Smithsonian National Zoological Park (The National Zoo) Reviews (Washington, D.C., United States)

Lessons from the National Zoo

West Virginia, West Virginia

August 2, 2010

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo Many visitors to the DC area are unaware that Washington’s National Zoo (or more formally, the National Zoological Park) is part of the Smithsonian Institution. Located within the boundaries of Rock Creek Park in northwest DC, the 163-acre zoo ...Read more Many visitors to the DC area are unaware that Washington’s National Zoo (or more formally, the National Zoological Park) is part of the Smithsonian Institution. Located within the boundaries of Rock Creek Park in northwest DC, the 163-acre zoo complex is well away from the hustle and bustle of National Mall. Of course, being part of the Smithsonian means that this is no ordinary zoo—it is just the public face of a much larger organization dedicated to advancing knowledge about the animal kingdom and finding ways to save endangered species.

For kids of all ages, however, it really is all about the animals—with the National Zoo serving up subliminal biology lessons at every turn. Our most recent visit with the Grands covered no more than a quarter of the complex, and we were there for several hours. We focused on the big cats, the lowland gorillas and other primates, the elephants and hippos--and of course the pandas.

Our first trip to the zoo back during the early 1970s was for the expressed purpose of introducing our young daughters to panda watching, which was then a very new sport. The People’s Republic of China had given Hsing Hsing and Ling Ling to the United States after Richard Nixon’s call on Mao Tse-Tung in 1972, and Washington has been in love with pandas ever since. It was thus a pleasure to hand that fascination on to our grandchildren—just imagine: two generations of American children for whom pandas have been flesh and blood, not images on a printed page.

If anything, the gorillas were even more a hit with the Grands than the pandas. They were intrigued by the family compound that clearly included couples, a babe in arms, and the heavily grayed gorilla grandparents. The relationship between humans and gorillas was easy to sense—anthropology lessons this time—and the hierarchy within the gorilla community was also easy to discern: the Silverback male was clearly in charge, and the babe and his mother apparently had special privileges. Joining gorilla society seemed tempting to some of our charges—and even feasible given the open-pit style of their compound. Human grandparents found themselves keeping sharp eyes peeled, as it was clear the gorillas watched us as closely as we watched them.

The nearby orangutan highway also caught and held Grand attention. The six orangutans at the National Zoo may choose to travel between the Great Ape House and the so-called Think Tank using the O Line—an aerial pathway consisting of metal towers and overhead cables ("O" for "overhead"?). The freedom of movement for the orangutans is more limited than it looks, but what an illusion! After all, where else can kids wander about while watching orangutans swing overheard?

Elephants and hippos are always winners with kids—with opportunities for low-key geography and language lessons thrown in for good measure. OK, kids, how do know which elephants are from India and which are from Africa? The ears have it, of course. One hippopotamus plus one hippopotamus equal two hippopotami--or is it two hippopotamuses? What do you think? And why do their teeth look so much like round pegs?

The grammar rules for big cats are easier, and we didn’t get a chance to see their teeth. In late morning and early afternoon, they tend toward relaxation under the shade trees of their compounds. Even in such a quiet state, the Grands aren’t tempted to think of them as giant kitty cats—lions and tigers, oh my!

On our visit with the Grands, we failed utterly in seeing all of the more than 400 species on the display. We missed the anteaters, the otters, and the beavers. We missed the eagles and the flamingos. We missed the bears. We missed the giraffes, who were having their house redone and thus had been send off to Florida—on a beach holiday, no doubt! But we had a great time, and we’ll return—next week, if all goes as planned.

Like other attractions within the Smithsonian family, admittance to the National Zoo is free. Parking, however, is not: $10 for up to an hour, $15 for up to 2 hours, and $20 for a anything beyond--and believe me, you’ll spend enough time to pay the maximum rate. Members of FONZ (Friends of the National Zoo) park free, so if you live in the area and are likely to come more than once per year, consider joining.

Park amenities also include gift shops and food aplenty, with fast food, snacks, and sandwichs dominating the food offerings. On hot days, the zoo sets up misting stations, offering visitors the chance to cool down without getting seriously wet. One gift option our Grands loved was the open-air facility for Create-a-Critter. Each of the three came away with his or her very own stuffed animal, lovingly "created" by their very own hands and representing endangered species within the animal kingdom--such a deal!

- BawBaw Close

From journal Smithsonian 101

National Zoo of Washington D.C

by catronma

Nixa, Missouri

January 17, 2007

Email
Print

This is Free! That is the best part, the food on the other hand is not free, but you can bring coolers if you want. Parking is also not free, but driving here is not too bad as this is in a more residential area and away from other major sights. The ...Read more

From journal Washington, D.C., 2005

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

by RBT331

Medfield, Massachusetts

January 9, 2007

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo Another FREE thing: The National Zoo. Yes, even the zoo is free. It can be easily driven to (located on Connecticut Ave), or it is a 20-minute walk from the nearest METRO station. It was a nice March day, so we walked.Lions... and tigers... and ...Read more

From journal The Nation's Capitol on a Budget

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

by grannola

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

October 9, 2006

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo We had to go here so the 4-year-old could see a hippopotamus. She is fascinated with them, and that was the thing she wanted to see the most on this trip.We started off by driving right through the park and having to circle around to find it again. ...Read more

From journal Washington -- Smithsonian

National Zoo

by jpoon415

San Francisco, California

August 22, 2006

Email
Print

It was really nice. Saw the famous baby panda bear and had a nice tropical rainforest exhibit with relaly neat looking sting rays. Cute beaver, and saw a bald eagle.

National Zoo!

by Ujjay

oxon hill, Maryland

July 29, 2006

Email
Print

Best of IgoUgo Sheesh this park is huge. If you think you've been to a lot of parks, think again. Seriously. You'll be walking for more than 4 hours if you want to see the whole thing. But if you've got it in you it's worth it. First thing I recommend is buy those ...Read more Sheesh this park is huge. If you think you've been to a lot of parks, think again. Seriously. You'll be walking for more than 4 hours if you want to see the whole thing. But if you've got it in you it's worth it.

First thing I recommend is buy those delicious watermelon slushies if it's hot. Those things almost make the trip worthwhile. The pizza is also spectacular, a delight to the taste buds. Much better than the greasy crap they give you at pizza hut. There's a big menu so don't worry about selection. The souvenirs are great too, T-shirts, caps, etc. Take pride that you love the National Zoo, and buying something that will help fund it. It's a win, win situation. But anyway...

First, find out which area suits your interest most. My first destination was the birds. But it could be something else for you. Also, bring a digital camera that can store at least 200 pictures, you'll need it. Although the park is huge you won't have to worry about getting lost, because there are signs everywhere that tell you where you are. Also the people are very friendly, and help you if you're lost. Last thing, if you're with company DON'T SPLIT UP, unless you carry some sort of communication. You'll thank me for this.

I entered the bird section with glee, what would I see. I was really surprised what they had there. Toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, flamingos, Koris, eagles, ostriches, and hawks oh my.

They really were a sight, each with unique and unforgettable features. For example, the toucans were exotic, and looked really different. The koris were cute as they wiggled on two small legs. The hawks and eagles were powerful and had quite the presences. I loved the flamingos, one spread its wings out so everyone could see those lovely pink feathers. The humming birds were quite energetic and brought the mood of the place up. The ostrich was huge and really strange at the same time! You really have to see the place for yourself!

This was surely my favorite part of the day. Why? Because they were both fighting over a piece of giant meat. Totally awesome. They were growling and roaring, it was pretty frightening at first, but then you realize, they're trained and can't harm you. See these ferocious beasts for yourself!

I can't fit the whole trip in this small box, but I'll tell you what you want to hear.

The pandas. Yes the pandas. I waited a whole half hour to see these beauts and it was worth it. They were so incredible, and majestic at the same time. It is really worth it to see yourself, this small review can't contain what you'll really see. Yes, I'm being intentionally vague, but really, these are the sight everyone wanted to see.

I HIGHLY recommend this place. Go on, stop reading and book a flight! Close

From journal My Big Fat National Zoo Trip (Which Was Big & Fat)

Smithsonian National Zoo

by Mellisa Arteaga

Mission, Texas

July 13, 2006

Email
Print

I was really excited to go to the zoo, and I had all my friends hyped up to go see the zoo. I had checked out their website and couldn't wait to go see certain animals. I especially enjoyed seeing the cheetahs and the panda bears. The disappointment ...Read more

From journal Trip to D. C.

National Zoo

by raynepoe

Lynchburg, Virginia

June 20, 2006

Email
Print

The zoo was nice, but it was so large—and uphill! We were exhausted. The food was rather expensive and if we go back we would eat before and after. The animals are great—be sure to check online for activities to schedule, and worksheets for the kids ...Read more

From journal National Zoo

National Zoo

by raynepoe

Lynchburg, Virginia

June 20, 2006

Email
Print

The zoo was nice, but it was so large--and uphill! We were exhausted. The food was rather expensive, and if we go back we would eat before and after. The animals are great, be sure to check online for activities to schedule and worksheets for the ...Read more

From journal National Zoo

National Zoo

by LauraGorman

Arlington, Virginia

April 6, 2006

Email
Print

Going to the zoo is a particularly fun thing to do in DC if you have children. It provides a nice break for them so that they don't get bored with the museums, however it can still offer a fun and educational experience. The pandas are by far the ...Read more

From journal Sightseeing in Washington, DC

IgoUgo

Smithsonian National Zoological Park (The National Zoo)

Avg. User Rating:

User Reviews

Lessons from the National Zoo

National Zoo of Washington D.C

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

National Zoo

National Zoo!

Smithsonian National Zoo

National Zoo

National Zoo

National Zoo

Smithsonian National Zoological Park (The National Zoo)

What's Nearby?

Nearby Things to Do

Popular Washington, D.C. Hotels

Popular Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

Avg. User Rating:

User Reviews

Lessons from the National Zoo

National Zoo of Washington D.C

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

National Zoo

National Zoo!

Smithsonian National Zoo

National Zoo

National Zoo

National Zoo