Sensory Friendly Morning

Join us as we partner with Autism Society Tidewater Virginia, Complete the Puzzle, and Destination Family Services 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, biofact carts, and more the whole family can enjoy this sensory-friendly morning at the Zoo.

Activities

Included with your ticket:

• Biofact Carts: Join us for hands-on exploration using our biofacts – animal artifacts like feathers, skulls, snake sheds, and more.
• Activity Carts: Join us for hands-on activities that explore the wonderful world of animals and zookeeping.
• Up Close Zoo: Explore your five senses while meeting Animal Ambassadors in a small group encounter. Each session will include 15 guests and last 20 minutes.
  • Session Times:
    • 9:50 – 10:10am
    • 10:10 – 10:30am
    • 10:30 – 10:50am
    • 10:50 – 11:10am
    • 11:10am – 11:30am
    • 11:30am – 11:50am
    • 11:50am – 12:10pm
    • 12:10pm – 12:30pm
    • 12:30 – 12:50pm
• 12:30pm: Zoo Tales at the ZooLive! Stage Show
• Community Resources:
  • Autism Society Tidewater Virginia
  • Complete the Puzzle
  • Destination Family Services
  • Sentara Therapy Center
  • Easterseals PORT Health
  • Positive Behavior Support Corporation
  • FACT Families for Autism
  • Brighter Side to ASD
  • Compass Behavioral Group, LLC

Available for an additional cost ($):

• Sensory toys available for purchase at our Gift Shop Kiosk

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

Food & Drinks ($)

• African Village Restaurant open from 10am – 4pm
  • 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 [email protected] or call (757) 441-2374.