Smithsonian National Zoo

The Smithsonian National Zoo is one of the only free major zoos in the United States, and it is home to one of Washington DC's most beloved attractions — the giant pandas. Located in the leafy Woodley Park neighborhood, this 163-acre zoo sits on a dramatic hillside that gives it a different feel from flat-terrain zoos. That hill is both a feature and a challenge for families, so knowing how to navigate it is the single most useful piece of advice for your visit.

Here is the trick: enter through the Connecticut Avenue entrance at the top of the hill and walk downhill through the zoo. The alternative — entering from the Rock Creek Park side at the bottom and walking uphill — is a workout that will have your kids complaining and your stroller fighting you the entire way. From the top entrance, the main path descends gradually past the major exhibits, and by the time you reach the bottom, you can catch a ride-share or walk to the Cleveland Park Metro station rather than climbing back up.

The giant pandas are the star attraction and the reason many families visit. The panda habitat was renovated for the arrival of Bao Li and Qing Bao in late 2024, and watching these bears lazily munch bamboo or roll around their enclosure is surprisingly captivating even for kids who think they are too old for the zoo. Visit the pandas first thing in the morning — they are most active during early morning feeding times and tend to nap through the afternoon, especially in summer heat.

Beyond the pandas, the Great Ape House is consistently a family favorite. Orangutans use the O-Line overhead cable system to travel between buildings, which is fascinating to watch. The gorillas in the adjacent habitat are equally engaging — families can spend 20 minutes watching the family dynamics of the gorilla troop.

The Elephant Trails exhibit has Asian elephants with an excellent viewing area, and the Big Cat area features lions, tigers, and cheetahs.

For younger children, the Kids' Farm at the bottom of the zoo hill is a must-stop. This area has goats, donkeys, cows, and chickens in a setting designed for small children to interact with animals safely. There is a playground nearby and it tends to be less crowded than the main zoo path.

The Amazonia exhibit deserves special mention as a family resource. This indoor tropical rainforest building has free-roaming birds, fish, and reptiles in a humid, warm environment. On a rainy day, it provides a substantial indoor break. On a hot day, the shade and misting make it a cooling respite. Plan to spend at least 20 minutes here.

Practically, the zoo is big and hilly. Even if your 5-year-old insists they can walk the whole thing, bring a stroller. The terrain will tire kids faster than a flat zoo, and having a stroller for the uphill stretches saves everyone's sanity. Comfortable shoes with good grip are important — some paths are steep and can be slippery when wet.

Parking is limited and fills early on weekends. The free zoo parking lot on Lot A is first-come, first-served and is usually full by 10 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. Your best option is the Metro — both the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan station and the Cleveland Park station are within a 5-10 minute walk of zoo entrances.

If you must drive, paid parking is available in Woodley Park garages for $15-$20.

Food inside the zoo is standard overpriced fare. A family of four will easily spend $50 at the food stands. Bringing your own food is allowed and strongly encouraged — there are picnic areas and benches throughout the grounds.