Best Zoos & Aquariums in Washington DC for Kids & Families

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

2 listings are free. 1 listing is outdoor. Qualified listings include age fit, stroller notes, cost signals, and practical planning tips.

By Kit, KidPaths editor

Reviews family planning details across KidPaths city guides.

This Washington DC page currently has 2 qualified listings in zoos & aquariums that passed KidPaths' listing and photo checks. Start your comparison with Great Cats Exhibit/Lion and Tiger Hill, Great Ape House, then use the age, cost and visit-length notes to narrow the list.

2 options are free. 1 option works indoors or in mixed weather. 2 options have confirmed stroller access. 2 picks fit toddlers and 2 picks fit big kids.

Start near opening, choose the animals your kids care about most and keep an indoor or seated break in reserve. Large campuses can turn one exciting stop into too much walking.

Top Picks

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 prox

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 fasc

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

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