Sensory Friendly Morning

Join us as we partner with Autism Society Tidewater Virginia and Complete the Puzzle to provide guests of all abilities and needs, along with their families, the opportunity to visit the Virginia Zoo in a less overwhelming environment. On this special date and time we will provide stress-free activities for your Zoo visit through adapted programs and a reduced number of visitors. With access to animal ambassadors, activity carts, Run Wild! Discovery Zone nature play, and more the whole family can enjoy this sensory-friendly morning at the Zoo.

Activities & Vendors:

All activities are being conducted as they would during standard operations with some modifications to create a calmer environment with reduced lights, sounds, and crowds.

• Biofact Carts: Join us for hands-on exploration using our biofacts – animal artifacts like feathers, skulls, and more.
  • Touch of the Wild! by the Zebra Habitat
  • Colors of Nature! by the Cassowary Habitat
• Activity Carts: Join us for hands-on activities that explore the wonderful world of animals and zookeeping.
  • Orangutan Treetops! by Outdoor Orangutan Viewing Windows
  • Animal Kitchen & Diet Prep! at the Animal Wellness Campus
• Nature Play: Get down and dirty as we explore nature through play at the Run Wild Nature Discovery Zone.
  • Squirrel’s Nutty Playground activity
• Soft, Spiky, Wiggly & Cute! Up-Close Zoo Animal Ambassador Encounters! In the World of Reptiles Classroom. Get an up-close look at some of our animal ambassadors. These animals have special jobs: they meet our guests to teach about their species. To limit stimulation, we’ll be allowing 15 guests in the room every 20 minutes from 9:50am-12:50pm. Last entry at 12:30pm.
• 10am – 12:30pm: Behind the Bamboo – Asia Trail of the Tiger Behind-the-Scenes Walk Back Tour! Looking for a unique tour? Join us as we go behind the bamboo of the Asia trail and walk in areas that only staff usually access. We’ll be taking 15 guests every 20 minutes from 10am-12:30pm. See the map for more details.
• 12pm: Zoo Tales – Colors & Shapes! Join us at the Zoo Live Stage at 12pm for our popular story time program, Zoo Tales. Today, we’ll be learning all about colors and shapes through a story and meeting an animal ambassador. 
• Zoo Train will be open but not running to prevent noise. Visitors are welcomed to come view, touch and take photos with the train! Train will resume standard operations post event at 12:30pm.
• Community Vendors: Autism Society Tidewater Virginia, Complete the Puzzle, Commonwealth ABA, Aid Another, Sentara Therapy Center, Compass Behavioral Group LLC, Positive Behavior Supports Corp, Anthem, CHKD – Developmental Pediatrics  
• Gift Shop Open ($ – Additional Cost)

*A limited number of KultureCity Sensory bags are available for check-out in our Membership Office (first come, first serve).

Food & Drinks ($ – Additional Cost):

• African Village Restaurant
  • Chicken tenders, burgers, pizza, fries, & other snack items.
  • Coca-Cola products, Big Ugly Brewing beer, wine, Waters Edge Serpentine Sangria, & Coastal Cocktails
• Mini Melts Stand – Closed for the season
• Beastro – Closed for the season

Tickets:

Due to limited capacity, timed tickets will be required for entry to the Zoo for this time and date. Individuals with an ADA-Recognized Disability and One Companion can receive free admission upon request. ADA Admission is only redeemable at the ticket booth. All additional family and friends attending are required to purchase & reserve your tickets ahead of time.

🎟️ $17.95 – Adults 12+

🎟️ $14.95 – Children 2-11 years

🎟️ $15.95 – Senior Citizens 62+

🎟️ Free – Under 2 years (reservation required)

🎟️ Individuals with an ADA-Recognized Disability and One Companion can receive free admission upon request. ADA Admission is only redeemable at the ticket booth.

Limited number of tickets available. Advance ticket sales end when sold out (get yours early!). If tickets remain on the day of event you may purchase yours at the gate. Tickets are non-refundable. All sales are final. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend the event, the purchase will be considered a donation. As an outdoor venue, events are rain or shine unless otherwise indicated. If any changes are made, an announcement via an email to our members and/or ticket holders and on the Virginia Zoo social media channels will be issued prior the event.

The Zoo is a smoke-free facility; no smoking is allowed inside the Zoo. This also includes e-cigarettes and vaping. Inability to follow this rule will result in dismissal from Zoo grounds without a refund.

Questions regarding this event? Please email [email protected] or call (757) 441-2374.