Hours

The Zoo is open every day, except Dec. 25.

Grounds Open: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; last admittance is at 5 p.m.

Exhibit Buildings Open: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (summer) / 4 p.m. (winter)
Please note: last admittance to exhibit buildings is 30 minutes before closing.

Seasonal Information

Winter hours begin Sept. 15: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; last admittance at 3 p.m.

Summer hours begin March 15: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; last admittance is at 5 p.m.


Daily Animal Demos

Get a front-row seat to keepers working with animals in these daily demonstrations! Throughout the day, you can meet elephants, watch sloth bears slurp ants, see sea lions catch fish and more.

See the Schedule

Know Before You Go

The Zoo is free to visit, but entry passes are required for all guests, including infants.

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 more information.