Maryland Zoo Memorial Day Weekend

Maryland Zoo Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend at the Maryland Zoo is one of those outings that feels like a mini vacation without leaving the region. The zoo puts on special programming for the holiday weekend, including extra keeper talks, animal encounter sessions, and themed activities throughout the grounds. We have been going to this zoo for years and the Memorial Day weekend always has a little extra energy. The animals tend to be more active in the late spring weather, and the zoo sets up additional stations where kids can learn about different species up close. Last year our daughter got to touch a chinchilla during one of the encounter sessions, and she still talks about how soft it was.

The Maryland Zoo is a good size for families. It is big enough to fill a full day but not so sprawling that you feel like you are walking a marathon. The penguin exhibit is always our first stop because the kids cannot get enough of watching them swim. The African exhibit has giraffes, elephants, and lions, and the viewing areas are well-designed so even toddlers in strollers can see. There is a children zoo section with a climbing area, a nature play space, and animals that kids can get closer to. We usually pack lunch and eat at one of the picnic areas, but there are food stands throughout the zoo if you prefer to buy something on-site.

The zoo is in Druid Hill Park, which is a beautiful setting with big old trees and wide pathways. If you are coming from DC, it is about an hour drive up I-95, which is manageable for a day trip. Parking at the zoo is free, which is a nice bonus. General admission is around $25 for adults and $20 for kids, with discounts for members. Get there when the gates open if you want to beat the holiday crowds. The keeper talks are posted on a schedule board near the entrance, so grab a map and plan your route around the talks you want to catch.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Arrive when the zoo opens at 10am. Holiday weekends get crowded by midday, so early arrival means shorter lines.
• ✓Pack your own lunch to save money. Picnic areas are available throughout the zoo. Food stands are also on-site if you prefer.
• ✓Check the keeper talk schedule at the entrance. Plan your route around the talks you want to catch.
• ✓Bring a stroller for younger kids. The zoo is walkable but covers a lot of ground over a full day.
• ✓Sunscreen and comfortable shoes are essential. Most of the zoo is outdoors with some shaded areas.