*ZOO GENERAL ADMISSION + PARKING

Due to rising regional and national cases related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, all Smithsonian museums, including the National Zoo, are temporarily closed to the public, effective Monday, Nov. 23.

The Smithsonian National Zoo’s hours of operation are Sunday through Saturday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 p.m. (closed December 25).

To keep us all safe, and to support efforts to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, we have limited capacity and implemented new safety measures in our facilities. Your visit to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo will be different. Please review the important information below as you plan your visit.

For everyone's safety, some areas of the Zoo, including select animal exhibits, are closed. We make every effort to keep this list of openings and closings up-to-date, but cannot guarantee that this information will be accurate on the day of your visit. Thank you for your understanding. The link to the list of openings and closings can be found here.

We ask that all visitors, including those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, follow these safety measures to protect everyone’s health. Visitors who do not adhere to safety policies and guidelines may be asked to leave.

Face Coverings 

Visitors ages two and older are required to wear a face covering during their visit. Face coverings may be removed while eating or drinking in designated spaces.  

Face coverings should fit properly, covering the nose, mouth and chin with no large gaps on the outside of the face (i.e., no bandanas), and they should have a minimum of two layers (i.e., not a single-ply gaiter). Face shields are not permitted as a substitute for a face covering but may be worn over a face covering or mask. Face coverings or masks with an exhalation valve are not permitted. 

Social Distancing

Please maintain a safe social distance of six feet or more between households or groups at all times. Social distancing signage and directions will be found throughout our facilities.

Hygiene

Please wash and sanitize hands frequently during your visit and practice good hygiene. Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout our facilities.

Visiting Tips
For a list of openings and closings please visit the National Zoo website https://nationalzoo.si.edu.

Accessibility 

Visitors will have the option to request accessibility accommodations on the registration page.  

Reserve your time slot for the National Zoo.   

General admission is free. Here’s how to register:   

Step 1:  

Choose a date from the calendar.  

Step 2:  

Select a time slot from the drop-down menu and click Confirm Time Slot to continue.