Originally Posted By TomSawyer We're going to DC in about a month for a business trip for the Mrs. and to visit relatives on the Eastern Shore of MD. I'll have Anna with me for a day to entertain, and she'll be 15 months. I'm thinking about going to the National Zoo while my wife is in her grant review session. Have any of you been there? Anything I should be sure to see? Any areas where a 15 month old can run around without winding up somewhere that would put my face on the national news that evening?
Originally Posted By DlandDug I am sure DlandJB will be along shortly to give you full instructions...
Originally Posted By mrichmondj I went to the National Zoo a very long time ago! But I remember it being a good time. If you haven't visited the website, here's the link: <a href="http://nationalzoo.si.edu/default.cfm" target="_blank">http://nationalzoo.si.edu/defa ult.cfm</a> I know the panda exhibit is a big draw. There' the obligatory petting zoo for smaller children -- albeit 15 months may be a bit too small. The zoo is in the northwest part of town -- not central to the other big tourist areas. But there is a metro stop nearby. Otherwise, you'll need to drive.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss I live in the area... which is why I haven't been there in ages. My mom is visiting though, so in the next week we might go there to see Tai Shan if we can manage to get some viewing tickets. The zoo's site has a page of recommendations for families: <a href="http://nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/planyourvisit/tips.cfm" target="_blank">http://nationalzoo.si.edu/visi t/planyourvisit/tips.cfm</a> The one thing I would say is wear good, comfortable shoes... the National Zoo is in a rather hilly setting.
Originally Posted By DlandJB I agree with trekker -- good walking shoes are a must. Parking is limited. Take the Metro if possible. If driving, go early to be sure you can park. If you take Metro -- Local know a good trick -- take the Red line to Cleveland Park exit (NOT the Zoo station) and then you can walk downhill to the zoo. When you leave the zoo, head for the Woodley Park/Zoo-Adams Morgan station -- which will still be downhill from the zoo. But if you got off at Woodley Park/Zoo to go to the zoo, you'd have an uphill walk. The new baby panda is the biggest draw (unfortunately born just at the time we were moving, so we didn't get to see it) but there is a lot to see there. It is a beautiful zoo. Also comparatively safe and free (Vendor food is not cheap, however. Bring snacks and water.) The Amazonia exhibit is wonderful -- recreates a rainforest habitat. Very well done. The whole zoo is wonderful. I have not seen a better one (I haven't been to the San Diego zoo yet, but the National Zoo being free makes it a spectacular deal. What else do you want to do in DC while you are there?
Originally Posted By TomSawyer My wife's meeting is only a day, so I just needed something to do during that one day to keep myself and the kid entertained. As soon as my wife is done, we're heading to visit the in-laws in Easton, MD.
Originally Posted By robertsp My wife and I just went a couple of weeks ago. Trekkeruss is 100% correct on wearing comfortable shoes! Tickets are required to see the pandas between 8:30 and 3:30. They are free and can be picked up at <a href="http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/cubtickets/" target="_blank">http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Anim als/GiantPandas/cubtickets/</a> The baby panda seemed to be most active during the early day (8:00 - 9:00) while we were there. If you can not get a ticket convenient for when you will be there, go up to the eating area above the panda section. This gives you a great view for when the pandas are outside.
Originally Posted By Daannzzz I went to the National Zoo a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Depending on when you go be aware there are some areas down in a canyon with lots of trees and it was fairly cool down there. We spent a couple hours there. The bat cave was really neat.
Originally Posted By beamerdog >>the National Zoo is in a rather hilly setting.<< ^^^^Understatement of the year!! It's one long hill going down and and equally long steep hill going up. Last time we went they were not trimming the vegetation surrounding the outdoor exhibits (due to conservation), so you may need to hoist a little one up to see some of the animals. They have a Great exhibit of naked mole rats! DLJB, make sure you go on the 3 or 6 hour tour of the interior of the Wild Animal Park for an extraordinary zoo experience.
Originally Posted By beamerdog Also, you might want to check out the Aquarium in the basement of the Commerce building. It's privately run, but inexpensive. It's small and very interesting and my kids loved it when they were little (and still do as adults). It's hardly ever crowded and a hidden find in DC. I found it by accident one day when I exited the gov't cafeteria by the wrong door! Ah, can you tell we're zoo/aquarium freaks?
