National Zoo554

The Smithsonian's National Zoological Park, in Rock Creek Park is home to more than 2,000 animals - mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. The National Zoo's primary aim is not only to entertain, educate, and inspire visitors, but to study and conserve wildlife and habitats around the world, a mission it accomplishes through world-renowned scientific programs.

The Zoo's most famous residents, of course, are the giant pandas, but the Zoo also houses great apes, great cats... just about any animal a kid or adult might want to see!

Think Tank is a ground-breaking exhibit tackling the complex field of animal cognition, where visitors can learn about cognition studies conducted by the Zoo scientists to test ability of orangutans and other apes to use and understand word symbols. Think Tank is connected to Great Ape House by the Orangutan Transportation System, or O-line, which orangutans can use to commute between the buildings.

Summer Safari Day Camp is an accredited and award-winning summer camp offered by Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) to children in grades K-5. Children in grades K-1 participate in camp activities from either 9am-12n or 9am-3pm. Children in grades 2-5 stay till 3pm. Kids register for camp sessions by the week, with sessions running from June 19 through August 11. After camp care (3pm-6pm) is available for an additional fee.

FONZ Nature Camp is an overnight nature exploration camp for kids entering grades 5-10 held at the Conservation and Research Center in the Shenandoah Valley. Outfitted with backpacks, journals, and water bottles, campers delve into CRC's forests, fields, and streams. When not hiking CRC's many trails, campers can choose from a variety of activities, some of which are taught by CRC scientists and keepers.

Household Memberships ($60) include all of the benefits of an individual membership (invitations to members-only events, free parking, special previews), plus membership for the kids in the Conservation Kids' Club. That means free snacks for kids every time they visit the Zoo, the opportunity to hold children's birthday parties at the Zoo (non-members aren't eligible), complete with party favors, a guided tour of the Zoo, and a special gift for the birthday child.

Snore & Roar overnights are also a member-only privilege.

Household membership holders are also entitled to join in members-only activities and have opportunities to participate in wildlife workshops and classes (for ages two and up), discounts on week-long Summer Safari Day Camp sessions, and discounts on week-long overnight Nature Camp sessions at CRC in Front Royal, Virginia. FONZ members also receive discounts on stroller use at the Zoo, discounts on tickets to special events and purchases at Zoo gift shops and concession stands, a subscription to bi-monthly publications ZooGoer and Wildlife Adventures, and a Conservation Kids' Club button (which means free snacks).