Smithsonian National Zoo: Kids' Farm

 When you park at the bottom of the zoo in Lot D, you have the great option of using the American Trail to ascend much of the hill.  This also takes you through some of the best things the zoo has to offer that are least likely to be seen by those who assume it's all happening along the main pathway. 

And so the first area of interest is the Kids' Farm.  As I recall, the entire concept of a farm at the National Zoo was the result of a single benefactor who wanted children to be aware of the role farm animals play in American society.  The set up is generous and the list of animals diverse by zoo farm standards: Alpaca, Chickens, Dairy Cattle, Donkey, Goats, Koi pond, Pigs and a Bee zone--mostly a playground.  The drawback is that none of the animals have access to the public--it's not a petting zoo.