Sight guide · Washington, D.C. · United States
Visiting Smithsonian's National Zoo
The free National Zoo spreads over a wooded valley in Rock Creek Park, with Asian elephants, great apes, big cats, the Amazonia rainforest house and giant pandas, which returned to Washington in 2024.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Quadell, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Smithsonian's National Zoo is a zoo in Woodley Park, Washington, D.C.. Allow 3–4 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Area
- Woodley Park
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- kids, free, outdoors and nature
- Best months
- May and September–October
About Smithsonian's National Zoo
The free National Zoo spreads over a wooded valley in Rock Creek Park, with Asian elephants, great apes, big cats, the Amazonia rainforest house and giant pandas, which returned to Washington in 2024. Paths are long and hilly, so plan a route rather than trying to see everything.
Tip: Take the Red Line to Cleveland Park, which gives a flatter walk to the main entrance than the climb from Woodley Park.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 3–4 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Woodley Park.
Best time to visit Smithsonian's National Zoo
Smithsonian's National Zoo is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- October: 21°C (70°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, busy crowds.
- September: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- May: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Washington, D.C. has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Smithsonian's National Zoo is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen National Mall and Lincoln Memorial.
- No. 14 of the 20 sights in our Washington, D.C. things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in Washington, D.C..
- A family favourite in Washington, D.C. with kids.
If you like Smithsonian's National Zoo
- National Mall — National Mall, Half a day
- National Air and Space Museum — National Mall, 2–3 hours
- National Museum of Natural History — National Mall, 2–3 hours
- Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial — West Potomac Park, 1.5–2 hours
Staying near Smithsonian's National Zoo
Where to stay in Washington, D.C. compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Smithsonian's National Zoo?
Plan 3–4 hours.
+Is Smithsonian's National Zoo free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Smithsonian's National Zoo?
May and September–October for the most comfortable weather. Take the Red Line to Cleveland Park, which gives a flatter walk to the main entrance than the climb from Woodley Park.
+Do I need to book Smithsonian's National Zoo in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Smithsonian's National Zoo good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Washington, D.C.. Washington is one of the best US cities for families on a budget: dinosaurs, the Hope Diamond, space capsules and pandas are all free.