Is Smithsonian National Zoo worth it with kids?
Worth itWith kids
With kids, Smithsonian National Zoo is an easy yes.
Free, leafy and home to giant pandas again — a genuine win for families with restless kids who need to be outdoors. The catch: it's built on a hill so it's a real uphill workout on the way back, parking is pricey and limited, and on hot days many animals hide.
- Price
- Free (paid parking; entry pass may be needed)
- Time
- 3–4 hrs
- Last verified
- 2026-06-17
Is Smithsonian National Zoo worth it…
How we verified
- Giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao arrived from China on October 15, 2024, and made their public debut January 24, 2025. · nationalzoo.si.edu
- Entry is free but every visitor, including children, must reserve a free timed entry pass online; no extra ticket is needed to see the pandas once inside. · nationalzoo.si.edu
- Supporting source · washingtonpost.com