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, 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 African Safari Trail
  • Colors of Nature at Southern 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.
  • Measuring Up at the Orangutan Habitat on the Asia: Trail of the Tiger
  • Diet Prep/Browse at the Giraffe Overlook
• 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 – Staying Warm with Fur and Feathers
  • Join us at the Zoo Live Stage at 12pm for our popular story time program, Zoo Tales. Today, we’ll be learning all about how some animals stay warm through a story and meeting an animal ambassador.
• Virginia Zoo Gift Shop with sensory friendly toys ($)
• Community Organizations:
  • Autism Society Tidewater Virginia
  • Complete the Puzzle
  • Destination Family Services
  • Positive Behavior Supports Corp.
  • Children’s Therapy Concepts
  • Wendy Schofer, MD Family Emotional Health & Weight Inclusive Coach
  • Compass Behavioral Group, LLC
  • Child First Behavior Therapy
  • FACT Families for Autism
  • Brighter Side to ASD
  • Easterseals PORT Health
  • Sentara Therapy Center
  • Behavior Frontiers

*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
  • 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

Thank you to our sponsor!

Southern Bank

Event Reminders

• 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.
• By purchasing an event ticket, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.

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