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 Schedule

9:50AM – 12:50PM — Up Close Zoo: Meet Animal Ambassadors in a sensory-friendly environment with limited capacity. Sessions take place every 20 minutes.
🦎 Located in the World of Reptiles Classroom

• Up Close Zoo session times:
  • 9:50 AM – 10:10 AM
  • 10:10 AM – 10:30 AM
  • 10:30 AM – 10:50 AM
  • 10:50 AM – 11:10 AM
  • 11:10 AM – 11:30 AM
  • 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM
  • 11:50 AM – 12:10 PM
  • 12:10 PM – 12:30 PM
  • 12:30 PM – 12:50 PM

12:30 PM — Zoo Resumes Normal Operations

Activities

Included with your ticket:

• Biofact Tables: Join us for hands-on exploration using our biofacts — animal artifacts like feathers, skulls, snake sheds, and more!
  • Colors of Nature Biofact Table located at the cassowary habitat
  • Touch of the Wild Biofact Table located at the orangutan habitat
• Little Zoo located in the World of Reptiles Classroom
• Community Resources:
  • Autism Society Tidewater Virginia
  • Brighter Side ASD
  • CHKD – Developmental Pediatrics
  • Compass Behavioral Group
  • Complete the Puzzle
  • Connecting the Steps
  • Destination Family Services
  • Dynamic ABA
  • FACT Families for Autism
  • Moms Who Advocate
  • Sentara Therapy Center
• Train: The Virginia Zoo Express train will not run during the event to limit sound, but guests will have the opportunity to view, touch, and take photos with the train. Normal train operations will resume at 12:30pm, weather permitting.
• A limited number of KultureCity sensory bags will be available for rent in the Membership Office (first come, first serve)

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.

Available for an additional cost ($):

• An assortment of sensory toys available for purchase at our Gift Shop for 20% off!

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

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.