What do you do on a Sunday when you’re itching to get out of the house? How do you find a low cost adventure?
In most cosmopolitan cities, it’s a struggle to find fun, and often free activities to experience with your family.
But, as the weather starts to warm up, why not take a walk through your neighborhood zoo? Here in Washington, DC the Smithsonian National Zoological Park offers a free and expansive opportunity to create precious memories with your family and friends.
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and sits on 163 acres of open land, strategically placed right in the heart of Washington, DC. One of the great perks is that access to the zoo is open to everyone, and it is free to all patrons! There is a small fee for parking in the Zoo parking lot (starting at $16 for 3 hours).
With 16 exhibits ranging from Amazonia to Invertebrates, there are whole host of cute and strange critters to ogle. Tamarinds, Sloths, A Giant Pacific Octopus, Sumatran Tigers, and Orangutans are just a few of the fifty eight species, who call the National Zoo their home. There’s also a great Kids’ Farm that provides children with a hands on opportunity to groom goats, donkeys, rabbits, and a few other barnyard animals. This interactive exhibit will remain a part of the Zoo into 2016.
For those uninterested in petting a few creatures, there is a newly built Speedwell Conservation Carousel. One of the few solar powered carousels in the world, it features endangered species. Tickets for the carousel can be purchased for $3 at the ticket booth, in front of the ride.
One of the best features about the zoo is the variety of daily programs that are available. These programs range from animal training to invertebrate encounters. Recent activities have given visitors a chance to meet a New Zealand Kiwi, and watch the Orangutans travel across the O Line, a unique zoo transport system built specifically for these primates.
There are also many special events held at the zoo. This April 1, is the Easter Monday: Celebrating the African American Family Tradition. This event will include an Easter egg hunt, several animal demonstrations, and live entertainment throughout the day. The event is open to all families and will be held from 11am-4pm. More adult special events include Brew at the Zoo, the July 11 beer tasting fundraiser to benefit the Zoo.
When you’re ready to take a break and enjoy some treats, there are several Cafes, a Hot Dog Diner, and kiosks to purchase food. Visitors are also welcome to bring bagged lunches, and other snacks. Just be sure to dispose of your wrappers and collect leftovers when you’re ready to keep exploring.
Whether you’re a cosmopolitan cutie looking to save money, seeking an adventure with friends, or a mom on a budget, the Zoo is guaranteed to provide you with a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature, and spend some time with people you love.
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By Alexandra, Today’s Free Stuff Contributor
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