“Beginning Friday, July 24, we are excited to welcome you back to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo!”

Photo by Miki Jourdan

From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:

“Beginning Friday, July 24, we are excited to welcome you back to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! We’ve made several changes to provide a safe and great experience for our visitors, staff and animals.

In addition to limiting the number of visitors, we’ve implemented new safety protocols, procedures and guidelines. These changes include timed entry passes, requiring face covering for all visitors ages 6 and up, enhanced cleaning, and helpful social distancing markers and hand-sanitizing stations throughout the Zoo. For everyone’s safety, some areas of the Zoo are closed. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding.

For more information, visit the Reopening Page on our website, and check out these Frequently Asked Questions.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Guests have two options for entry passes to the Zoo: Free Timed Entry Pass or Paid Parking Pass. All passes must be reserved online.

Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (last admittance 3 p.m.)
Entry Passes Required
Face Coverings Required Ages 6+ (recommended ages 2-6)

Open Exhibits

Cheetah Conservation Station
Asia Trail
Giant Pandas (outdoor upper overlook only)
Elephant Community Center
Elephant Trails/Outpost
Great Ape House
Think Tank
Kids’ Farm
Great Cats
American Trail
American Bison

Closed Exhibits & Attractions

Giant Panda House
Small Mammal House
Reptile Discovery Center
Amazonia
Speedwell Foundation Conservation Carousel
Playgrounds
Tide Pool
Guided Tours
Daily Animal Demonstrations

Option 1: Paid Parking Pass

If you plan to drive and park at the Zoo, your $30 paid parking pass covers everyone in your personal vehicle. You do not need to reserve individual timed passes for each person.

Online only, no drive-up passes will be available
Only one pass required per vehicle, covers all occupants
NOTE: If you choose a Paid Parking Pass, you do not need to register for Free Timed Passes.
Entrance from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Zoo closes at 4 p.m.)

All personal vehicles must enter the Zoo at the Connecticut Avenue entrance (3000 Connecticut Ave, NW).

Option 2: Free Timed Entry Pass

If you plan to walk, bike, use public transportation or use a ride-share service to get the Zoo, you must have a timed entry pass for each individual in your group.

Online only, no walk-up passes will be available
All guests, including infants, must have a timed entry pass
NOTE: If you choose a Paid Parking Pass, you do not need to register for Free Timed Passes.
Entry times every 15 minutes (please arrive at your designated time)
Limited to six passes per reservation

Pedestrians may access the Zoo via the Connecticut Avenue (3000 Connecticut Ave, NW) entrance or the Harvard Street Bridge entrance.”