washington dc zoo tour

Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

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• Facilities 3.5
• Atmosphere 3.5

More than 1,800 animals reside at the Smithsonian's 163-acre National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, from Asian elephants to cheetahs to sea lions. Look up every now and then as you stroll beneath the Orangutan Transport System (called the O Line): You may spot orangutans swinging along cables between steel towers. Or, if you're more intrigued by animals native to South America, head over to the Amazonia exhibit, home to creatures like titi monkeys and multiple frog species. The Great Cats exhibit features Sumatran tigers and African lions, among other feline predators. The zoo also has a playground and other attractions geared toward kids. If you time your visit for the holidays, swing by the zoo after dark for its ZooLights exhibition, when animal lanterns and lights bedazzle the park.

Recent visitors praised the zoo's pleasant surroundings and broad selection of species. Others warn future travelers to temper expectations: It's popular during the spring and summer seasons and there are long lines for (somewhat overpriced) food. Though some said the zoo could be more exciting and have a broader array of animals, keep in mind the more than 360 species are free to visit.

The easiest (and most affordable) way to reach the Smithsonian's National Zoo – which sits in Woodley Park, a D.C. neighborhood found about 2.5 miles north of downtown – is to take the Metro's Red Line to Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan station or Cleveland Park station. The L1 and L2 buses stop at the main entrance on Connecticut Avenue. Visitors can also drive and park at the zoo, but space is limited and a flat fee of $30 applies. Capital Bikeshare has multiple stations nearby. The zoo welcomes travelers every day (except Christmas Day) from 8 a.m. to 4 or 6 p.m., depending on the season. Reduced hours may apply for exhibit buildings, shops and food vendors. Admission is free but entry passes are required and must be reserved in advance online .

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#1 The Tidal Basin

If you've never been to Washington, D.C. before, plan to spend some time along the Tidal Basin, an approximately 107-acre pond encircled by a 2.1-mile loop trail. Constructed to use the strong tides of the Potomac River to clear silt from the Washington Channel and to maintain steady water levels in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pools , it now also serves as the backdrop to some of D.C.'s best-loved sites. Every spring, the Tidal Basin bursts with color as cherry blossom trees (gifted to the city from Tokyo ) bloom into cotton candy-colored tufts, and they attract hordes of visitors. The cherry blossoms typically hit peak bloom (defined as when 70% of the cherry blossoms are open) in March or April. The National Park Service website makes "bloom watch" updates on its website , where you can check the progress of the trees and see when peak bloom is expected for the year. You can follow the path that leads around the basin, but recent visitors recommended testing the waters in a paddleboat. Paddleboats are available to rent from spring until fall for $28 to $40 per hour (depending on the day) for a four-passenger boat. You can pick up a paddle boat every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the boat dock near Maine Avenue.

Even if you don't make it to town for the cherry blossoms, you won't want to miss the three major memorials that can be found along the Tidal Basin's shores: the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial . A memorial to Virginia Declaration of Rights author George Mason, also stands nearby.

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Tips For Family Trips

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A first-timer’s guide to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. / March 1, 2017 by Allison / 6 Comments This article may contain sponsored content or affiliate links.

Are you planning a trip to Washington D.C.? The Smithsonian's National Zoo is a great option for families.

We have visited the San Diego Zoo and other major zoos in the U.S., and the National Zoo is on par with the better ones. For my animal-loving son, this was one of the highlights of our Washington D.C. trip and I have to agree that those pandas are awfully cute.

One of the best things about the National Zoo is that there is NO ADMISSION CHARGE. You won't even see a ticket booth. Just walk in!

Here are my tips for making the most of your day at the National Zoo.

Getting There

Getting to the zoo is easy on Metro. The Smithsonian's National Zoo is located about halfway between the Cleveland Park and Woodley Park-Zoo Metro stops on the Red Line, which are both about half a mile from the zoo entrance. I recommend getting off at Cleveland Park because your walk to the zoo will be slightly downhill instead of slightly uphill. We walked down to the Woodley Park-Zoo station and ate lunch near there afterward.

Limited parking is available at the zoo, but according to the zoo's website, lots often fill by 10:00 AM. I do not recommend renting a car in Washington D.C. because parking will be a hassle nearly everywhere you go.

Like most zoos we've visited, the National Zoo is built on a big hill. If you use Metro to get there, you'll start at the top. Exhibits are located on both sides of one main pedestrian highway.

Related:  3 Days in Washington DC with Kids

Can't Miss Exhibits

One word: PANDAS!

The Smithsonian's National Zoo was the first U.S. zoo to have giant pandas, starting in 1972. The zoo is currently home to three pandas, which can usually be found in either their outdoor or indoor habitats. Expect crowds and lines at the panda habitat, especially during the middle of the day.

The National Zoo is home to all the other showcase animals that most families love to see, including elephants, lions, tigers, cheetahs, great apes and more. My son is crazy for otters, so after the pandas, finding them on the American Trail was a top priority for us. Want to see if your favorite is there? Check out the zoo's Animal Page .

Most of the exhibits are outdoors, but there are several indoor exhibits including the giant pandas, Amazonia, reptile house and others.

Throughout the zoo, we found lots of educational hands-on activities – mostly geared toward children. There is also a carousel.

Arrive early

We visited the National Zoo on a Saturday in July. By arriving right at opening time, we missed the worst of the heat and the weekend crowd. In our experience, animals are more active in the morning when temperatures are cooler.

Pack a lunch

You can pack your own lunch or snacks into the National Zoo, and you'll save a lot of money at the concession counter  – and probably eat healthier – if you do. At the very least, I recommend bringing your own water bottles . You'll be glad when it's time to hike back up the hill.

Good to Know

Where: 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington D.C. The National Zoo is located in Rock Creek Park near downtown Washington D.C., but not within easy walking distance of the popular monuments and government sites.

When: The National Zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas. Hours vary by season, but everything is usually open by 9 or 10 AM. Check current hours HERE . March-July is peak season. Summers are hot and humid.

How Much: FREE!

How Long: I recommend 2-4 hours to see the whole zoo.

Amenities: Food service, gift shops, restrooms, rentals (wheelchair, scooter, stroller), parking

Website:  www.nationalzoo.si.edu

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Reader Interactions

December 31, 2020 at 7:47 pm

Native Washingtonian here. Remember although access to the zoo is free, you have to pay for parking ($25, I think). also, 2-4 hours is extremely optimistic estimate to cover the entire zoo. If you’re going to explore the exhibits, I would spend the better part of the day. TBH, I never try to cover the zoo in a whole day.

January 4, 2021 at 11:29 am

Tips from locals are the best! Thank you for your advice. I agree that 2-4 hours is optimistic if you want to explore the zoo in depth. There are so many great things to do in DC that we focused on the pandas and a few other standout exhibits, and skimmed through the rest.

April 29, 2022 at 9:02 am

We have to check out of our hotel, is there a place we can check our bags in st the zoo until we leave?

April 29, 2022 at 11:04 am

I have not been able to find luggage storage on the zoo’s website. However, you can probably leave your bags with your hotel’s front desk if that’s a convenient place to return. Another possibility is to use a luggage storage service like Luggage Hero, Vertoe, Bounce, Stasher, or Radical Storage. They may have locations near the zoo. I have not personally used any of these services (yet).

May 5, 2022 at 3:57 am

Does the zoo have a tour bus

May 5, 2022 at 2:39 pm

The National Zoo does not have a tour bus at this time. There has been a shuttle service with a couple of stops in the past, but according to the website , it’s not running right now. We did not use the shuttle during our visit and had no problems. The National Zoo is built on a hill. We started at the top, so our strategy was to walk all the way down and then slowly work our way back up.

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National Zoo in DC: 6 tips for your visit

These are six of our top tips for visiting the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, DC. One of the best things about visiting the National Zoo is that unlike other zoos in the United States this one is completely free . It might not be the biggest or grandest zoo in America, but this zoo definitely packs a punch!

1. Don’t drive or park at the National Zoo

Regular parking right now costs over $20 per visit. Not only is it expensive but spaces are extremely limited. Even if you are willing to pay, if you show up on a really busy day there might not be anywhere for you to go!

A much better option for getting to the National Zoo is to take the Metro ‘s red line. A bonus hack for this is to always walk downhill. When traveling to the National Zoo, use the Cleveland Park station, you’ll walk downhill to get to the zoo entrance. When you leave the zoo, walk downhill to get to the Woodley Park station. This is especially handy if you are traveling with strollers. Nobody wants to push those up a big hill!

2. Use free shuttles to get around the National Zoo

Most visitors don’t realize until they arrive, but the National Zoo is actually built on a huge hill. So, when you are walking around in the zoo to get from exhibit to exhibit you’re actually walking up and down hill the entire time. Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes!

The National Zoo runs a shuttle throughout the day. So if you’re at the bottom of the hill, and you’re tired, just wait at one of the shuttle bus stops and let a bus drive you back to the top of the hill. The zoo shuttle is completely free.

3. Know where to park your stroller

If you are visiting the National Zoo with kids you will probably have at least one stroller. A stroller makes things super easy because you can pack everything you need in it. There are exhibits that encourage you to leave your stroller outside. We recommend you have another small bag with all of your valuable items so, you just take with you as you leave your stroller at the designated stroller parking.

4. Skip the zoo food

Food at the National Zoo has improved tremendously over the past few years, but the best places to eat are outside the zoo. If you’re organized you can bring your own lunch and or eat at restaurants nearby like Nando’s or Duke’s Counter . Duke’s located right across the street on Connecticut Avenue from the front gate of the National Zoo and is a great place for lunch. There are about ten restaurants located on Connecticut Avenue near the zoo so there are plenty of options.

5. Visit the National Zoo early in the morning

Unlike Smithsonian museums that are located on the National Mall which open at 10:00 a.m., the National Zoo is actually opens early. The grounds open at 8 a.m. and the exhibits open at 9 a.m. One of the great things about getting there early is that it’s usually cooler in the morning and the animals are more active in the morning hours than they are in the afternoon.

If you want to see animals, we definitely recommend going at dawn or at dusk. Midday is hot and its when the animals take their naps. One good thing about visiting the National Zoo during the summer though is there are misters throughout the zoo that are super fun for kids. There is also a splash pad that’s easy to miss. Check it out near the sea lion exhibit.

6. Check out the special events

The National Zoo hosts special events throughout the year. The best known is ZooLights which takes place every year between about Thanksgiving and January 1st. ZooLights is great because it gives you a chance to see the zoo at night. It is all lit up, it’s beautiful, it’s also cold. So, bring hand warmers, and maybe a thermos of cocoa.

The Zoo also has events like Breakfast at the Zoo in September and have Boo at the Zoo in October. You can trick or treat at the National Zoo. This is definitely an experience you’re not going to want to miss if you’re around for it.

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Visiting the Smithsonian National Zoo

How to get there, what animals you can see at the national zoo, how to visit the pandas, and tours of the national zoo..

The National Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution so you'll find no admission prices to visit , but tickets are required.

As one of the oldest zoos in the United States, the National Zoo is sure to be a highlight of your visit to Washington, DC, especially for the young and young at heart. Use this post to explore the options at the National Zoo.

• Directions, Hours & Admission

Exhibits at the National Zoo

The Giant Pandas are scheduled to leave by November 15, 2023.

Hours & Admission

The National Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institute and is open every day but Christmas (December 25).

The outdoor parts of the Zoo open earlier and stay open later than the buildings so you can explore many of the outdoor areas before the rest of the Zoo opens.

• Grounds: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admittance 4 p.m.) | 7 p.m. closing in summer* (last admittance 6 p.m.) (some days during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions the Zoo will close at 3pm.
• Exhibit Buildings: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | 6 p.m. closing in summer* (Amazonia opens at 10 a.m. all year)
• Important Note: There are often changes to what areas of the Zoo are open, especially during inclement weather. If there is a particular animal you want to see, be sure to check their website first for updates.

How to get National Zoo Tickets

The National Zoo is free but timed tickets are required.

There are two types of passes:

• Entrance Passes are required for every person of all age, even infants. They are free. You can reserve up to 15 at a time.
• Parking Pass is the only option if you want to park at the Zoo. You still need to get entrance passes for each person in the car.

Free Entry Passes to the Zoo are not timed. You can enter at anytime that day.

If you wish to leave the Zoo and return later that day, you can get a hand stamp at the exits (either main entrance or pedestrian entrance onto Harvard St NW)

During certain peak times, the Zoo may set up security tents to enter.

This is usually around Easter but can be done at the zoo's discretion.

TIP FOR LOCALS/FREQUENT VISITORS:

If you plan on parking at the National Zoo at least three times in one year, becoming a Smithsonian National Zoo member is well worth it.

You receive free parking (a certain allotment each year with additional for special events as the zoo decided), discounts at the shops and at food, early access to reserving special events and a lot of extra perks.

How long does it take to walk through the Smithsonian Zoo?

As a local Zoo member, we go multiple times a year and have never been able to spend less than 2 hours - we even tried to be quick.

There is just a lot to be distracted by at the Zoo!

It is best to plan 2-4 hours at the Zoo if you want to see the majority of the habitats.

There are food options (pizza, hot dogs, chips), a few vending machines and carts throughout the Zoo if need some fuel during your stay.

Best Time to Visit the National Zoo ?

The best time of day to visit the National Zoo is in the morning. With the heat of the afternoon and full bellies from lunch, many animals will be asleep and hidden from view.

You'll also find that cloudy, even slightly rainy days are great for animal watching. The entire facility will be less crowded and there are lots of indoor habitats if it starts to rain hard.

The Zoo has a lot of unique events year round that make it an unique time to visit:

• Brew at the Zoo (September)
• Boo at the Zoo (October)
• Zoolights (December)

The Zoo also often has birthday celebrations for the animals, special keeper talks and animal demos every day!

How to get to the National Zoo

The National Zoo's address is 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW.

When adding it to a GPS for driving, make sure it is taking you to the Connecticut Avenue entrance as vehicles are NOT allowed to enter through any other entrance.

We highly recommend taking public transportation to the National Zoo.

The National Zoo is in the Woodley Park neighborhood of NW DC, so a bit further afield than most tourist attractions, but it is worth the journey.

Tip on Public Transportation to the National Zoo: There is a Metro Station called "Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan " on the Red Line. However, we recommend taking the Metro one stop further to Cleveland Park.

It is a 10-minute walk from either stop but from Cleveland Park, the walk is downhill instead of uphill from the Woodley Park stop!

Parking at the National Zoo

There is parking at the zoo.

Advanced reservations of $30 (as of Nov 2023) required per car. You can get a parking pass at the same time you get entry passes. They are DATE SPECIFIC but not time specific.

There are multiple parking lots and your parking pass does not allow you to choose. When you arrive (via the Connecticut Ave NW entrance) they will check your parking pass and direct you to either turn let into Lot A (which is closest to the Visitor Center and the Asia Trail)

Once that is full, you'll be directed to turn right and the first lot is Lot B (closest to the Pandas and Elephants). When that is full they will close it and direct you to the bottom of the Zoo lots. Lots D and E are closest to the Kids Farm.

While there is street parking, it is a residential area and we do not recommend relying on finding a spot.

Giant Panda Habitat:

Sadly, the Giant Pandas must go back to China on November 15, 2023.

The Giant Pandas at the National Zoo are the most popular exhibit. There are two adult-Giant Pandas on loan from China, named Tian Tian (male) and Mei Xing (female).

Their offspring born at the National Zoo are kept for a few years and then moved to a conservation center in China.

The Giant Panda Exhibit has two parts for visitors - an outdoor viewing platform and an indoor exhibit where you can also view the pandas if they are inside.

The inside area also has exhibits about Giant Pandas and the conversation efforts to protect them.

On busy days, the trail through the exhibit is one-way allowing visitors to walk through the outdoor exhibit and then the indoor area.

Expert Tip: Check out the National Zoo Panda Cam to find them before heading over! The Panda Cam offers two cameras so you can watch the Pandas wherever you are.

You'll also find sloths, red pandas, and Asian elephants nearby on the Asia Trail.

Elephant Trail

The National Zoo is home to 6 Asian Elephants which can be viewed on the Elephant Trail.

Asian Elephants are currently an endangered species and you'll see that they are smaller than African elephants.

The Kids' Farm

Experience life on the farm with goats, donkeys, hogs, and cows.

Lesson I learned the hard way ... don't call this a petting zoo. You cannot pet the animals!

Great Apes and Primates

You'll find three types of lemurs on an island surrounded by a moat, including the well known ring-tailed lemur. The Zoo is also home to gorillas and orangutans. 

The orangutans have the ability to travel from one enclosure to the next via the O-line, which from a guest's perspective means they walk right above you!

You can even play tug of war with them in the Think Tank. There is a tall outdoor section to allow gibbons to swing around as they would in the wild.

The Small Mammal House

A variety of foxes, rats, and smaller monkeys are housed in the Small Mammal House.

The American Trail

Along the American Trail, you'll be able to experience the variety of animals and plant life native to North America.

There are seals and otters , wolves , and bald eagles , among others. There are also two American bison at the American Bison exhibit.

Lions, Tigers, and ... Cheetahs. (Don't worry, the zoo has bears, too). On Lion and Tiger Hill, you can find African lions and two types of tigers.

Next door is the Cheetah Conservation Station which mimics the Savannah. You'll find cheetahs but also wolves, gazelles, vultures, and more.

You can walk through this exhibit to experience the flora and fauna found in the Amazon.

There are many corals , frogs , and other aquatic animals , but also sloths and monkeys .

The Reptile Discovery Center

There are over 50 species of reptiles and amphibians in this exhibit. You'll find tortoises , snakes , alligators, and even a Komodo dragon.

Tours of the National Zoo

The National Zoo offers a Zoo Highlights Self Guided Tour on their website.

It starts at the Cheetah Exhibit at the Connecticut Ave NW entrance and ends at the Big Cats exhibit at the bottom of the hill, making the walk downhill.

For younger visitors, there is an Animal Adventure Guide - my kids love the act it out parts!

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Open seven days a week.

10:00 a.m - 5:30 p.m., including holidays with the exception of December 25th when we are closed to the public.

10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20560

Visitors may enter from the National Mall on Madison Drive or Constitution Ave.

Admission is FREE.

Tickets are not required

Guidelines for Visiting

The Smithsonian is implementing COVID-19 safety measures based on guidance from the CDC and local governments. The latest guidelines are available at si.edu/visit/tips .

When is the museum open? The National Museum of Natural History is seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except December 25.

Are masks still required? As of March 11, masks are not required to visit Smithsonian museums or the 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.

Are passes necessary to enter the museum? No, free timed-entry passes are no longer needed to enter the museum.

Will there be security screening?  For everyone’s safety, all visitors are required to go through screening during the security process. One of our security personnel will conduct a thorough but hand-check of all bags, briefcases, purses, strollers, and containers. Please visit the Smithsonian’s security information page for more information on prohibited items. 

All visitors are required to walk through a metal detector. Those unable to go through the metal detector will be hand-screened with an electronic wand by security personnel.

Protective safety shields have been installed at bag-check screening stations and register. We encourage visitors to limit the number of personal belongings and bags brought into the museum as they will be subject to a thorough search. Limiting the items brought will increase your speed through security checkpoints and help us all maintain a safe social distance. Please note that we do not offer coat, bag, or locker storage at this time.

Is a COVID-19 vaccine required? Visitors are not required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the museum. 

Will everything be open at NMNH? We will open as much as we determine it is safe to open, but some spaces will remain closed for now. Visitors should check the website for complete information about programs, learning venues, cafes, retail, and high-touch, interactive exhibits.   The restrooms will be open. Limited locker storage is available for small bags and items.

Will the museum cafés and retail shops be open?

The Atrium Café is open from 11:30am-3:30pm and the Ocean Terrace Café is open 11:30am-4:00pm. The Family Store, Gallery Store, and Gems and Minerals Store are open from 10am-5:30pm.

Will guided tours, demonstrations, and events resume? Some in-person events have resumed.

Is there a coat or bag check at the museum? We have limited locker storage available for small bags and items. Visitors are encouraged to travel as lightly as possible and refrain from bringing large bags and packs for the best museum experience.

Are there family-friendly restrooms? A restroom designated for family use is located on the 1st floor of the museum, off of the Sant Ocean Hall. 

Can I bring my stroller, scooter, walker, wheelchair or any type of mobility device? The museum is accessible to visitors using strollers, scooters, walkers, wheelchairs, and mobility devices. There are elevators available to visitors on every floor of the museum.

Are wheelchairs available? A very limited number of manual wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis for use while visiting the museum. You are encouraged to bring a wheelchair with you due to limited availability.

How do I contact the museum with questions? For more information about visiting the museum, please email [email protected] .

Masks are not currently required to visit. While not required, all visitors who feel more comfortable wearing a face mask during their visit are encouraged to do so.

Our current health and safety measures are based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local governments. These measures may change in response to changing CDC COVID-19 Community Levels, so we encourage visitors to regularly check our website before their visit for the latest guidelines.

Museum Address The museum is located on Madison Dr. NW, between 9th St NW and 12 St NW ( Google Map ). Visitors may enter on Madison Ave. or at 10th St. NW & Constitution Ave. NW. 

Metro The closest Metro stations to the museum are the Federal Triangle Metro station, located on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines; the Archives/Navy Memorial station on the Green and Yellow lines; and the Metro Center station on the Red line. View a map of the closest Metro stations .

Parking There are no Smithsonian Institution public parking facilities on the National Mall. There are a number of nearby commercial lots and garages  which may have available parking. If you must drive, please see parking options . For additional information on bus parking, contact the National Park Service Mall Operations Office at 202-426-6841 .

For More: Visit our Getting Here and Parking Page .

The National Museum of Natural History is committed to providing inclusive experiences for all audiences. Please contact 202-633-3611 or send an email [email protected] for access services. For more information visit the Accessibility Information page .

Entrance All museum entrances and exits are accessible. 

Parking The Smithsonian does not provide parking, but there are designated accessible spaces around the National Mall.

Service Animals Service dogs specially trained to assist a person with a disability are welcome in the museum.

Information for Visitors in a Wheelchair

• All of the museum's exhibitions are accessible by wheelchair, and all public floors of the museum can be reached by elevator.
• All theaters include wheelchair locations and companion seats.
• All food service areas are accessible by wheelchair with no steps, turnstiles, or other potential obstructions
• All museum restrooms are accessible to those with mobility disabilities or in wheelchairs. Family/companion care restrooms are located on the First Floor off the Rotunda via the Sant Ocean Hall.

Information for Visitors Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

• Video presentations within exhibitions are open captioned. 
• Induction loops are installed at the Rotunda Visitor Information Desk and the Worldwide Theater in the Hall of Human Origins.
• Assisted Listening Devices are available upon request for programs in Baird Auditorium and Q?rius Theater.
• Sign language interpretation or real-time captioning (CART) are available for public programs with a two week advanced notice. To request this service, please call (202) 633-5238 or e-mail [email protected] .

Information for Visitors Who Are Blind or Partially Sighted

• Tactile objects are provided for all visitors at designated points throughout the museum. A full list of tactile objects can be found at the Information Desks in large print and braille.
• Verbally-described tours with tactile elements designed for visitors with visual disabilities are available with a two-week advanced notice. Subject to volunteer availability. To request this service, please call (202) 633-5238 or e-mail [email protected] .
• Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/deep-time-audio-description/id1465972882?ls=1
• Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=edu.si.natualhistory.deeptime

Information for Visitors with Developmental, Learning & Sensory Disabilities

Calendar of Events This calendar of events highlights some of the programs and activities that will be happening at the museum.

For More: Visit Our Accessibility Information Page

We are committed to visitor safety and have security measures in place to keep you and Museum objects protected. When you arrive at the Museum you can expect a full security screening similar to what you might experience at the airport, except you can keep your shoes and belts on.

Items Not Permitted in the Museum

• Firearms / ammunition
• Knives (including pen, pocket or "Swiss Army"-style knives)
• Aerosol cans (including pepper spray and Mace)
• Tools (screwdrivers, awls, etc.)
• Placards, signs, or banners
• Pets (except service animals)
• Wagons (collapsible and fixed wheel)

Items You Are Prohibited from Using Inside the Museum

• Selfie sticks
• E-cigarettes
• Skateboards / scooters

Items Permitted in the Museum

• Mobility aids (canes, walkers, etc.)
• Service animals (not emotional support animals)
• Bottled water

Check the Smithsonian's security policy for the most up-to-date information. 

The museum's Security Office is located on the Ground Floor in the north (Constitution Avenue) lobby next to the elevators.

Ocean Terrace Café Open 11:30am – 2:00pm Location: First Floor Make-your-own Grain Bowls at the Ocean Terrace Café with fresh greens and nutritious toppings. In addition, we feature fresh sandwiches, desserts, snacks, and beverages.

Atrium Café Open 11:00am – 3:00pm Location: Ground Floor National Museum of Natural History: Featuring butcher craft burgers, grill items, a chef’s market table featuring seasonal menus, made-in-house Focaccia hot melts, desserts, and beverages.   

Shopping Selected merchandise items in our shops are now available for purchase online at the Smithsonian Store .

For inquiries about our museum stores, please contact the NMNH Store Management Team at 202.633.2060.

Gem and Mineral Store Location: Second Floor Open 10:00am – 5:30pm

Gallery Store Location: Ground Floor, Evans Gallery Open 10:00am – 5:30pm

Family Store Location: Ground Floor, Evans Gallery Open 10:00am – 5:30pm

Dinos and More Store Location: First Floor, near the Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals Open hours vary

Natural History Express Kiosk Location: Second Floor, near Cellphone: Unseen Connections Open hours vary

Bag Lunches Seating for bagged lunches is not currently available. Bagged lunches must be stowed away at all times while visiting the museum and must be eaten outside of the museum. The museum has no refrigerated storage for lunches.

Nursing Station The museum now has a dedicated public nursing room. Located in the Constitution Avenue Lobby, the public nursing room allows our visitors to nurse in private and is close to the restrooms and health unit.

Pets Pets (except service animals) are not permitted in the museum. Emotional support animals are not permitted in the museum.

Photography The Smithsonian permits still and video photography for noncommercial use only in its museums and exhibitions, unless otherwise posted. For the safety of our visitors and collections, the use of tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks is not permitted at any time. Working members of the media who need to use a tripod or monopod must obtain permission from the museum’s Press Office and must be escorted by a museum staff member while in the building.

Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed, or recorded by the Smithsonian for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on the Smithsonian’s and other public websites.

Wi-Fi The museum provides free Wi-Fi access; choose the "si-visitor" network on your device. No password necessary. This is a public, unsecured network.

Smoking Smoking is prohibited in all Smithsonian facilities. This includes e-cigarettes.

Please see the "Prepare for Security" section above for items that are not permitted inside the museum.

Must-do Experiences

Butterfly Pavilion

Today at the Museum

Visit the Museum from Home

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Deer Leapt Into Lion’s Den At The Washington DC Zoo, & Nature Took Its Course

Of all the places to wind up…

A few years back, visitors at the Washington DC National Zoo got to witness a live lion hunt, only it wasn’t some pre-planned exhibit for season pass holders…

A fawn was walking around Rock Creek Park, which surrounds the zoo, when it decided to be adventurous and check out what was behind one of the many concrete walls.

Through a tragic strike of truly awful luck, the fawn just so happened to find itself in the lion’s den…

No, not some metaphorical bad place to be, the literal lion’s den, complete with two hungry lionesses.

The crowd gathered around to watch a once in a lifetime event take place right before their eyes, and while everyone was cheering for the deer, you have to think everyone knew it didn’t have a shot.

It did actually get away for awhile, although it’s clear the lion wanted a little fun chasing this thing down. Unfortunately for the lions, handlers got them back in their cages before they were able to make the kill. Veterinarians were called to give assistance to the badly injured fawn, but they weren’t able to help it and ended up putting it down so it didn’t have to suffer anymore.

The original videos were split into pieces, part 1 and part 2 are below.

A local reporter went to get more information the next day, which is where we learned how this story ended.

Maybe this makes me heartless, but I was rooting for the lions…

Can you imagine how happy you have to be when you see a live animal prancing around your pen after years of raw chickens? Has to be the equivalent of us seeing a filet mignon after a steady diet of kale and quinoa.

And that’d be one hell of a feeling…

Also, what kind of enclosures are they using that a baby deer can just prance its way into the pen? I’d imagine if a fawn can get over the wall, so can the lion… and I do not want to see that lion hunt.

Deer Falls Into The Polar Bear Enclosure At Pittsburgh Zoo

Don’t do it…

What was this deer thinking? Polar bears are some of the most expert killers on the planet, even when in captivity. The largest and most carnivorous of all the bear species, these massive animals can weigh over 1,600 pounds and stand over 10 feet tall.

Their chalk white fur is made to blend in with the snow and ice as camouflage to the harsh environment they live in.

These beasts are known for their ability to hunt everything down, coming from miles and miles to feast primarily on seals, but they will also eat walrus, reindeer, on occasion even whales. The old saying goes with polar bears “if you see one, it’s already to late”.

They often take no prisoners and kill at every opportunity they have, as their environment can be highly unforgiving.

Naturally, most animals try to stay well clear of these deadly beasts.

This deer didn’t get the memo.

The old security footage from back in 2007 at  the Pittsburgh Zoo shows two polar bears having the time of their life playing in a pool.

Out of nowhere a deer jumps the fence and takes the long dive, approximately 20 feet, down into the polar bear pool.

The polar bears immediately turn their attention to the deer and go check it out.

At first they seem confused, but let’s be real… that deer wasn’t gonna fare well stuck in a cage with two full-grown killers. Once the deer got out of the water, the polar bears began to chase it around the enclosure, but luckily for the deer, zookeepers were able to intervene before it could be mauled to death.

Unlucky for the deer, it went into shock after the fall, the swim, and running for its life from the two white bears it’s never seen before, and had to be euthanized.

Can you imagine surviving all that just to go into shock and have to be killed? Tough way to go…

According to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the deer put up quite a fight though, using its antlers and hooves to keep the bears at bay during the brief encounter.

Dr. Barbara Baker, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo attributed the deer’s survival to the immature age and inexperience of the polar bears, who aren’t quite used to hunting for meat:

“The young bears didn’t know what to do… and the deer was an aggressive animal. They’re very inquisitive and very curious, but they don’t quite have that killing instinct.”

The stuff you see…

Here’s another view of the security cam (not the best quality).

Black Bear Mimics Young Boy At Nashville Zoo

Nothing beats an animal being funny, especially with people in a safe situation.

Bears are some of the funniest animals out there. Anytime you have the opportunity to watch one, you realize how intelligent and capable they really are.

Black bears are a simple animal, they love food. Their whole life revolves around getting it and really the have no predators. So, their whole focus is eating, naturally they become good at it and can weigh as much as 600 pounds if they are well fed.

These bears can break into vehicles, garages, garbage cans and anything else where there might be food. Their drive to eat makes them highly intelligent, able to problem solve and get what they want, despite how difficult it may seem.

This makes black bear surprisingly easy to tame. Not that bear training is for the faint of heart, but it can be done.

Zoos are known to keep these animals happy by keeping them well fed to avoid any risk.

This often leads to very happy bears.

This black bear at the Nashville Zoo must have been fed well.

He is seen jumping up and down mimicking a young kid who does the same on the outside of the enclosure.

What a smart creature.

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Best Free and Fun Things To Do in DC with Kids May 2024

With May comes the unofficial start of summer in DC, and lots of family fun for Mother's Day and Memorial Day.

The Big Bounce America returns to the DC area this month, with opportunities for families to get their energy out in bounce houses of all sizes. There are also two opportunities to visit many of the embassies located in Washington, DC, and learn about different cultures during the Around the World Embassy Tour and the EU Open House .

Lastly, this is your final opportunity to see Titanic: The Exhibition at National Harbor and Dopamine Land: A Multisensory Experience in DC. Both immersive experiences close this month.

There's so much more to share, so read on for details on  spring festivals , Mother's Day events , and Memorial Day celebrations.

We have so many more great events listed below for your family this April, but don't forget to check our family activity calendar every day as we're always adding more events.

More Things To Do in DC This May With Kids:

• Best Things To Do in DC This Week with Kids
• DC Spring Fun Guide
• 75 Free Fun Things To Do in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia with Kids
• Subscribe and Get This in Your Inbox Each Week

Get a hit of happiness at Dopamine Land before it leaves town on May 31. Photo by Jennifer Swope

Top Things To Do in DC with Kids this May

Alice: dreaming of wonderland (at mclean community center).

Based on the classic by Lewis Carroll, Alice  is an action-packed theatrical circus full of surprises, amazing acts, video projection with 3-D mapping, and live music. Imagine the March Hare balancing on a tower of chairs during a tea party with The Mad Hatter playing crazy instruments, or Alice performing acrobatics inside a giant keyhole. read more

Flower Mart at Washington National Cathedral

Flower Mart brings families to the Washington National Cathedral grounds for food, vendors, carnival games, an antique carousel, and more fun activities. read more

Divinity Roxx at The Kennedy Center

Celebrate self-love and positivity with Divinity Roxx, a Grammy®-nominated musician, recording artist, and composer. Her upbeat and sunny music is filled with powerful messages that encourage young people to become the best versions of themselves.  read more

Anacostia River Festival

This premier DC event marks the official close of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Families can celebrate with outdoor activities, local performances, food trucks, and more.  read more

Around the World Embassy Tour

More than 50 embassies open their doors to visitors to share the food, art, dance, fashion, music, innovations, and goods from their countries. Past activities have included karate demonstrations, sari-wrapping lessons, alpaca petting, and more. read more

Running of the Chihuahuas (at the Wharf)

The Running of the Chihuahuas is a free, family-friendly event featuring iconic Chihuahua races on District Pier. Over 100 Chihuahuas race in groups of eight on a 60-foot “race track”. The fastest dogs move on in the winners’ bracket until a single Chihuahua is crowned the champion. Winners will take home a dog-friendly swag bag, trophy and cash prizes. Spectators can view all the action and hilarity on two giant video screens on both District and Transit Pier.  read more

The World and Me Family Program: Amphibian Week Celebration with the USDA Forest Service and Friends (at the National Museum of Natural History)

It's Amphibian Week. Families are invited to learn about amphibians alongside staff from the USDA Forest Service, the USGS, the Bureau of Land Management, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Explore different stations and learn through play, art, and observations of live animals.  read more

Family Archaeology Day at Needwood Mansion

Discover archaeology through hands-on activities, presentations, and live music at this free family event. Participate in a simulated archaeological dig, identify seeds, mend ceramics, make clay marbles and a clay pot, and try tinsmithing and weaving.  read more

Family Day: Spacesuits: Past, Present, and Future at Udvar-Hazy Center

Meet experts, do fun spacesuit-related activities, and explore how and why spacesuits were made the way they were. Discover how their design changed over time, and what future spacesuits will look like for astronauts traveling to the Moon and Mars.   read more

Free Comic Book Day 2024

Pow! Crash! Boom!  Getting comic books for free is...super! Free Comic Book Day returns on its usual "first Saturday in May" date. read more

International Family Equality Day at the National Zoo

Celebrate family diversity with Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Visitors can speak with Zoo nutritionists, attend keeper talks, and see animal demonstrations. read more

CiNoMatic at Alethia Tanner Park

"Epic Expeditions" is the theme for Wednesday-night free movies at Alethia Tanner Park. Enjoy lawn games and food from local vendors beginning an hour before the movie's start. read more

EU Open House

Families can go on a trip across the European Union without leaving DC! At the popular EU Open House, embassies from EU countries open their doors to visitors with food, music, games, cultural exhibitions, and more. read more

Baltimore Bubble Parade at Riverside Park

The Baltimore Bubble Parade centers around a performative walk where hundreds of participants are encouraged to blow bubbles in a parade-esque fashion around the park.  read more

McLean Day at Lewinsville Park

McLean's biggest annual festival is back with carnival rides, a petting zoo, music, games, food, and more. read more

Fest Of Spring Caribbean Wine, Food, & Music Festival (at Good News Stables)

This Caribbean festival celebrates local and Caribbean culture through live performances, wine tasting, delectable cuisines, and an arts village offering an array of indigenous jewelry, clothing, and crafts. The festival also has kid-friendly activities. read more

Gaithersburg Book Festival (at Bohrer Park)

Gaithersburg 's annual book festival features a variety of family-friendly activities. Attendees can meet their favorite authors, participate in workshops, purchase books, and celebrate literacy. read more

KidStory Theatre Festival

InterAct Story Theatre artists, over the years, have helped kids craft their own stories. Some of these stories are presented as a series of short plays and stories performed by InterActors. read more

Strawberry Jubilee Fest at Great Country Farms

Great Country Farms celebrates the royal strawberry with a Jubilee packed with live music, farm contests, wagon rides, great food, and fun games for the whole family. read more

123 Andrés at Publick Playhouse

Latin Grammy winners 123 Andrés are the bilingual music duo of Christina & Andrés. Their songs in Spanish and English celebrate language and culture, and get the whole family moving and singing. read more

Asian Festival on Main

Celebrate the diversity of Asian cultures with food, arts and crafts, live performances, and more. Families can also learn how to fold origami, improve their yo-yo skills, and do tricks on a skateboard. read more

Old Town Festival of Speed and Style

This annual festival in Old Town Alexandria combines exotic cars and high fashion for a unique festival experience. Over 100 exotic supercars, antique racing cars, and motorcycles are on display for kids to look at close up. read more

Hometown Holidays Music Fest (at RedGate Park)

The city of Rockville presents a fun festival celebrating Memorial Day with two stages of entertainment by local acts, a Taste of Rockville, and activities for kids. read more

The Big Bounce America

The Big Bounce America—the world's largest touring inflatable event—returns to the DC area, featuring the world's largest bounce house (Guinness-certified!), a bouncy sports area, an inflatable obstacle course, slides, ball pits, and a 60-foot-tall maze. read more

ViVa Vienna!

ViVa Vienna! is a three-day, fun-filled event celebrating community and honoring Memorial Day. Families can enjoy food, rides, music, children's activities, and more.  read more

Galapagos George with Barefoot Puppets (at Discovery Theatre)

Audiences will follow the true story of “Lonesome George,” the last tortoise to be found on Pinta Island in the Galapagos archipelago, as he grows up among sea turtles, lizards, hungry goats, sea lions, and dancing birds with blue feet. This engaging and uplifting eco-fable shares an important lesson about human impact on the environment. read more

Dopamine Land: A Multisensory Experience

Dopamine Land is a multisensory experience combining media, technology, and play in one place. Visitors travel through an interactive museum boasting multiple rooms and activities that provide something new and exciting at every corner. read more

Top Things To Do in DC with Kids on Mother's Day

Best things to do on mother's day 2024 in dc, maryland, & northern virginia, best mother's day brunch in dc, maryland, & northern virginia.

Head to the National Mall for live music throughout Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the National Memorial Day Concert Series

Top Things To Do in DC with Kids on Memorial Day

Bowie's memorial day parade.

Marching bands, performers, floats, local clubs and organizations, and much more are featured at this year's annual Bowie Memorial Day Parade, as members of the Armed Forces are recognized. read more

National Memorial Day Choral Festival

Free with Ticket

Designed to honor our nation's veterans and fallen heroes through musical tribute, this concert features 200 singers representing choirs from throughout the US performing with the United States Air Force Orchestra. read more

National Memorial Day Concert

For more than 30 years, the National Memorial Day Concert has featured star-studded performances honoring the military service and sacrifice of men and women in uniform, their families at home, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States.  While aired nationally on PBS, the public is welcome to attend this free event. read more

National Memorial Day Parade

At the nation's largest Memorial Day Parade, fallen heroes are honored. The parade features personal stories of those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice. Special celebrity guests and musical performers are part of this family-friendly event. read more

Rockville Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade

The Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade honors the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our freedoms. The event begins with a musical tribute at 9am, followed by the ceremony at 9:30am and a parade featuring military and community groups, marching units, dance troupes, and more at 10am. read more

Falls Church Memorial Day Parade & Festival

The annual Falls Church Memorial Day Parade & Festival includes a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the Falls Church Veteran's Council, a 3K Fun Run, food, vendors, live music, kids' entertainment, and a parade. read more

Best things to do with kids in the D.C. area this weekend

In the D.C. area and looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend? Here are our top picks.

Awesome Con at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center

D.C.’s biggest comic con packs in the guest stars, including Rachael Leigh Cook, Tara Reid and Rosario Dawson of “Josie and the Pussycats”; Hayden Christensen of Star Wars; and Charlie Cox and Alaqua Cox of “Echo.” But there’s much more to this three-day event than paid meet-and-greets: Think cosplay meetups, tabletop gaming lessons and challenges, a book fair with author panels, an interactive family zone, short film festivals, a science fair with talks sponsored by the National Science Foundation, Pride Alley, and after-parties with music and video games. Friday through Sunday. $55-$80 per day, $120 three-day pass; $20-$25 children ages 3 to 10; $170-$210 premium .

Women’s History Month Festival at the National Portrait Gallery

Inspiring, trailblazing women gaze down from the walls at the National Portrait Gallery, and a number of them are highlighted during the museum’s Women’s History Month Festival in the Kogod Courtyard. Join a Ruth Bader Ginsburg portrait workshop led by Debbie Levy, author of “I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark”; see the “Recent Acquisitions” exhibition, including portraits of Oprah Winfrey and Beyoncé; watch performances and workshops from the Washington Ballet; go on scavenger hunts through the galleries; or bring little ones for story time and art activities. Opal Lee, who led the fight to make Juneteenth a national holiday, is celebrated with an oil painting in “Recent Acquisitions,” and she’ll discuss the painting and her life in the McEvoy Auditorium beginning at 3:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Free .

Soar Together Family Day at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

“Firsts in Flight” is the theme of this all-ages family day, which is celebrating two around-the-world flights: the Douglas World Cruiser, which was the first plane to circumnavigate the globe in 1924, and the Breitling Orbiter 3 balloon, which completed the first nonstop trip around the globe by a free balloon in 1999. Activities include a free screening of the Imax movie “Living in the Age of Airplanes”; a Q&A with Tim Grove, the author of “The First Flight Around the World”; story times; crafting stations; a scavenger hunt through the museum; curator talks; and a hands-on station exploring the science behind flight. If you can’t make it in person, activities will be available on the museum’s website. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Free admission; parking $15.

Family Fun Day at Atlas Performing Arts Center

As part of Atlas’s Intersections Festival, the whole family is invited to a morning of youth-oriented activities in the lobby of the H Street performing arts center. The day kicks off with an “instrument petting zoo” — where kids can get up close with musical instruments — and is followed by craft stations and a performance from kids’ music singer and educator Baba Ras D . 10 a.m. Saturday. Free.

Nowruz Family Festival at the National Museum of Asian Art

Celebrate the arrival of Nowruz, the Persian new year, with a day of activities at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art. Listen to world music ensemble Constantinople and watch traditional performances by the Nomad Dancers. Children can participate in interactive storytelling or try hands-on crafts. Curators lead gallery tours through exhibits, such as “Feast Your Eyes” and “Engaging the Senses,” and host pop-up spotlight talks about particular objects in the collection. Food is available from local vendors Rosewater DC, Kandu Pastry and Kabob Bazaar. Of note: Free tickets are required for musical performances and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis at 12:45 p.m. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free .

Smithsonian's National Zoo

Enjoy thousands of exotic animals.

Enjoy thousands of exotic animals, educational animal demonstrations, the Asia Trail (where our giant pandas live!), and many other exhibits. Open daily except Dec. 25. Call for hours: 202-633-1000. Free admission. Guided tours by appointment; call (202) 633-3025 or (202) 673-4823 (TTY).

• Motor Coach Parking on site
• ADA Compliant
• Free Admission
• Motor Coach/Bus Parking
• ADA compliant
• Non-Profit Organization

Additional Information

Total meeting space sq. ft, largest capacities.

Banquet capacity: 3000, Classroom capacity: 20, Theatre capacity: 275, Reception capacity: 10000

Distance to Metro

Distance to conv center, min to airport.

Membership Discounts, Voucher Program

Metro Station

Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan

3001 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington , DC 20008 United States

(202) 633-1000.

• Gorilla Grove
• Great Meadow
• Lion-Tiger Hill
• Picnic Pavilion
• Visitor Center
• Classroom 1
• Classroom 2
• Think Tank Classroom
• Visitor Center Boardroom
• Visitors Center Auditorium
• Amazonia Habitat
• Amazonia Science Gallery
• American Trail
• Clint Fields Plaza
• Elephant Community Center
• Elephant Outpost
• Mane Restaurant
• Picnic Pavilion (Evening)
• Reptile Center
• Small Mammal House

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