What to Expect at The National Zoo

The National Zoo is most loved for the famous Giant Pandas – returning on January 24, 2025! The Zoo is part of the Smithsonian, a collection of 19 museums and galleries. Like museums, the Zoo is free and open every day except December 25. Free, timed tickets are required for entry.

Giant Pandas at the National Zoo

The beloved Giant Pandas are back! The Giant Pandas will make their public debut on January 24, 2025 along with the reopening of the Asian Trail. The winter months following the holiday season are usually a slower period, but the Zoo is expected to ramp up operations to meet the high demand to visit the Giants Pandas as soon as the exhibit opens. To avoid some of the crowds, consider waiting a few weeks to visit.

Small alligator in a habitat with rocks in the Reptile Discovery Center at the National Zoo.
Reptile Discovery Center

What To See

The National Zoo is home to a variety of animals – big and small – from all over the world. There are a lot of hills so wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather! A few big exhibits include:

  • Great Cats: You’ll find lions and tigers in this exhibit, plus lots to learn about what makes these cats great predators. Learn about roars, speed, and how they use their teeth and claws.
  • Great Ape House and the O-Line: Catch the gorillas and orangutans, a close human relative, at the Great Ape House. Learn about what they have in common with people and each other. Don’t forget to look up – you might catch the orangutans on the O-Line.
  • Small Mammal House: This house features a variety of small mammals from all over the world. Learn about their habitats and how they thrive in different parts of the world. This indoor exhibit is a great place to get out of the elements in the summer or winter.
  • Reptile Discovery Center: This is another great indoor exhibit with turtles, snacks, lizards, and more. It’s also home to my favorite: the Komodo Dragon!
  • American Trail: Walk along the American Trail to learn about beavers, otters, eagles, seals, and more. Learn about where these animals live and what their habitats look like.

The Bird House, Asian Trail, and Giant Panda Exhibit will open on January 24, 2025. The African Trail is under renovation until further notice.

What to Eat

During the busier seasons, you’ll find the Zoo Cafe, Elevation Burger, Sbarro, Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, and various food trucks. If you want to eat outside the Zoo, check out Duke’s across the street or nearby Open City, Nando’s Peri-Peri, The Cracked Eggery, Cleveland Park Bar and Grill, and Fat Pete’s BBQ.

Best Time To Go

The National Zoo is open every day except December 25. It is open from 8 am to 6 pm from March 15 to September 14 and 8 am to 4 pm from September 15 to March 14. Most food vendors and shopping stalls are open from March to September, but some vendors will close as the weather gets cooler. Summer is hot and humid, so try to visit early to see the animals before they get too uncomfortable in the heat.

In my opinion, winter is an under-appreciated time to go. It’s a great place to get some steps in during the cooler weather, and you can warm up in indoor animal houses like the Small Mammal House and the Reptile Discovery Center. Many food vendors are closed, but you can grab lunch at Duke’s or Open City nearby. The Zoo is also open in the evenings for ZooLights from November 22, 2024 to January 4, 2025. ZooLights is an additional cost: $6 per person over 2 years old.

Free, timed tickets are required no matter when you visit.

Getting to the National Zoo

The National Zoo is between Metro stops: Cleveland Park and Woodley Park on the Red line. Either stop will get you there, but the walk will be downhill if you get off at Cleveland Park. Limited parking is also available for $30, and you must purchase a pass in advance. The Zoo strongly encourages taking public transportation whenever possible.

At a Glance

  • Open daily except December 25.
  • Free, timed passes required.
  • Closest Metro: Cleveland Park or Woodley Park (Red)
  • Limited parking for $30. Reserve a pass in advance.