Why You Should Visit the National Zoo in Washington, DC

It was a glorious spring day in DC, and The Male had the day off work. We wanted to get out and about and enjoy the break from the usual frequent dreary rain we'd been having, so decided to head just over the bridge (from my residence at the time) to the National Zoo.

Where is this place?
If you don't happen to be within a few blocks of it like we were, you would do well to take the Metro (red line) to the Zoo stop (Woodley Park) and walk the block or three up the gently sloped hill to the zoo. It's a pleasant walk, and the parking can get less than desirable I've heard. If you do decide to drive it, it's on Connecticut Avenue just a bit up from ummm Woodley Park. Funny how those thing work, innit?

Parking at the Zoo costs $4 for the first hour, $12 for two to three hours, and $16 for more than three hours, but is free for FONZ members. ~ Zoo website info

Admission
The best thing about this zoo is that it is completely free. The Smithsonian owns it (or runs it, not sure on the actual dynamics but they've something major to do with it at any rate) so there are a very, very few places that gently ask for a donation to a particular exhibit, but none are obnoxious in the slightest.

Layout and Accessibility
The National Zoo is configured in a long thin oval kinda thing with a few little offshoots into certain exhibits. Therefore it doesn't matter which path you decide to take, as you will end up back where you started eventually. I will, at this point, take the opportunity to say that if you have Rheumatoid or some other disability that hampers walking up hills, do stop at the stroller booth and borrow a wheelchair (free with returnable deposit) or bring your electric cart thingy. From the Connecticut Ave entrance it is all downhill going, which means uphill coming back. You'll thank me later. They have made a tremendous effort to make everything accessible, but parts are a little rocky and hilly so if you go the wheelchair route you will need someone strong to provide the locomotion...