Best Zoos & Aquariums in Washington DC for Kids & Families

3 family-friendly zoos & aquariums with age ratings and parent tips.

Highest rated: Amazonia, Great Cats Exhibit/Lion and Tiger Hill, Great Ape House. 3 listings are free. 1 listing is outdoor. Every listing includes age fit, stroller notes, cost signals, and parent tips.

By Kit, KidPaths editor

Covers 71 cities. Reads a lot of parent reviews.

Top Picks

Amazonia

4.7 stars

Amazonia at the National Zoo is a two-story tropical rainforest exhibit where kids walk through a simulated Amazon environment complete with free-flyi

Best for ages 2-12FreeIndoor & OutdoorFree (Smithsonian National Zoo is always free)

Great Cats Exhibit/Lion and Tiger Hill

4.6 stars

Lions and tigers are the animals kids ask to see first at any zoo — Great Cats delivers. The National Zoo's Lion and Tiger Hill gives kids genuine pro

Best for ages 2 and upFreeOutdoorFree with National Zoo entry

Great Ape House

4.3 stars

The Great Ape House at the National Zoo houses western lowland gorillas and orangutans — our closest relatives, which creates a particular kind of fas

Best for ages 2 and upFreeIndoor & OutdoorFree with National Zoo entry

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