If there is only one place to go for a 3-year-old, national zoo is the place
.
Dc zoo is the best zoo, better than Boston, better than Maryland, better
than Knox zoo!
Other than pandas, there are some unique things to do in there.
The bird house, feeding in side is so much fun, the pink flamingos.
The giant octopus at the Invertebrates
The indoor zoo keeper play area at the visit center, open only on weekend
The big pizza outside play area.
The kids farm area.
We have the membership since my kid was 1. Still have it, use it at our
local zoo.
you may think about buy one for free parking and for free/reduced fare at
your local zoo.
Another fun place is the insect zoo at the second floor of natural history
museum.
My younger one LOVEs that place, all kinds of bugs.
The ocean section is interesting too if you are a sea animals lover.