I heart the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. As someone who grew up near San Diego, where the zoo admission price warranted only an annual zoo trip, being able to take my kids to a world-renowned zoo any old day for free is such a treat. And while any spring day is a great day to visit the animals, Easter Monday April 5th will be even more special than usual. It is African American Family Day at the National Zoo, and the Smithsonian folks are planning a wonderful event.

Come on down to the zoo between 10am-4pm on Monday, rain or shine. The free festival will feature multicultural and seasonal fun for all ages, like African American storytelling, an Easter egg roll and hunt and crafts for the kids. There will also be first-rate live entertainment like a cappella gospel singers, steel drummers, reggae bands and children’s dance troupes. Delicious food will be available for purchase from various vendors, in addition to the regular zoo restaurants and refreshment stands.

Of course all the animals will be there too, and zoo researchers and volunteers will be out in full force to offer the kids at the event hands-on animal experiences and education. Check out the massive list of special animal programs the zoo has planned! If you haven’t been to the zoo with the kids in a while, this important multicultural event and the Spring Break season will be a perfect reintroduction. If you are a new parent that has been thinking the animals will be too far for the little eyes to see and “get it,” the Caring Corral petting zoo at the on-site farm will be sure to bring baby delight.

Here are directions to the zoo. Parking is free to FONZ members, or $20 for the day for non-members. If you plan on visiting the zoo via car more than a few times a year, the FONZ membership pays for itself and is tax-deductible. You can also Metro directly to the zoo using the Red Line.

I hope you can all make it to African American Family Day at the National Zoo, and that my family and I see you there!