Zoo & aquarium · Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian's National Zoo: free tickets, timed passes & hours
The Smithsonian's 163-acre zoo in Rock Creek Park, home to more than 2,100 animals including giant pandas, Asian elephants and Sumatran tigers.
Independent guide, not the official National Zoo website. Official links are under Sources.
National Zoo is free to enter.
- Daily 8am-6pm from 15 March to 14 September, 8am-4pm from 15 September to 14 March; last entry one hour before closing; indoor exhibits 9am to 30 minutes before closing. Closed 25 December.
- Everyone, babies included, needs a free entry pass. Passes open on a rolling basis 30 days ahead, with small batches a week before, the day before and on the day; a limited number of walk-up passes are given out at the pedestrian entrances. Arrive any time on your booked day.
Before you go
How to actually get in for free
- Free admission for everyone with a free entry pass: Everyone, babies included, needs a free entry pass. Passes open on a rolling basis 30 days ahead, with small batches a week before, the day before and on the day; a limited number of walk-up passes are given out at the pedestrian entrances. Arrive any time on your booked day.
- Entry is free but parking is not: $30 booked ahead, $40 on the day. The Woodley Park and Cleveland Park Metro stations are a walk away.
- The zoo is on a hill; enter at the top on Connecticut Avenue and walk downhill.
- You may bring your own food and snacks.
- Leaving and coming back the same day needs a hand stamp at the Visitor Center or the Harvard Street tent.
All free options
Who gets in free, and when
| Free option | Who | Conditions | Book? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always freeFree admission for everyone with a free entry pass | everyone | — | Yes |
Official prices
National Zoo ticket prices
| Parking pass per vehicle, booked at least a day ahead ($40 on the day) — Driving? Book parking a day ahead to save $10; spaces can sell out. | $30 |
Prices from the official website, checked Oct 2026. Free options are listed above.
Tickets & tours
Best-rated tickets and tours: National Zoo
Ratings and prices from the booking partners; prices may change.
Practical
Opening hours & how to get there
Daily 8am-6pm from 15 March to 14 September, 8am-4pm from 15 September to 14 March; last entry one hour before closing; indoor exhibits 9am to 30 minutes before closing. Closed 25 December.
3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
FAQ
National Zoo: common questions
Is National Zoo free?
Yes — National Zoo is free to enter.
Do I need to book for free entry to National Zoo?
Everyone, babies included, needs a free entry pass. Passes open on a rolling basis 30 days ahead, with small batches a week before, the day before and on the day; a limited number of walk-up passes are given out at the pedestrian entrances. Arrive any time on your booked day.
Visitor reviews
What visitors say about National Zoo
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Sources
Where this comes from
- nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/faqs · checked Tuesday, 27 October 2026
Every free rule is checked against the official source and re-checked on a schedule. Spotted a change? Tell us.