Admission is free!
The Smithsonian's National Zoo is open every day of the year except Dec. 25.
Exhibit Buildings: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 4 p.m. closing in winter*
Grounds: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last admittance 6 p.m.) | 5 p.m. closing in winter*
Shops: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 10 a.m. opening in winter*
Visitor Center & Concessions: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 4:30 p.m. closing in winter*
*Winter hours begin October 1 and run through March 15. Exact dates may vary each year. Please check back for updates.
Upcoming Early Closings & Late Openings
Oct. 21, 22, 23 | Early Closure for Boo at the Zoo
- 3 p.m. | Vehicular gates close to public. Zoo closes from below the Small Mammal House to the Cross Roads including Great Apes, Reptile Discovery Center, Think Tank, Great Cats, the carousel, and the Mane Grill
- 3:30 p.m. | Small Mammal House, Elephant Community Center, Panda House, Bird House, Kids’ Farm, Amazonia, close
- 4 p.m. } Entire Zoo closes
Oct. 28 | Early Closure for Night of the Living Zoo
- 3 p.m. | The lower portion of the Zoo will close, including the Small Mammal House, Great Ape House, Reptile Discovery Center, Dip N Dots, Think Tank, Carousel, Great Cats and Mane Grill
