We are planning a vacation this summer to Washington DC Zoo.?

Question

I know my daughter would go crazy over the Panda's. Well my book from AAA says to call the zoo ahead of time to make sure we can see them. Apparently it is only a limited number of ppl that can see them. But every time I call, the line is busy.
So if someone is familar with the zoo, I would like to know: is there is a list somewhere on the web that I can get on, or if there are tickets to buy or something?
Thanks, I appreciate the help.

Answer 1

We were just there a few weeks ago, and the pandas were outside. Granted, the Zoo itself wasn't very crowded, but the panda exhibit was a little busy. But they were absolutely adorable and your daughter will love them.

A few tips for visiting the Zoo:

Take the Metro. Parking and driving in DC is brutal, and the metro is really convenient. It may get a little crowded at rush hour times, but if you go any other time, it's a nice ride. There's a metro stop about 2 blocks from the Zoo, and you walk through a nice residential neighborhood

The Zoo is a LOT of walking. Wear really comfortable shoes, and pack a few snacks and water. You'll be glad you did.

Also, check out the Children's Petting zoo area. The kids that were there when we visited seemed to be having a really good time.

Answer 2

Your AAA book was right for last summer. The baby panda, Tai Shan, was just coming out into the enclosure and there were timed entry tickets. Not so anymore. The pandas are out on sunny days and are great fun to watch. No tickets to worry about. In the summer, get to the Zoo early around 9:30 am or parking is a real bear (no pun intended). Lots and lots to see at the Zoo. The new Asia Trail is open and is part of the panda exhibit area.

Do not miss other exhibits on your all-day tour of the Zoo. The elephants, hippos, and giraffes are great. Go to the small mammal house, the reptile house, and the invertebrate house (right below the reptile house). There is an octopus which gets fed at 11 and 3 every day at the invertebrate house.

The Zoo is free of charge. Parking is kind of pricey at about $12 for all day parking but if you take the Metro to Cleveland Park it is about a 10 minute walk and there is no entrance fee to the Zoo.

Answer 3

The National Zoo's website is http://nationalzoo.si.edu/. It is one of the best, if not THE best, zoo in the country. It's completely free and you no longer need tickets to see the pandas (as someone said, that was only when they got new pandas). It is also a good idea to bring water and get there early, as DC in the summer is very hot and humid.

Answer 4

Last time we were there we saw them outside w/o tickets. I don't think you have to get tickets anymore. Here is the link to their exhibit.

The zoo is great but in the summer I would go really early. It gets very busy. The grounds open very early in the morning. Last summer we would go around 8:30 to see the outside exhibits. The inside ones open at 10am. We would see a few of the inside ones after they open and then leave. We mised the hottest weather and the crazy traffic/crowds.

If you are going to park there you really need to go early. Also the zoo is on a big hill. We like to park at the bottom and then walk up. That way when you children are tired they are only having to walk downhill.

Have a great visit!

Answer 5

They say that, just like the Baltimore Zoo, as the Panda's and other animals are not out all year long.

This time of year they are usually out. Most animals are out by mid April at the latest.

Answer 6

I think they've covered it all above, except to mention that the lines for the pandas tend to be very... very long... another erason to get there early... the zoo is so pleasant and while it can get hot, plenty of shaded areas...

Answer 7

summer in dc can be brutal. go early and bring water.

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/default.cfm?cam=LP2
panda cam at zoo!