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National Zoological Park

National Zoological Park, Washington DC: Hours, Address, National Zoological Park Reviews: 4/5

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National Zoological Park

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National Zoological Park
4
4,513
#60 of 504 things to do in Washington DC
Zoos
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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
A park-like zoo containing 4,000 animals and 500 different species.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Tours & experiences
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Top ways to experience National Zoological Park and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Upper Northwest
How to get there
  • Woodley Park • 9 min walk
  • Cleveland Park • 10 min walk
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2,426 within 5 kms
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Popular mentions
4.0
4,513 reviews
Excellent
2,268
Very good
1,332
Average
598
Poor
200
Terrible
118
Adam A
Downingtown, PA75 contributions
Terrible layout
Jun 2022 • Couples
Pains me to write this because the exhibits they have are done very nice, and there is a great variety of animals.

But no matter how you walk it, you need to walk down a hill to see everything ..:and then back up. The longest hill I think I’ve ever walked. Took 35 minutes and that’s without even stopping to see animals. I dont know how this place hasn’t been sued for being accessible to handicap or elderly. It’s made for someone who runs track everyday. An absolutely awful layout.
Written 26 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nancy P
6 contributions
Loved the pandas
Jun 2022
The highlight was (of course) the pandas. Seeing them was worth the visit. We bought a map ($5) and it was pretty worthless as a map. I did recoup $3 with a coupon for $3 off souvenirs that was included.

We enjoyed the zoo but there were some of our favorites that we missed - either they didn’t have them or we just couldn’t find them (zebras, giraffes, and flamingos).
Written 10 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Saint
Dedham, MA389 contributions
What's Not To Love?!
May 2022
What a great place to spend the day! Plenty to see, several options for snacks and meals and there is no charge for entry. The animals were not very active when we went which was mid-morning but it still is a beautiful place to visit.
Written 6 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gigi C
10 contributions
A National treasure.
May 2022 • Family
The National zoo is well maintained and a lovely way to spend time with your family. We saw all three pandas and they were a true delight! Unfortunately, the red panda wasn’t visible when we visited, but we did see many other animals.

We reserved a parking pass, arrived around 930 am on a Sunday and ended up in lot C which is midway through the park.

While there is a lot of uphill, downhill walking it is very well shaded and offers water misters as well as indoor, outdoor attractions so you can stay cool.

Plenty of food trucks and other options for refreshments.
Written 30 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
htwh
West Caldwell, NJ141 contributions
Free zoo! Use the zoo parking. You will get a good leg workout.
May 2022
I was at the zoo a long time ago, but I didn't remember all the uphill/downhill walking. Use the zoo parking lots. They had white tigers back then, but I guess they died. All the animals at the top part of the zoo seemed to be sleeping or hiding when we arrived in the morning (9am), only 1 panda was out - not really a pandemonium. The gorillas were fun to watch. The signs aren't always the easiest to follow. Did like the misting systems. I thought the gift shop prices were reasonable.
Written 28 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
David K
Charleston, WV175 contributions
Nice Zoo
May 2022 • Couples
Admission is free, but you need to get a time slot. Parking is expensive, but pays for the upkeep of this place. I saw active tigers, pandas, prairie dogs, seals, cheetahs, gorillas, and elephant. The sea lion exhibit gets a special shout out, great exhibit, and super active. We also saw lions, There was supposed to be red pandas, but we did not see them. There is supposed to be birds and we did see bald eagles, but no other birds. They are renovating the bird area. The small mammal building was very good. There is a petting zoo that was nice. There a carousel for the little ones. I had a pull pork sandwich from a food truck for lunch, expensive ($15), but really good. Smaller zoo, but nice.
Written 28 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jonathan M
Tuxedo Park, NY487 contributions
Our favorite zoo, and our favorite pandas
May 2022
We have been regular visitors to the National Zoo for the last decade and have always had a fantastic time. The main attraction for us are the giant pandas but there is so much more to enjoy here. The zoo is laid out well and you never have to retrace your steps. It is important to know that if you want to see everything you will eventually have to do a good amount of uphill walking, either when you head in or when you head out, but if you pace yourself and plan your route so you see things both ways you will not even notice this. Rather than pay for parking we have found it fairly simple to park in the neighborhood near the entrance, however, you do have to move your car every two hours but there has always been another spot available. And best of all, it is FREE to get in!!
Written 26 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Elizabeth P
3 contributions
Visit the Zoo...a Must!
Apr 2022 • Family
Such a great zoo. Loved the layout and paths that lead to different views of the animals. Easily accessible from all parking lots. Clean. Staff is friendly. Enjoyed the carousel. Just an awesome time in a wonderful place.
Written 5 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
wanderingconstance11
Charleston, SC67 contributions
Very enjoyable
Apr 2022
Very nice zoo. Lots of trails and signs with messages of conservation and education about the animals. Lots of animal art, sculptures and so on. Did not see all exhibits but I always check to see if animals have 1) some place in exhibit to be private and "off duty" and 2) enough room to roam around and some places to get shade and enrichment. The National Zoo met my criteria. Animals seemed well cared for. The pandas get the most promotion, the most memes and signs and so forth but thats all right. Most zoos dont have pandas so why not show them off? We could see the pandas from both indoor and outdoor viewing locations, but of course they may be sleeping at any given time. Since the zoo is free and needs money, I do suggest donating or at least buying something in the shop and "rounding up." Nice for adults as well as kids. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the zoo has cheetahs. Not too many zoos do.
Written 5 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Geovanna Cesar Gaspereti
Araras, SP5 contributions
All the animals I could imagine
May 2022 • Friends
Amazing zoo, there are so many animals and sections that I almost got lost. Some animals weren’t at their homes like de giant panda, so I got a little sad about that, but it was a great afternoon!
Also great food!
Written 4 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about National Zoological Park
National Zoological Park is open:
  • Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking National Zoological Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 National Zoological Park tours on Tripadvisor