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.

Event Map

Activities

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.

• 9:30am – 12:30pm: Biofact carts – Join us for hands-on exploration using our biofacts – animal artifacts like feathers, skulls, and more. 
  • Touch of the Wild (Outer Covering) Comparison at Zebra Habitat on the Africa Trail
  • Colors of Nature at Cassowary Habitat on the Asia: Trail of the Tiger 
• 9:30am – 12:30pm: Activity carts – Join us for hands-on activities that explore the wonderful world of animals and zookeeping. 
  • Orangutan Treetops at the Orangutan Habitat on the Asia: Trail of the Tiger
  • Animal Kitchen/Diet Prep at the Animal Wellness Campus
• 9:30am – 12:30pm: Nature Play – Get down and dirty as we explore nature through play at the Run Wild Nature Discovery Zone
• 9:30am – 12:30pm: Up-Close Zoo – 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.
• 9:30am – 12:30pm: Virginia Zoo Express Train interactions (train will not run in an effort to be sensory friendly)
• 12:00pm: Zoo Tales – Colors and Shapes
  • Join us at the Zoo Live Stage at 12pm for our popular story time program, Zoo Tales. We’ll be learning all about colors and shapes through a story and meeting an animal ambassador.
• Virginia Zoo Gift Shop with sensory friendly toys ($)

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

Vendors

All vendors will be located in the Fountain Plaza inside the Zoo.

• Autism Society Tidewater Virginia
• Complete the Puzzle
• Behavior Frontiers
• Easterseals PORT Health
• Positive Behavior Supports Corp
• Wendy Schofer, MD Family Emotional Health & Weight-Inclusive Health
• Brighter Side to ASD
• Sentara Therapy Center
• Compass Behavioral Group, LLC
• Brightside ABA Therapy
• FACT Families for Autism
• Destination Family Services

Food & Drinks ($)

• African Village Restaurant
  • Chicken tenders, burgers, pizza, fries, snack items
  • Soda, juice, water, beer, wine, Waters Edge Serpentine Sangria

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.

Member Adult (18+): Free

Member Child (2-17): Free

Non-Member Adult (12+): $20

Non-Member Senior (62+): $18

Non-Member Child (2-11): $17

Children under 2 are free but require a reserved ticket

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 info@virginiazoo.org or call (757) 441-2374.