are tired you just have to walk downhill to your car instead of up. I suggest at least 4 hours to see everything.

First time visit and such a great time. Unfortunately we weren't able to see the pandas (they went home to China) nor did we get to see gorillas. Still fun regardless. Will return in the future
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

The National Zoo is a great place to visit to see a wonderful variety of animals. The pandas were the highlight of the trip. We were so glad to see them before they left. While the Zoo is free to enter, know that the cost will be made up of you want to eat there. More

This is definitely not the best zoo in America or even in the top 10 but it is really nice with a great variety of animals. It is also nice it is free but parking is $30 and needs to be bought in advance. We loved getting to see the panda before they will leave. More

Zoo was a lot of fun although they blocked the Asia trail at 3pm (too many people at the pandas) so we were unable to go and see the birds. otherwise had a great time, plenty of places to rest, reasonable food options and quite a few water refill stations. More

This is a great zoo. The diversity of animals and quality of exhibits is notable, and The fact that there's no cost to enter makes this an easy recommendation.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Absolutely beautiful grounds. We went early so the animals were just waking up and having breakfast. I loved the reptile house! But the sea lions stole the show, if you bring a small ball to roll one will chase it in the underwater viewing area. More

I definitely recommend this zoo! They have so many kinds of animals ! And it’s pretty big ! And all the animals look very well taken care of which is important! This zoo is free for all kids and adults and you only have to pay parking ($30)

First time visitor and it was a beautiful day for a nice walk through the Zoo. The zoo was not crowded. A lot of the animals were out and active. Great place for the family and it is Free. Do not pay for parking $30. Park on the streets $9

Well the park itself is decent I do not recommend getting there before 9 am. We arrived when they opened at 8 thinking we would be able to get in and out so we can continue on our visit to Washington DC. What we found is almost none of the

We really love the National Zoo, and hadn’t been in several years. You get your passes online, and they are free, but entrance was really quick. The animals are fantastic especially the panda. We also saw the cute little gorilla baby. I

Be sure to buy parking in advance via the zoo website and don't bother showing up until 8AM. No area to queue up. Great mix of animals. It is super hilly so just remember what goes down must come back up! More

Would have 5 stars if we could have finished the tour. It was far too hot and by the time we finally made it to the elephant area, we were spent and unable to keep going.

Great trip! A good walk, so be prepared. Pay for parking, and a free zoo visit otherwise. Travel to with public transportation and get a free family-friendly activity.

The Good: This zoo was a fun experience that my family and I thoroughly enjoyed. We got to