Washington DC Zoo on Saturday

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Oh that's awesome you can see the outside animals! That's all we really care about. My DD is 18 months and gets up at the god awful hour of 5:30am so now we can go earlier!

Thanks for the info!

Any other tips, lol.

When my kids were little we were often at the zoo by 6. It's quiet and the kids can run around and you can see them easily. I would take a cup of coffee and I would walk and they would run. Home by 8:30-9. Makes for a fantastic morning outing.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Thanks so much for the helpful advice! I was a little hesitant about her first trip but I am really excited! And with my early riser I can see the zoo becoming a very good place for early morning fun, lol. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

FYI if it's hot, there are spray mist stations along the pathway, and there's also a little spray park/fountain spot by sea lions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate going to the zoo on a nice weekend as GAZILLIONS of people also have the same idea. Better to go on a Wednesday . . .

+1! Sage advice!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP with all the info- (OP Here)- if I want to Park in lot D by the kids farm is there a separate entrance to that lot or do you enter the zoo in one place?

i would recommend entering near where you want to park. The best entrance for lots D & E is off of Rock Creek Parkway. As you can see from looking at the map- there is a road that connects all the parking lots-
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/Visit/zoomap.cfm This might be a non-issue if you really get there at 9am, but there will most likely be parking attendants motioning you into certain lots- I don't know if you will be able to drive from Connecticut Ave all the way down to Lot D.
That being said- the only lot to really avoid is Lot C, since then you have an extensive walk and a lot of steps before you even get to the zoo. (lots of steps plus heavy double stroller makes for sad parents.)

To the PP above who said there was no seal show-- what I meant by seal show was the talk by the seal keeper. They feed the seals during the talk and the seals do a few things. I like this, but its not great for an 18 month old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP with all the info- (OP Here)- if I want to Park in lot D by the kids farm is there a separate entrance to that lot or do you enter the zoo in one place?

i would recommend entering near where you want to park. The best entrance for lots D & E is off of Rock Creek Parkway. As you can see from looking at the map- there is a road that connects all the parking lots-
https://nationalzoo.si.edu/Visit/zoomap.cfm This might be a non-issue if you really get there at 9am, but there will most likely be parking attendants motioning you into certain lots- I don't know if you will be able to drive from Connecticut Ave all the way down to Lot D.
That being said- the only lot to really avoid is Lot C, since then you have an extensive walk and a lot of steps before you even get to the zoo. (lots of steps plus heavy double stroller makes for sad parents.)

To the PP above who said there was no seal show-- what I meant by seal show was the talk by the seal keeper. They feed the seals during the talk and the seals do a few things. I like this, but its not great for an 18 month old.

Op here. Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

I think the zoo is most fun before 10 - way less people. 9 is a good time to arrive. I didn't read all the posts and wanted to mention the splash area in case it hadn't come up yet. If you child is about 5 or under, the splash area is a big hit. It is near the sea lions. Bring a towel and change of clothes for your kid.

[Anonymous]

21:19 here. I just say that OP's child is 18 months. Great age to go. Some of the best exhibits for that age are sea lions, kids farm, Amazonia, and small mammal house. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

I haven't been in 20 years

It kidda sucks now. No giraffes. No rhinoceros. No Hippopotamus. Lots of animals gone - most of the interesting ones.
Oh, but plenty of animals you can see in the good 'ole usa out your backdoor.
Not saying you shouldn't go. But it's sad what it's turned into.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I haven't been in 20 years

It kidda sucks now. No giraffes. No rhinoceros. No Hippopotamus. Lots of animals gone - most of the interesting ones.
Oh, but plenty of animals you can see in the good 'ole usa out your backdoor.
Not saying you shouldn't go. But it's sad what it's turned into.

So true. I get so tired of seeing meerkats and marmosets outside my door.
Sigh.

[Anonymous]

There is a very fun rock pool feature on the American Trail where water gushes out and the kids can play. My kids usually end up soaked so definitely take a change of clothing. Also, tucked away behind the prairie dog feature is a kids play area where they can go through interconnecting tunnels. Perfect for an 18 month old.

[Anonymous]

Op here! Loving all the info! I'm taking note of it all! Thanks

[Anonymous]

You should go early and park at lot a or b. The cheetahs are active early and you can cruise down to the small mammal house which opens at 8:30. It's lovely and quiet in there that early and it's the only indoor exhibit open before 10. Shhh!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should go early and park at lot a or b. The cheetahs are active early and you can cruise down to the small mammal house which opens at 8:30. It's lovely and quiet in there that early and it's the only indoor exhibit open before 10. Shhh!

OP here

[Anonymous]

Want to add if it's going to be a gorgeous day (mid 80's) then parking at 9:45 will be a crap shoot. You might get a spot, or you might be out of luck. Even 9:30 could be pushing your luck. Right now weather shows chance of rain, but if that breaks up and it's going to be a sunny 84, get there at 9 to insure a spot (or buy one early).

I actually prefer the lower lot, D I believe, so you're then walking up hill in the morning when you're fresher and downhill when you're finished (opposite if you park in A or B).