How to Visit the Giant Pandas at the National Zoo

To visit the pandas, reserve free entry passes and paid National Zoo parking passes through the zoo's website. Guests of all ages must have their own entry pass. A limited number of same-day passes may be offered at zoo entrances for visitors without access to the website.

 
Qing Bao is ready for her debut! Photo credit: Roshan Patel/Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

The National Zoo is hosting a District of Panda Party to celebrate its pandas from January 25 – February 9. This party includes showings of Kung Fu Panda, a Lunar New Year celebration, and other cultural activities for the whole family. Entry is free and requires a free entry pass to the zoo.

More Places to Celebrate the Giant Pandas

1. Duke’s Counter

Stop by the Bamboo Bar at Duke’s Counter, a Woodley Park restaurant located across from the zoo, before or after seeing the pandas for specialty drinks in panda glassware and sustainable bamboo straws—even for kids. Take home the panda-themed glassware for $15.

2. Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken

Astro Doughnuts has special panda donuts for the occasion! Halved Oreos make the ears, Oreo pieces make the eyes and nose, and they’re filled with black cherry jam and glazed with cream cheese. (Fun fact: if you've ever had Astro's cherry blossom donuts, the filling in these panda donuts is the same!). These doughnuts are available online and in-store only from January 24-31.

3. Panda Tea House

Panda Tea House is celebrating by giving its customers two free toppings with Panda Milk Tea and 10% off panda plushies if you can’t get enough panda goodness.

4. Muse Paintbar National Harbor

A special panda-themed sip and paint is happening on January 24. Book your spot here.

 
Try the Panda Duffin at Baked by Yael. Photo courtesy of the bakery.

5. Baked by Yael

Located across from the National Zoo entrance, Baked by Yael is offer panda cake pops, cookies, and duffins (a combination of a cake doughnut and muffin), as well as other panda swag. The bakery is even hosting a panda cake pop designing class on January 25. Register here.

6. The Watergate Panda Package

Enjoy a panda-themed staycation at the Watergate Hotel! Book a stay and receive panda goodies with your room, including a stuffed panda, children’s panda pajamas, and panda-themed baked goodies. You’ll also get hassle-free transportation to and from the zoo, and they’ll reserve your free zoo passes for you! This package is valid through March 16, 2025, which also happens to be National Panda Day.

7. The Yard Milkshake Bar at National Harbor

If you're not too cold for ice cream, The Yards Milkshake Bar has a special panda milkshake/sundae, with plenty of cookies ‘n cream ice cream, whipped cream, cookie crumbles, and chocolate sauce on the glass and Oreos for ears.

8. Silver Diner National Harbor

The restaurant is offering a free, limited-edition panda pin that allows for a free kids' shake for Silver Diner Kids Club members while supplies last, starting January 23.

And if you can’t make it to celebrate any of these panda parties,, don’t worry, the panda cam is back!