The National Zoo covers 163 acres and it takes several hours to see all of our animals and exhibits. To make your walk around the Zoo more enjoyable, wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as the Zoo is set on hilly terrain and some paths are steep. Plan ahead and your visit will be a memorable one.
Planning to visit in the spring?
The Zoo is a popular destination and crowds are large in April and May. Parking is limited; parking lots fill up by 10:30 a.m. this time of year. Take the Metro via the Red Line and exit at either the Woodley Park or Cleveland Park stations.
All animal exhibits and most concessions are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. Visitors can park and enter the grounds beginning at 8:30 a.m. The Visitor Center and Panda Plaza open at 9 a.m. daily.
Review the Zoo Map
Explore the Zoo map and plot your route through the Zoo so you don’t miss anything. Choose a meeting place in case someone gets separated from the group.
Check the Calendar
See what programs are going on the day of your visit. Be sure to stay for one of the keeper talks, animal feedings, or other educational activities. Also check out our upcoming special events and celebrations, and find out if your visit coincides with an early closing.
Dress for the Weather and Terrain
While many of our animals are in indoor exhibits, many others, including giant pandas, sloth bears, great cats, seals, and sea lions, are usually outdoors. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Wheelchairs and strollers are available.
Meet Our Animals
We hope you will have time to see all of our animals, but if you are short on time, be sure to visit some of our most popular:
- Watch our giant pandas in the Giant Panda Habitat.
- Meet our baby gorilla in the Great Ape House.
- See our Asian elephants and learn more about the Elephant Trails campaign and our commitment to save Asian elephants.
- Delight in the antics of our orangutans as they cross the famous O Line.
- Step into the Bird House's Indoor Flight Room and watch as parrots, tanagers, and many other bird species fly freely.
- View our fabulous African lion pride—including seven young lions—and Sumatran tigers at Great Cats.
- Discover a whole new world of fascinating creatures, like the giant Pacific octopus, in our Invertebrate Exhibit.
- Walk through the rainforest in Amazonia as monkeys leap and birds fly around you.
- Unearth the secret life of naked mole-rats in the Small Mammal House.
Bring your used cell phone and other electronics to the Zoo's Great Ape House and drop it in the collection box. Your phone will help FONZ support the Zoo's mission. 
Find out more.
Activity Sheets: Print and Bring to the Zoo
- Home Sweet Habitat Scavenger Hunt
- Creature Features Scavenger Hunt
- Use Your Senses, Test Your Skills
- Zoo-per Bingo
- Family Guide: "Zoo Crew Training Manual"
Join the Zoo Crew! This printable guide to the National Zoo contains fun activities for parents and kids to enjoy together. Made possible by a generous grant from the Smithsonian Women’s Committee.
