Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Washington DC

Huge zoo with many varied animal species in large enclosures. The three pandas are particularly worth seeing. Unfortunately, some of the enclosures were closed due to construction work, but they are still a must when visiting Washington.

The zoo is wonderful but parking is a problem. Although I saw plenty of empty space in the lot, it was sold out online.

This zoo is great. The entry is free, however, you do have to pay $30 for parking and it needs to be purchased in advanced online. The pandas and the elephants were my favorite.

Me and my daughter went yesterday (9/17/23).
We did not realize the hours had changed until we got there. It was not updated on the website when she checked.
So we basically drove 1 1/2 hrs or more for nothing. We got there at 4 thinking they were open till 6 and had to turn around and go home.
So other then that I do enjoy this zoo.

An absolutely beautiful park! The enclosures are so well maintained and lovely, and the keepers and zoo staff are so engaging. The Bird House is immaculate and loved the focus on migration. A must visit!

Great free thing to do in DC.
Make sure to reserve your passes online ahead of time!

Plan for some walking both up and downhill.

My family loves coming to the zoo. We go at least twice a year. We even brought our nephew from PA to the zoo. Both him and our 4 year old son have red panda stuffed animals. Question.where are the red pandas? Seems like they are never there when we've been there during all four seasons. There's only been a sign of how we just missed them. Every single time? ! I'm just saying if the red panda is no longer there, then just say it. Otherwise, it's a great zoo, and hopefully, we get to go back before the giant pandas go back to China.

The zoo closes at 4pm - so be aware of closing and opening times when planning your visit. The zoo is free but you need to load an entry pass on your phone - it’s easy. My favorite exhibit was Amazonia and the Bobcats! Be sure to check those out in addition to the pandas. Recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds!

A great little zoo with amazing habitats! Very well cared for and clean. We particularly loved the pandas and elephants. However, Amazonia is awesome too!

Nice zoo. Interesting animal arrangements that they actually mix species together in close relation. Long lines to go to see Panda but moves fast. While do not be fooled, the zoo closes at 4 pm started Sep 15 th. We thought it closes at 6 pm and did not have enough time.

It’s a pretty good zoo! Some things to note are that you need to reserve free passes online ahead of time. You can purchase a parking pass but they sell out quickly. Street parking is free in the neighborhood but can be hard to find on weekends. The zoo also has longer summer hours so be sure to check. The fall/winter hours means the zoo closes at 4 pm.

Great zoo. You can get free tickets before you go out on your cell phone at the entrance. On a Saturday, it wasn't too crowded.

Am disabled and the park is not accessible with the crowd there on Saturday people just cut me off walked right in front of me it was the most awful experience I’ve have ever had at a zoo. It is unacceptable how um- friendly the zoo was for someone like me with disabilities to move around.

Great variety of animals that you’ll never get too see in the wild. The pandas were a highlight. My only drawback is the glass in a lot of enclosures. They had these lines on them that made it hard to view and take pictures. I’m sure they have a reason but it was a small inconvenience to be able to view the amazing animals.

Came here to see the giant Pandas before they return to China. Free To enter. Just register before you go so that you need not wait because you have to register on site.

I've been to several zoo's. This one blew me away. We arrived shortly after noon on a Thursday, which was the gradual feeding time. We got to witness so many animals up close and take so many awesome pictures. The zoo wasn't too crowded so it was easy to stand in place for a minute without bothering others. There were workers everywhere and some very knowledgeable willing to give information. Even though we live 6 hours away, we will definitely return again as soon as possible.

It's a nice zoo. There are many zoos thar offer more wildlife, but you can't beat free, and they have giant pandas. Definitely would be better to visit in cooler weather.