Baltimore Zoo or National Zoo

MDdairybaby

I am planning on taking my daughter to the zoo for her 1st Birthday.  I haven't been to either.  Which zoo do you recommend?  The price would be about the same between parking and admission.

jcsntms06

I've been to both and I really like the Maryland Zoo better. It's closer, parking is free, although admission is not. If you do decide to go the National Zoo, you have to get there early, so you can find parking, parking use to be $25 (that was  how much it was last year at least), not sure, if it's the same this year. If you go later, you'll have to either find street parking in DC, not sure how easy that is to do, or you could take the metro and walk a few blocks to the Zoo.

ucgrad

We did the zoo for Sophia's 1st birthday and I thought the Baltimore zoo was perfect. It just was the perfect size for spending a few hours there, pushing a stroller around. AND, you can pay $2 and feed the giraffes and take your own pictures. For the record, I absolutely love the National Zoo, but I thought Baltimore was good for a first birthday.

anonsouthernbell

I vote Baltimore Zoo.  We are members and I love to support them!  We bought our membership when Matthew was 9 months old and have been going ever since.  He enjoyed it then but it has been really neat to see how much more he enjoys as he gets older.  They have a great membership deal where for $75 you get an individual plus one.  We bought last year and named me as the main person and left the other name blank. It worked out really nicely bc if dh was with me then he was the extra but during the week I could bring a friend and have a playdate as kids under 2 are free.  Just something to think about...

 

BillysGrl27

Although I think the National Zoo far surpasses the Maryland Zoo with regards to exhibits, for your circumstances I think you would be much better staying local. The DC Zoo is a ton of walking, some of it up hill, and not easy to access unless, like PP said, you are willing to juggle the metro with LO, stroller, diaper bag, etc or leave super early for parking purposes. I personally would save the National Zoo for a few years.

MDdairybaby

Thanks for the advice.  It looks like you made my decision for me.

mholcomb6

I use to be a zookeeper, and from my experience, I have to say that the National Zoo is would win hands down. They have a wonderful kids petting zoo area with all sorts of farm animals and the admission is free. For me, that would be the immediate choice. I have not, on the other hand, been to the Baltimore zoo in some time. I know they had some issues with the care of the animals and that is why I have stayed away. If you are not looking to go into DC, you could always consider the Baltimore aquarium (I worked there as well). They have wonderful kids exhibits, a fun dolphin show and a hands on area. The beauty of the aquarium is that you are right in the heart of Baltimore, could walk to the Discovery Center if you wanted (another very cool place for kids) or even do lunch all within a few blocks of parking.

anonsouthernbell

They actually have a really nice petting zoo at the one in Baltimore and have really changed things around since a few years ago when they had some problems.

salc21

I think it also depends if you have any particular animals you want to see. I haven't been to the National Zoo - we chose to go to the Baltimore Zoo because I wanted giraffes!!