Things to do / Travel Guide
Did you know that Washington, DC, our nation's center for government and politics, is also the nation's center for wildlife? Tens of thousands of land, air, and marine animals gather in the Washington, DC-Baltimore area zoos and aquariums, attracting thousands of visitors a day, who also gather from around the world.
Washington Zoo (in DC)
No visit to Washington DC is complete without a visit to the National Zoo. Many of the animals here live in “natural” spaces separated from visitors by moats rather than the bars of cages. The Giant Pandas from China are among the most popular draws, but there is so much more, from birds, to fish, to the cutest of great apes.
You'll want to spend a full day exploring the zoo's Amazonia exhibit, tropical rainforests, African savannahs, the Small Mammals House, and the Bird House where birds get to fly freely above you in a huge, spacious area.
Best of all, the zoo is accessible by public transportation and is free, made possible by your tax dollars.
Baltimore Zoo - Maryland
Less than an hour up the road, in Baltimore, are two other exciting offerings: a zoo and an aquarium. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore displays over 200 species including 1,500 birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, in replicas of their natural habitats.
The Maryland Zoo is a kid's dream zoo. In addition to seeing the exotic polar bears, the mysterious leopards, and the playful elephants in the African watering hole, kids will also have the opportunity to visit the hands-on, educational petting zoo and ride the train when their little feet get tired.
Baltimore Aquarium
The National Aquarium in Baltimore is a natural fit for an old port city. The roof has a rainforest, and there are places to wander among the coral reefs. Among the creatures you can see are mammals, reptiles, fish, birds, and amphibians of all shapes, sizes, colors, and dispositions.
Just outside the Baltimore Aquarium is the bustling Inner Harbor of Baltimore and the historic Fell's Point neighborhood. Make a day of it by exploring the aquatic marine life indoors and then venturing out to the vibrant human life outdoors!
Zoos and Aquariums in Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland
Zoos-Aquariums
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