Zoos, animal encounters, pet events, and wildlife activities in Washington DC. Fun for the whole family.
28 results found
The oldest federally operated aquarium in the US, located in the Department of Commerce building. Tanks featuring freshwater and marine species from around the world. Free admission. Limited hours. A smaller, quieter alternative to the Natural History Museum's ocean exhibits. Unique inside-a-governm
The early days of American horse racing were grueling. Four-mile races that were run two or three times in succession were the norm, which rewarded horses that brandished the ideal combination of stamina and speed. The stallion Lexington, named after the city in Kentucky where he was born,...
163-acre urban zoo home to 2,000+ animals including giant pandas, great apes, big cats, Asian elephants, and reptiles. Free admission with timed-entry passes. Open daily 8am-6pm (grounds), buildings 9am-6pm in summer. World-renowned conservation and research.
De facto off-leash dog area in the lower section of this beautiful NPS park. Famous cascading fountain and Sunday drum circle. Popular gathering spot for dogs and their owners. Open daily dawn to dusk.
Always free of charge, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of Washington D.C.’s, and the Smithsonian’s, most popular tourist destinations, with more than 2 million visitors from all over the world each year. The Zoo instills a lifelong commitment to conservation through engaging experiences with a
America's first public aquarium, located in the basement of the Department of Commerce building. Features freshwater and saltwater displays including sharks, piranhas, and alligators. Small but historic. Budget-friendly admission. Open Tue-Sat.
Off-leash dog park in Cleveland Park with two separate play areas, crushed granite surface, benches, shade shelter, water fountains for people and pets, and waste stations. Open daily dawn to dusk.
Spacious well-maintained off-leash dog park on Capitol Hill. Water bowls, waste stations, shaded seating, and fenced area. Open daily 7am-8:30pm.
Enclosed off-leash dog park near Dupont Circle and Embassy Row. Antimicrobial turf surface, water fountain, and fenced area for safe play. Popular with neighborhood dogs. Open daily dawn to dusk.
Fenced off-leash dog area in Adams Morgan's Walter Pierce Park. Compact space with active community. Near restaurants and shops on 18th Street. Open daily dawn to dusk.
Visitor center and planetarium for Rock Creek Park, Washington DC's largest natural area. Programming includes nature walks, live animal exhibits, planetarium shows (free), and environmental education for kids. Adjacent to horse stables and picnic areas. Free admission.
