Family friendly events at Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Listed below are some great events being held by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute through December. Being a member of the zoo has great perks so check that out as well; it would make a great gift too!

What: Ticketed event: “Conservation Discovery Day”
When: Saturday, October 5, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian Conservation and Biology Institute: 1500 Remount Rd. Front Royal, VA

Details: Designed for sixth-graders to under-grads, Conservation Discovery Day at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute includes hands-on activities, research demonstrations and TED-style presentations on hot topics in conservation. Career panel discussions with conservation biologists, field ecologists, research scientists, veterinarians and animal keepers will open doors and minds to the professional possibilities within the conservation field. Oct. 5 is the one day this one-of-a-kind research facility located in scenic Front Royal, Virginia, is open to the public. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website

What: Ticketed event: “Boo at the Zoo”
When: Friday, October 18 – Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.

Details: Trick or treating has gone wild at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s annual Halloween celebration: Boo at the Zoo, sponsored by Mars Wrigley Confectionery. This not-so-spooky event, which takes place Oct. 18, 19 and 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., invites visitors to enjoy the Zoo’s festive decorations as they trick-or-treat among 40 stations brimming with tasty goodies. New this year, ghouls and goblins are invited to “boo-gie” at a family-friendly dance party and liven up the atmosphere with some frightfully fun karaoke tunes. Be on the lookout for special Zoo animal encounters throughout the party, as well as meet-and-greets with Frankenpanda and Count Pandula. Guests can enjoy after-hours access to animal houses and exhibits, including Elephant Community Center, Small Mammal House, Reptile Discovery Center, Think Tank, Great Cats and Kids’ Farm. Tickets are $20 for Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) members and $30 for non-members. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website.

What: Free event: Sloth Day
When: Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.

Details: Celebrate life in the slow lane at Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s sloth-themed Animal Discovery Day, which takes place Sunday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Small Mammal House. Visitors will have an opportunity to see a southern two-toed sloth up close during special demonstrations, explore sloth-related artifacts, take part in family-friendly activities and learn how they can help save these charming critters in the wild. This event is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website.

What: Ticketed event: “Night of the Living Zoo”
When: Friday, October 25, 2019 from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.

Details: A dark carnival is arriving at Smithsonian’s National Zoo Oct. 25 for Friends of the National Zoo’s (FONZ) annual adults-only Halloween party, Night of the Living Zoo. From 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., ghoulish guests will enjoy a wicked night of fun, including a spooktacular costume contest, amazing oddities, performance artists, a DJ dance party, craft beer and fare from popular D.C. food trucks. Tickets are $30 for FONZ members and $40 for non-members. Parking passes are sold separately and are $15 for FONZ members and $25 for non-members. Guests must be at least 21 years old and present a valid photo ID. This event will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website.

What: Free event: Orangutan Caring Day
When: Thursday, November 14 , 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.

Details: Hang out at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Great Ape House and Think Tank exhibits Nov. 14 in honor of Orangutan Caring Day. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can watch orangutans enjoy special enrichment items, speak with keepers about what it takes to care for these great apes, and take part in family-friendly games and activities. Zoo staff will also share tips on how visitors can support orangutan conservation efforts in the wild. This event is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website.

What: Free event: ZooLights
When: Nov. 29 through Jan. 1 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31)  from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.

Details: Join the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in celebrating the holidays with its annual free lights festival: ZooLights, powered by Pepco. The Zoo will be illuminated for 31 nights — from Nov. 29 through Jan. 1, 2019 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Over half-a-million brightly colored environmentally friendly LED lights and animal-shaped displays will transform the Zoo’s trees, walkways and buildings into a dynamic and colorful winter wonderland. ZooLights is hosting its third-annual GRUMP holiday market — a European-style outdoor market featuring the work of local artisans. The market features unique gifts for all ages, from handmade clothing and accessories to artwork, handcrafted toys and sweet treats. GRUMP will be located at the Zoo’s Connecticut Avenue entrance Dec. 6, 7 and 8 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. ZooLights is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website.

What: International Cheetah Day
When: Wednesday, December 4, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.

Details: Smithsonian’s National Zoo is spotlighting a charismatic and charming cat Dec. 4: the cheetah! Celebrate International Cheetah Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cheetah Conservation Station, featuring special animal demonstrations and family-friendly activities. Visitors can learn about the fastest animal on four paws from Zoo researchers and chat with keepers about what it takes to care for these cats. The Zoo’s three male cheetahs—Justin, Donnie and Copley—will receive special enrichment throughout the event. This event is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website