Boo at the Zoo: Tickets on sale Sept. 10

Boo at the Zoo, which takes place October 24-26, will feature more than 40 not-so-spooky treat stations, animal demonstrations, keeper chats and decorated trails. An event for the whole family, attendees will receive traditional chocolates, nutritious snacks, souvenirs and other items.

Costumes are encouraged. This event is best for those aged 4-12 and parents, of course!

FONZ members may purchase tickets online starting September 10 at 10:00 am and non-members may purchase tickets online beginning September 22.

Family Day at National Air and Space Museum

On Wednesday, July 16, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, head to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum with your family to explore how aviation and space exploration changed the world!

Activities include designing a mission patch, building a P-51 plane out of popsicle sticks, planting a hydroponic garden, and more! There will be presentations on milestones of flight, the Space Race, the Apollo, and other topics related to the history of air travel in the United States. Be sure to attend the talk from NASA astronaut Patrick Forrester about innovation and the International Space Station!

Admission to the museum and this special event is free. For more information, check out the National Air and Space Museum website.

Lions, Tigers, and Red Pandas...Oh My!

When was the last time YOU visited your National Zoo?

When planning summer activities for families, camps can be a HUGE help but planning some days on your own can be just as fun, if not more fun! As residents of the District of Columbia, we are blessed with access to hundreds of museums right outside of our front door. It's easy to take these opportunities for granted but it's important to remember not to!

The National Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, and as part of the Smithsonian Institution, offers free admission. You can find 2,000 animals of 400 different species at the National Zoo. These animals include giant pandas, aquatic animals, Asian elephants, and my personal favorite, Rusty the red panda!

Additionally, the National Zoo offers a slew of free daily programs from everything from lemur feeding to sea lion talks. Be sure sure to check out the website beforehand to plan your visit and to download activity sheets like scavenger hunts! There's even an app for it.