During your DC visit, you may need to get some shopping done. Select the date of your upcoming visit from the calendar below to see the hours for that day. Always free of charge and open 364 days a year, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of Washington D.C.’s, and the Smithsonian’s, most popular tourist destinations, with more than 2 million visitors from all over the world each year. Other options: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC lets your dog stay for a $125 cleaning free and a $50 per night boarding fee. Sofitel Washington, DC Lafayette Square allows dogs up to 50 pounds for a refundable $500 deposit. Visit the Zoo! Always free of charge and open 364 days a year, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex. Special events, inclement weather and unscheduled closures may impact hours, so we recommend checking in a few days before your visit. This year, all indoor animal exhibits will be closed to visitors during ZooLights; if you want to see the animals, make sure you get to the National Zoo before 4 p.m.
A free event, ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. Check Zoo Hours on the Date of Your Visit. The Zoo instills a lifelong commitment to conservation through engaging experiences with animals and the people working to save them. As far as zoos go, it's fair; there are bigger and better elsewhere but you're in Washington, DC and it's the zoo. Visitors at ZooLights will enjoy winter-themed activities, a laser light show, musical performances, train rides, tubing, and holiday shopping.
Don't forget to share your #DCZooLights experience on social media! During the cold-weather months, the zoo is less crowded and less expensive ($16, children under two are free), and lots of the outdoor exhibits remain open. Plus, there are plenty of heated indoor attractions to break up your time outside.
A couple of tips: if you're going during the colder weather, don't expect many of the animals to be out. Founded in 1889, the Zoo sits on 163 acres in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Rock Creek Park and is home to 2,700 animals representing more than 390 species. Shops. More than 500,000 environmentally friendly LED lights transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland!