"I've been spoiled by growing up near the San Diego Zoo. So, yeah, I'm biased. Unfortunately, I also chose a dreadfully humid day to go. My kids were unruly, we didn't know our way around, and the exhibits were not on a level with San Diego (as far as I saw). But in its defense, it's free to get in and I got some awesome pictures of one of the pandas. Now that we are a bit more familiar with the area we will be giving it a second chance--just not on the most humid day of the year."

Read am-van's Washington reviews | Comment

"We had a really nice day seeing all the exhibits and it was not very crowded. The pandas were but if you wait long enough, you can get a clear view. The indoor small animal and reptile houses were also really neat. The zoo is under construction, which made for more walking, but I’m sure it will be even better when it’s done. Considering that everthing was totally free and we were able to get there on the Metro, I thought it was a great deal."

Read ccahoon's Washington reviews | Comment

"It has fewer exhibits than you would expect, and they’re spread out in such a way as to maximize the amount of walking a visitor has to do. The place is a little more run down than it should be, as well. It’s great to have the opportunity to see pandas up close, but it’s almost impossible to get near them because of the crowds."

Read ohsostrange's Washington reviews | Comment

"This is really a great zoo, especially since the admission is free. The parking is steep, at $16.00, so be prepared for that. The panda exhibit is amazing, and was worth the trip. You really do get up close and personal with most of the animals, and there are lots of activity stations for the kids. My son was about 4 1/2 when we went, and the zoo held his interest. If you have any little ones at all, I would say 5 or under, rent or bring a stroller, as there is a LOT of walking, and much of it seems to be uphill. Also, the food and gift shops are very pricey, so again, be prepared. We went in August, and it was very humid. If ever go again I think we willtry the spring or fall so that we can enjoy ourselves a little more."

Read dahunter1129's Washington reviews | Comment

"The National Zoo is a great place for the entire family. Admission is free and there’s a wide assortment of animals. It’s one of the only places in the country to see pandas, including the star of DC, one year old Tai Shan. The zoo seems to have gotten past its struggles in keeping animals alive and has seen recent births of rare animals, including Sumatran tigers and two litters of cheetahs. Visit in the morning to see the animals at their most active. Also, check out the Web site for times of daily demonstrations involving elephants, cheetahs, sea lions, and others. If you take the Metro, use the Cleveland Park stop on the way and the Woodley Park stop when you leave in order to take advantage of walking downhill. The zoo itself is hilly so you’ll appreciate the easier walk outside the gates. The zoo is located roughly between the two stops, but it’s Woodley Park that’s advertised as the zoo stop."

Read jn1234's Washington reviews | Comment

"The National Zoo is easily accessed by car and subway.It is free admission.It needs to be updated. There is a large amount of walking between areas, and animal areas are very hard to see.The pandas were there when we were, but the lines were so out of control we were unable to see them."

Read DianeScraps' Washington reviews | Comment