Insider's Guide: National Aviary
Enjoy immersive, awe-inspiring experiences at the National Aviary
Get to know the more than 500 birds that call the National Aviary home! Experience immersive, natural habitats like the Tropical Rainforest, where a family of Victoria Crowned Pigeons strut right past your feet and Snowy Egrets fly by your head. Visit a colony of African Penguins at Penguin Point, “flamingle” with American Flamingos in the Wetlands or enjoy serenity in the Grasslands.
Immersive Experiences
Meet majestic birds during a variety of immersive experiences available exclusively at the National Aviary. Freely explore the beautiful habitats, and meet signature species during engaging experiences included with admission, such as the Wetlands or Tropical Rainforest Feeding. For an additional fee, experience the joy of feeding the African Penguins, meet a bird of prey, or hang out with a Linnaeus’s Two-toed sloth. You also can watch the National Aviary’s dedicated team feed the birds, maintain habitats and provide veterinary care.
Summer Activities at National Aviary
SkyDeck (SUMMER 2024 ONLY) | Begins May 25, 2024
Head up to the roof of the National Aviary for a one-of-a-kind show happening only this summer! You'll see falcons showing off their aerial acrobatics, Black Kites soaring overhead and Hooded Vultures gracefully gliding.
Sloth Encounter | 9:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m. (+Sloth Painting)
You'll fall in love with Vivien, the two-toed sloth who spends her time hanging upside down, being hand-fed treats and having her soft fur pet as you pose for the ultimate Insta shot with her. Additional fee which includes general admission
Rainbow Lorikeet Feeding | Daily at 10:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m.
Hold out your cup of nectar and be amazed as rainbow lorikeets gently descend to land on your arm and drink. $3 additional per person
Tropical Rainforest Feeding | Daily at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Macaws and pigeons and sloths, oh my! A National Aviary expert takes guests deeper into the Tropical Rainforest to learn more about this fascinating ecosystem. Included with admission
Penguin Encounter | Noon and 3 p.m. (Jr. Penguin Encounter at 11: 15 a.m.)
You'll capture the best family memories as an African Penguin waddles up to your group for an up-close view of this waddling cutie. You can even touch the penguin's back feathers! Additional fee which includes general admission
Wetlands Feeding | Daily at 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Experience the acrobatic flight of a Blue-belled Rollier, learn how much a Brown Pelican’s pouch can hold, and more fascinating facts about our feathered friends from a National Aviary expert. Included with admission
Owl Encounter | 1:30 p.m.
Take a closer look at the remarkable owls at the National Aviary, as you hold Luna or Cedar on a gloved hand and learn about their fascinating adaptations. Additional fee which includes general admission
Falcon Encounter | 2:15 p.m.
Get the perfect pic as you hold Horus the Lanner Falcon or Austin the Eurasian Kestrel on your gloved hand and learn what makes these majestic birds the masters of the sky. Additional fee which includes general admission
Get Your Tickets in Advance
The National Aviary is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
It is recommended for guests to pre-purchase tickets online.
National Aviary Traditional Members have access to a flock of great benefits including free general admission! Learn more about the perks of being a Member.