National Zoo vs. Maryland Zoo: Which One is Best for Kids?

penguins at maryland zoo

It’s the National Zoo vs. Maryland Zoo. Which zoo is best for kids? Which zoo has the animals and amenities you are looking for?

When was the first time you took your kids to the zoo?

If you are anything like me, the zoo was one of the first family outings you were brave enough to try. I think our daughter was only about 9 months old when we first hauled her and all her ‘gear’ to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. I was a little nervous about planning an outing that could go wrong in so many ways.

But it was sunny.. and it was Spring… and we were all stir crazy. It was time to get out of the house and start seeing the world through the eyes of our little girl.

zebras at maryland zoo

Then it happened… one of the first animals we saw at the zoo was the zebra. Multiple zebras to be exact.. and a rhinoceros.. and giant ostriches.

Our daughter’s eyes were as big as saucers and she kept giggling and pointing. She was hooked. We were all hooked. And now, 10 years later, we have been to the zoo countless times. It is one of our favorite fun things to do.

cheetah conservation station at national zoo

A trip to the zoo is amazing and anyone who lives in or has visited the DC-Baltimore area knows that we are incredibly blessed to have two major zoos to choose from. So, if you can only plan one trip to the zoo, which zoo do you go to? Which one has the animals you really want to see? Which zoo is best for kids?

Kid Friendly Maryland day trip planning app

National Zoo vs. Maryland Zoo: Which One is Best for Kids?

So, first things first— this is actually a trick question. Both zoos are awesome and amazing and both zoos are fantastic for kids. I have actually written in depth reviews for each zoo and you can read them if you want all the details.

National Zoo in DC

Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

However, each zoo definitely has strengths and weaknesses, pros and cons. Whether a feature or detail is a pro or con for you will depend on the age of your kids, the temperament of your kids, where you live, and which animals are on your ‘must-see’ list. So, let’s get started comparing these two fine institutions!

elephants at national zoo

Admission Fees and Other Costs

The National Zoo in DC has free admission as it is part of the Smithsonian Institute. However, parking is not free. You can either reserve parking through Parking Panda or pay a flat fee of $30. If you become a FONZ (Friends of National Zoo) member you can score reduced or free parking. Honestly, this used to be a better perk than it is now. Now a basic membership for 2 adult cardholders gives you 3 free parking passes annually, and no extra parking discount (at least according to the website). Note: For the National Zoo you must reserve a FREE admission pass to the zoo and then a pass to park.

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore typically costs $24 for adults and $20 for children (age 2 and under are free). Parking is free. Basic membership (2 adults and 4 children) is $159/year.

Winner: The National Zoo

Related: 40+ FREE Things to Do in DC with Kids!

Getting there and Parking

lions at national zoo in dc

If you live inside the DC Metro area of operations, the National Zoo is clearly the run away favorite for this category, mostly because you don’t have to park.

If you live outside of DC, this question is a little more complicated. Parking at the National Zoo is a big pain. There is no other way to sugar coat that. We have personally never had parking issues BUT we always go to the National Zoo at non-peak days/time of the year OR we arrive about an hour before the zoo exhibits open (the zoo grounds open early).

If you drive all the way down to the National Zoo and can’t find parking, your only options are to try and find street parking. Plus, let’s be honest– driving in downtown DC can be a pain. A big pain.

The other complication is that the National Zoo is situated on a big hill. So, if you are not careful, you could be walking uphill back to your vehicle at the end of a long day.

flamingos at maryland zoo

Conversely, parking at the Maryland Zoo is a breeze. All of the zoo parking lots are a very short walk from the zoo entrance. Also, there seems to be ample parking at the Maryland Zoo. Again, we typically don’t visit the zoo at peak times, but have never had any problems finding close parking.

Related: 50+ Fun things to do with Kids in Baltimore

The only negative about parking at the Maryland Zoo is that in one of the parking lots, there is a strange cobblestone pavement which is terribly eroded to the point that the cobblestones stick up considerably from the grass. It is a bear for strollers.. but it is close. So, we always grin, bear it, and hope a wheel doesn’t break on the stroller.

Winner: The Maryland Zoo

Walkability and Accessibility

Walking the National Zoo in DC

The National Zoo is a much larger zoo than the Maryland Zoo. It is also situated on a big hill. So, yes… it is very hilly. I would highly suggest you bring the stroller to this zoo for kids under 4 or 5 years old, even if you don’t think you need it. Your kid’s legs will get tired. Your legs will get tired too… just be prepared for that. Many families with young kids find it hard to see the entire zoo in one day without tempting major temper tantrums.

The zoo is pretty stroller friendly though. Be careful how you enter the North American part of the zoo because one way is stroller friendly.. the other (more direct) way is decidedly not stroller friendly because of all the stairs. There are a number of indoor animals exhibits that you may or may not want to try and maneuver a stroller through but those facilities also have clearly marked stroller parking areas.

Walking in the Maryland Zoo

maryland zoo

The Maryland Zoo is much smaller and is much more walkable, both for little legs and for strollers. When you arrive at the entrance, there is a tram that takes you to the main zoo. You can also opt to walk along a very pleasant and shady path.

There are some hills at the Maryland Zoo but there are also many flat area. Somewhere around 2 1/2 years old, we ditched the stroller for the Maryland Zoo and haven’t used it since.

Related: Fantastic day and weekend trips from Baltimore

The impact of tours and tourism

Another consideration– The National Zoo is considered a major tourist attraction in a major tourist town. When school is out this zoo will be packed.

We have visited at times when we had the zoo to ourselves and at times when it was so packed you could barely see the more popular animals such as the Panda Bears.

Additionally, both zoos are popular field trip locations for local schools. You might want to call or check the website to find out if you will be sharing your day trip with 50 busloads of super energetic school children.

Winner: The Maryland Zoo

What about visiting the zoo during yucky weather?

This is a slightly complicated question to answer.

The National Zoo is very hilly and there are areas of shade. However, you are just as likely to feel the sun beating down on you like a hot, muggy (this is DC after all), drill. To compensate, the zoo installed misters that can offer some relief from heat.

Also many of the animals exhibits are actually indoors. So, if you need a break from the heat– or if it is raining, check out the reptiles, monkeys, Amazonia, or the Elephant House.

The Maryland Zoo is definitely more shady. Actually, most of the zoo is under the cover of shade.

The downside for inclement/rainy weather though is that there aren’t many indoor exhibits. There is the Chimpanzee Forest, parts of the petting farm, and the giraffe house (if the giraffes are in there) that are inside. Everything else is outside.

Winner: The National Zoo

Related: 100 Days of Summer fun in Maryland with kids!

Dining options

There are plenty of kid-friendly dining options at both zoos. Of course, the prices are not necessarily wallet friendly at either zoo. Memberships give you a discount though AND both zoos are ‘bring your own lunch’ friendly. So, you could pack a lunch and save a lot of money.

We have eaten at both zoos and the food is decent in both locations. Additionally, both zoos have snack carts or vending machines throughout the park where you can get ice cream, beverages, and other treats and snacks.

Winner: Tie

Related: 45+ Maryland Restaurants with Play Areas for kids!

Extra Fun for Kids

I know, I know– why do we even need to ask this question. If you are taking your kids to the zoo that is really the main event, right?! There are extra fun attractions at each zoo though and if you are visiting with kids, they might be the difference between a good day and a great day.

national zoo carousel

Carousels:

The great news is that both zoos have super nice carousels with hand carved and meticulously painted animals. Carousel rides cost $4 at the National Zoo and $4 for members or $5 for non-members at the Maryland Zoo.

maryland zoo carousel

Petting Farm: 

goat petting maryland zoo

The National Zoo hosts a very popular Kid Farm, but we have never actually touched any of the animals there, and the website does not indicate that you can. The Maryland Zoo also has a farm area and there is a goat grooming animal encounter that is free and VERY young kid friendly.

Related: Another great hands-on zoo is the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve

Trains:

miniature train maryland zoo

The National Zoo does not have a train. The Maryland Zoo boasts a miniature train, called a Zephyr. 10-minute train rides cost $4 for members and $5 for non-members. The train ride is cute and fairly scenic.

Animal Encounters: 

Both zoos have animals encounters that are probably too pricey for a family with young kids. Fortunately, both zoos also have some pretty interesting free or almost free animal encounters as well. At the National Zoo you can get up close to orangutans as they traverse the O-Line overhead. Also, there fairly interactive harbor seal keeper chats throughout the day.

orangutans national zoo

The Maryland Zoo easily wins this category though. For $4 a leaf ($5 for non-members), you can actually feed a giraffe. No joke– your hand can touch the tongue of a giraffe. If you are imagining how awesome this is… guess what? It is totally awesome! There is not an interactive seal keeper chat (no seals) but penguin feeding time is very lively.

giraffes maryland zoo

Related: 75+ Best Playgrounds in Maryland (sorted by location)

Playgrounds/Play Areas: 

maryland zoo play areas

This is another category where the Maryland Zoo has a lot to offer young kids. There is a slide in a silo and saddles to climb on at the farm area. There is a full blown playground near the zoo entrance, as well as a pair of lions your kids will absolutely want to ‘ride.’

maryland zoo play areas

The Maryland Wilderness area is absolutely amazing for kids though. Kids can hop across a marsh on gigantic lily pads, poke their heads out of the ground like prairie dogs, sit inside an eagle’s nest, crawl inside a giant tortoise shell, and slide down the super cool tree slide.

The African Journey part of the zoo has many of the ‘must-see’ animals, but your kids will LOVE the hands on activities in Maryland Wilderness as well.

The National Zoo does have a Me and the Bee Playground that recently opened too.. but the play opportunities just don’t compare with the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.

Winner: The Maryland Zoo (by a long shot– sorry National Zoo)

Animals

Everything else we have discussed is rather meaningless outside the context of the animals. I mean, the whole reason you go to the zoo is for the animals. Bottom Line: Both Zoos are amazing. Bottom Line #2: There are striking differences in which animals are at which zoo.

There are definitely things you need to know about the animal exhibits at both zoos though. Here are some insider tips:

Related: Another great zoo day trip is the Philadelphia Zoo

The National Zoo

Great Cats Exhibit

national zoo tigers

The Great Cats exhibit at the National Zoo is utterly amazing… as long as the cats are out. The lions are usually a sure bet. We have heard the male lions roar at breakfast time and also seen a number of the lion cubs play. So much fun. The tigers are unfortunately more aloof.

Personally, I think the Great Cats exhibit is one of the highlights of the National Zoo. If you want great photos though, bring something with a good zoom. The cats will not be close to you.

lions national zoo

The Great Panda Habitat (update: we are so sad the pandas have left)

pandas national zoo

The Great Panda Habitat has an indoor and outdoor area. Definitely do both. We have had great luck seeing the Pandas outside, but nothing can compare to the up close and personal views you can get inside on the Panda Trails. Update for 2024: The Pandas have returned to China (mega tears) but we are hopeful they might return someday!

Great Apes and Cheetah Conservation Station

gorillas national zoo

Other highlights are the Great Apes habitat and the Cheetah Conservation Station. When the weather is nice, you can get really great views of both the Gorillas and the Cheetahs.

Slightly disappointing habitats? This is clearly just my personal opinion, but I have always been disappointed with the Elephant Outpost.

We have never been able to get close enough to see them well, or they were close, but great photos with unobstructed views were hard to come by. The other disappointing exhibit is the Zebra habitat. Perhaps it is because the habitat at the Maryland Zoo is so much nicer.

The Maryland Zoo

Get Close to the Animals

lions maryland zoo

The one thing I LOVE about the Maryland Zoo is that you can get really really close to the animals. Clearly, this is great for young kids. In addition to actually feeding the giraffes, the way the elephant habitat is set up, you can get an unobstructed and close view of these giants relatively easily.

African Journey

maryland zoo

The first major stop on the African Journey part of the zoo can be totally awesome. This is where the Zebras, Giant Ostriches, and Rhinoceros co-mingle. We have seen Zebras chasing each other and Rhinoceroses moving tree branches.

In the past I was usually disappointed by the cheetah, leopard, and lion habitats. It seemed like they were never ‘on exhibit.’ However, recently that has changed. With the addition of two cheetah brothers in 2016, that exhibit has been a lot more lively.

The first major stop on the African Journey part of the zoo can be totally awesome. This is where the Zebras, Giant Ostriches, and Rhinoceros co-mingle. We have seen Zebras chasing each other and Rhinoceroses moving tree branches. (update 2024: One of the cheetahs has sadly passed away)

Lions, Giraffes, and Elephants

lions maryland zoo

And in 2019 the lion exhibit had a HUGE upgrade and now you can get so close to the lions, it’s utterly breathtaking! Also, you are close enough that if your kids ROAR loud enough, you might actually get the attention of the lions.

You can stand toe to toe (almost) with the lions and then turn and see the giraffes grazing on tree leaves.

The lion and giraffe habitats were not the only exhibits to get a major upgrade. The Elephant exhibit more than doubled and there are so many places you can get close to the elephants now!

Bears

bears at maryland zoo

The Polar Bear exhibit used to be hit or miss for us. And we were really sad to see the polar bears leave the Maryland Zoo. However, they were replaced with a pair of grizzly bears that are not only super playful, but on exhibit a lot more than the polar bear seemed to be!

Chimpanzee Forest

chimpanzee at maryland zoo

The Chimpanzee Forest is nothing short of amazing. This exhibit is awesome year round as the chimpanzees have a fairly large outdoor and indoor habitat. Our most interesting encounter here was actually during a winter visit.

The chimpanzees were a little stir crazy and they were running from the back end of the habitat to the front– leaping and body slamming the glass wall with the full force of their bodies. It created a series of very loud booms and was quite startling… but definitely something our daughter did not forget.

Winner: Both! Both zoos are amazing!

Related: The Best Tips for Amazing Family Day Trips

Tips for Maximizing Your Zoo Fun!

Arrive Early

In our experience, this is the #1 tip I can give you. Not only are crowds lighter right at opening time, the animals are much more likely to be out and active.

If you wait until mid-morning or mid-afternoon you are more likely to have to jostle scores of people just to get a peek into the exhibit, only to discover your favorite animals are sleeping or off exhibit for a little ‘me time.’

When in Doubt, Bring the Stroller

This is especially true for the National Zoo (although there is an option to rent a stroller). You would be surprised how much walking you will do at the zoo. Little legs will get tired fast.

penguins maryland zoo

Pack lunch, or at least snacks.

Since both zoos are picnic friendly, you can save a ton of $$$ by bringing your own food. If you want to give your kids a culinary treat, bring the main meal and splurge for a snack or dessert.

Drink Water

You would be surprised how quickly you get dehydrated, even in the winter months.

Bring a Change of Clothes

I know, obvious for parents with young kids. However, you would be wise to do this for your preschooler as well. There are plenty of restrooms at both zoos, but your kids are going to be distracted. The last thing you want is for your daughter to cry that she has to go potty right now, when you are about 1/2 mile away from the nearest restroom.

Hats and Sunscreen

Even though there are lots of shady areas, you will be thankful to have sun protection.

maryland zoo in baltimore

Don’t Try to Do the Entire Zoo in One Day. 

Caveat: you probably could do the entire Maryland Zoo in one day IF you actually were there the entire day. The National Zoo is just too big to see everything in one day if you have to think about little legs and little attention spans.

Instead, pick one part of the zoo, or the top 5 animals you really want to see. Go to those areas first and then, if you have time you can see more… but go home before you enter exhausted temper tantrum trigger time.

Pin for Later!

maryland zoo vs. national zoo

FAQ

Is the Maryland Zoo the same as the Baltimore Zoo?

YES! The Maryland Zoo is located in Baltimore. There are other Maryland zoos in Thurmont, Rising Sun, and Salisbury, Md.

Is the Maryland Zoo big?

At 135-acres, the Maryland Zoo is not as big as bigger name zoos. However, it isn’t small either and has a lot of fantastic animals for a smaller scale zoo.

How big is the National Zoo?

This zoo in DC is 163-acres.

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