Visit
Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Zoo is the nation's zoo. It is a 163-acre zoological park set amid Rock Creek National Park in the heart of Washington, D.C.
You can visit the Zoo 364 days a year to see 2,000 individual animals of 400 different species.
Cost
Admission to the National Zoo is FREE. There is a fee for parking in Zoo lots, but FONZ members park for free! The Zoo is accessible by Metrorail and Metrobus.
Where to Stay
If you're looking for a great hotel in the D.C. area and want to support giant panda conservation, consider booking a panda package.
Amenities
Strollers, wheelchairs, and electronic vehicles are available to rent; ask at any information kiosk throughout the park for location. (FONZ members at the Household level and above receive a discount on stroller rentals.)
| Members | Nonmembers | |
|---|---|---|
| Single Stroller | $3 | $9 |
| Double Stroller | $4 | $12 |
| Wheelchair (non-motorized) | Free | Free |
| Electronic Vehicle | $25 | $30 |
ATMs are located at the Visitor Center and Mane Restaurant.
Souvenir Zoo maps are available at the Visitor Center and information kiosks throughout the park for $2.
Public restrooms are located in Panda Plaza, next to the Zoo Police Station, inside the Visitor Center, at the Elephant Outpost, and inside Amazonia.
There are no lockers or other storage facilities for visitors at the National Zoo.
The Zoo does not have a kennel where visitors may leave pets during their visit. Pets are not permitted in the Zoo (except for assistance animals) and leaving your pet unattended in your vehicle is strongly discouraged.
Early Closings and Late Openings
On occasion, the National Zoo closes early to host special events. In 2012, the Zoo will close early on these dates. Other dates and additional details will be posted when they are available.
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October 26, 27, and 28: Boo at the Zoo
At 3 p.m., the lower part of the Zoo (from Great Ape House to the bottom of the Zoo, including Great Ape House, Reptile Discovery Center, Invertebrates, Think Tank, Kids’ Farm, and the Mane Restaurant) will close.
At 4 p.m., Small Mammal House, Amazonia, American Trail, the Bird House, and the David M. Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat will close.
At 4:30 p.m., the entire Zoo will close.
