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FAQs About Visiting the Zoo
The Zoo is free and open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry passes are required for all guests, including infants.
General Information
What time does the Zoo open and close?
From July 1 through Sept. 30, the Zoo is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., last admittance 5 p.m.
The Zoo is open every day, except Dec. 25.
If you must leave the Zoo for any reason during your visit and plan to come back, you’ll need to have your hand stamped in the Visitor Center near the main Connecticut Avenue entrance or at the Harvard Street pedestrian entry tent at the bottom of the Zoo. If you intend to leave and return within the same day, you must reenter the Zoo before last admittance.
Is the Zoo free to visit?
Do you have any facilities where I may nurse my child or pump?
While you are welcome to nurse or bottle feed your child or pump anywhere you feel comfortable within the Zoo, we also offer a private lactation space located inside Think Tank. This room is meant for single use only and includes two benches for seating, a small countertop, electrical outlets, and a locking door. This room does not have running water or diaper-changing facilities, but both can be found in nearby restrooms located behind the Conservation Pavilion next to Me and the Bee Playground.
To access the lactation space, download the free Mamava app.
Is there a place to store my bags or luggage during my visit?
Can I rent a stroller, wheelchair or electronic convenience vehicle (ECV)?
Wheelchairs (free), strollers (rental fee) and electronic convenience vehicles (rental fee) are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis at the Visitor Center. Zoo staff follow strict cleaning and disinfecting protocols between each rental use.
For details about wheelchair and electronic vehicle rentals, see the accessibility page.
How long does it take to tour the Zoo?
We recommend setting aside 2-3 hours to tour the entire Zoo. The Zoo sits on a hill with an incline, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
Cleaning and Safety
What COVID-19 precautions is the Zoo taking?
The Smithsonian is implementing COVID-19 safety measures based on guidance from the CDC and local governments. See the Safety and Park Rules page for the latest guidance. If you feel sick, please do not visit the Zoo.
Bathrooms are open for you to wash your hands, and sanitizing stations can be found throughout the park. We also encourage guests to bring their own hand sanitizer for personal use. Bathrooms and high-touch areas around the Zoo are cleaned frequently each day.
Several restaurants and food trucks are open. Tables and benches are spaced according to social distancing best practices.
For the safety of guests, staff and animals, some areas of the Zoo may be closed during your visit. See the exhibits page for details.
Do I need to wear a face covering to visit?
As of March 11, 2022, masks are not required to visit Smithsonian museums or the Smithsonian's National Zoo.
While it will not be required, all visitors who feel more comfortable wearing a face mask during their visit are encouraged to do so.
The Smithsonian welcomes millions of visitors each year. We encourage visitors to maintain a safe social distance of six feet or more between households and groups when possible, but our museums get crowded, especially during peak visitation times. Visitors who wish to avoid crowds are encouraged to plan their visit during weekdays.
What are you doing to keep the animals safe?
Food and Amenities
Can I bring food and drinks into the Zoo?
You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the Zoo. Glass bottles are discouraged, as broken glass presents a danger to visitors, staff and animals. You may not bring in alcohol.
Food and drinks can also be purchased at restaurants and food trucks at the Zoo.
Do restaurants and shops accept cash?
You can pay with cash or credit card at most vendors in the Zoo. For safety, we encourage you to pay with a credit card. Cash is not accepted for stroller and electronic convenience vehicle (ECV) rentals.
Are there places where I can refill my water bottle?
Where can I go to get out of the heat/rain/cold?
Is there a guest shuttle?
Entry Passes (Tickets)
Admission to the Zoo is free, but entry passes are required. For information about free entry passes, paid parking passes, group reservations and more, please see the Entry Passes page and FAQs.
Members
Visit the Membership FAQs page to find some of the most frequently asked questions about Smithsonian National Zoo Membership.