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Summer fun at the National Zoo
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Now that summer is around the corner and kids are getting antsy for stuff to do and parents are getting antsy just thinking of things to do with them this summer, it is a good time to remind DC natives and let the tourists know of the fun that is the National Zoo.
As part of the Smithsonian, the National Zoo is automatically free. But, because it is part of the Smithsonian, it also isn't some dinky little zoo. As well, because it is a part of the Smithsonian, it is held up to the Smithsonian standard and with that, there is a ton of diversity in the activities that it offers as well as longer hours than the rest of the Smithsonian Institute.
While most of the buildings don't open until 10am (normal Smithsonian opening time), people can come and walk around starting at 6am. In fact, this is a common past time for a lot of the locals in the area. Also, there are less crowds and the animals are more active in the morning, which, depending on the animals that you or your kids like, can be a lot of fun. One on my favorite parts is the petting zoo and the kids' area with the giant pizza that explains where different ingredients come from. Included on this 'pizza' is a cheese wedge slide and giant mushrooms and pepperoni, as well as an olive that kids can crawl through.
Some of the fun and interesting activities that are available at the zoo are:
May 17th - Alpaca Shearing - the Zoo does this once a year and c'mon, how many times can you say you've seen an alpaca be sheared? It is at 11am at the Kids' Farm, which is by the giant pizza.
Daily at 11:30am, you and your kids can watch a giant octopus get fed, and while some the younger kids might get freaked out by a giant octopus, older kids will definitely enjoy watching a giant octupus eat almost anything it can.
At the same time everyday as the giant octopus feeding, if you want something less freaky to little kids, check out the Seal or Sea Lion Training, where you can watch these animals train and eat. I will say from personal experience that these animals are absolutely stunning to watch.
Or if none of this suits anyone in the family, there are tons of films and interpreters that are more than happy to teach you and your kids about the various animals at the zoo.
Overall, this is an awesome place to check out and considering how it is free and so big, it is definitely an awesome and cheap way to spend a day with the fam.
Also, if you are heading to the zoo, the best way to get there is to use the Red Metro Line. The exit is the Woodley Park/Zoo exit. Also, be sure to plan plenty of time into your travel, unless you plan to travel early, because the Red Line tends to be slow and it is a bit of a walk from the Metro stop to the Zoo.
For more info: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Visit/GettingToZoo/
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Visit/ZooMap/
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Visit/DailyPrograms/
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