When is Smithsonian National Zoological Park open?
Every day, 8 AM–4 PM. Hours checked on 4 November 2026.
60° · Clear nowThings to do in Washington, D.C.
ZooNorthwest
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
- 4.647k reviews
- Free
- Open now · till 4 pm
Smithsonian zoo in Rock Creek Park with more than 2,000 animals, including giant pandas, elephants and big cats; free entry.
Quick answers
Smithsonian National Zoological Park in short
When is the best time to visit Smithsonian National Zoological Park?
It's at its best mornings and afternoons. Go in daylight. Wedar also scores every hour of the next five days against the forecast; see the best time on this page.
Is Smithsonian National Zoological Park indoors or outdoors?
Outdoors: best on a dry day.
Is Smithsonian National Zoological Park good for kids?
Yes, it welcomes children.
How much does Smithsonian National Zoological Park cost?
It's free to visit.
Do you need to book Smithsonian National Zoological Park?
Booking ahead is a good idea.
More questions (3)Fewer questions
How long do you need at Smithsonian National Zoological Park?
About 3 hours.
Where is Smithsonian National Zoological Park?
3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008.
Is Smithsonian National Zoological Park wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking, wheelchair accessible restroom, wheelchair accessible seating.
Status, rating and hours checked on 4 November 2026; kids, cost, booking and setting verified by the Wedar team. Where our data comes from
Right now · 9:00 am
Why it fits right now
A great call right now.
This is its best hour in the next five days.
In its favour
- Sun's out
- Open till 4 pm
- Outdoors
Worth knowing
- Book ahead
60°
Clear
- Feels
- 60°
- Rain
- 0%
- Wind
- 5mph
- 10am
64° - 11am67°
- 12pm
70°
The next five days
Best time to go
Scored on the forecast, its opening hours and when it's at its best. Tap a time to see it.
9a9 am12pNoon3p3 pm6p6 pm9p9 pm
TodayToday
TmrwTomorrow
FriFriday
SatSaturday
SunSunday
Before you go
Plan your visit
Hours
Open now · till 4 pm- monday
- 8 AM–4 PM
- tuesday
- 8 AM–4 PM
- wednesdayToday
- 8 AM–4 PM
- thursday
- 8 AM–4 PM
- friday
- 8 AM–4 PM
- saturday
- 8 AM–4 PM
- sunday
- 8 AM–4 PM
Hours checked 4 Nov
Where and how
- 1 Smithsonian National Zoological Park
- 2 Elephant Trails · 3 min
- 3 Great Cats Exhibit/Lion and Tiger Hill · 5 min
- 4 Ellē · 16 min
- 5 Sharbat Bakery&Cafe (Adams Morgan) · 17 min
Good to know
- Outdoors
- Free to visit
- Book ahead
- Allow about 3 h
- A walk · 4 km
- Step-free entrance
- Accessible washroom
From visitors and the venue
What it's like
4.6from 47k reviews
Known for
- Giant pandas
- Elephants
- Red pandas
- Tigers
What people say
- People like:
- Pandas, free admission, wide animal variety
- Worth knowing:
- Some exhibits closed
Around Northwest
Nearby
Within about a 15-minute walk.
Elephant TrailsZoo · 3 min walk
Great Cats Exhibit/Lion and Tiger HillZoo · 5 min walk
Good nowEllēBakery · 16 min walk
Good nowSharbat Bakery&Cafe (Adams Morgan)Bakery · 17 min walk
On nearby
For the next three hours
What to wear to go there now
Light layer until 11 am. Sunglasses from 11 am.
Light layerUntil 11 am
SunglassesFrom 11 am