Virginia Zoo

Member Mornings
2025-06-21 08:30 - 2025-06-22 09:30 (America/New_York)
Virginia Zoo members get to spend extra time at the Zoo with Member Mornings on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Members get into the Zoo an hour early when there’s plenty of parking, the weather is cooler, and there’s a better chance of seeing the animals being active and eating their breakfasts!

Members can enter the Zoo between 8:30 – 9:30 am on these weekends. Become a member today to take advantage of this perk!

A coffee truck will be on grounds from 8:30 – 11:00 am. They will be located on the Main Trail between the Event Pavilion and Photo Booth.

Coffee Trucks ($)

June 21: Buzz Stop ($)

June 22: Glazed & Infuzed ($)

Become a member!

World Giraffe Day
2025-06-21 09:30 - 14:30
To celebrate World Giraffe Day, a member of the Zoo’s Mission Engagement Team will be station at the giraffe overlook equipped with biofacts, color sheets, and an engaging giraffe spotter activity. For a long time, scientists only named giraffes under one species. We now know of 9 subspecies of giraffe under 4 different groups. Can you tell the difference between their spots?

*This activity is free with paid admission or membership. This activity will be cancelled or end early in the case of inclement weather.

Zoo Tales
2025-06-26 11:00 - 11:30
Join us for our popular story-time program, Zoo Tales! Each week features two new stories and an animal encounter with a zoo animal ambassador, all related to a changing monthly theme! See signs posted in the Zoo’s Fountain Plaza to find out the location of Zoo Tales on the day of your visit. Free with general admission.

Theme: Animal Babies

Member Mornings
2025-06-28 08:30 - 2025-06-29 09:30
Virginia Zoo members get to spend extra time at the Zoo with Member Mornings on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Members get into the Zoo an hour early when there’s plenty of parking, the weather is cooler, and there’s a better chance of seeing the animals being active and eating their breakfasts!

Members can enter the Zoo between 8:30 – 9:30 am on these weekends. Become a member today to take advantage of this perk!

A coffee truck will be on grounds from 8:30 – 11:00 am. They will be located on the Main Trail between the Event Pavilion and Photo Booth.

Coffee Trucks ($)

June 28: Bear House Coffee ($)

June 29: Buzz Stop ($)

Become a member!

Poppy's 1st Birthday!
2025-06-29 09:30 - 16:00
Our baby Bornean orangutan is turning 1! Help us celebrate Poppy during her Pop-tart themed birthday party starting at 9:30am.

Wear your best orange or red outfit to celebrate Poppy and swing in to party with us! Meet one of Poppy’s keepers during an orangutan keeper chat at 10am to get all your questions answered.

Want Gift Ideas?

Our Asia: Trail of the Tiger keepers created an Amazon wishlist of items that YOU can purchase to help enrich the lives of our orangutans. Nobody wants to forget a gift at a birthday party, so celebrate Poppy’s special day by choosing an item from the link below to send to our orangutans!

Poppy’s 1st Birthday Wishlist

Membership Swap: Elation Brewing
2025-07-01 09:00 - 2025-07-31 16:00
The Virginia Zoo is excited to announce a new partnership brewing with Elation! During the month of July, members of the Virginia Zoo and Elation Brewing can enjoy even more benefits with our Membership Swap.

Members of the Virginia Zoo and The Very Elated People’s Mug Club must show valid membership credentials and photo ID to receive membership swap benefits. For more information about Elation Brewing, click here.

Virginia Zoo Members visiting Elation Brewing receive:

Virginia Zoo members will receive the same benefits of The Very Elated People’s (VEP) Mug Club membership. Perks include:

🐯 20 oz. pours in an exclusive VEP mug

🐯 Early access to new releases

🐯 15% off your tab (excludes pizza purchases)

🐯 $1 off Crowlers

🐯 $2 off Growlers

🐯 15% off 6-packs

🐯 15% off merchandise

🐯 Each Monday for Mug Club Night, receive an extra $1 off every pint (Elation Drafts Only)

🐯 A beer for your birthday! (Coupon pops up on the first day of your birthday month.)

🐯 15% off at Voyager Coffee

🐯 A coffee for your birthday!

The Very Elated People’s Mug Club Members visiting the Virginia Zoo receive:

🍻 VEP Mug Club Members can receive complimentary admission tickets for the member and up to 3 additional guests during the month of July.

🍻 VEP Mug Club Members will receive a 10% discount at our Gift Shop and food service locations.

🍻 VEP Mug Club Members who join the Virginia Zoo during the membership swap can take advantage of two extra months – free – on a Virginia Zoo membership.

🍻 VEP Mug Club Members can receive member pricing for Adult Night on Saturday, July 12th. They can receive member pricing for the member and 1 additional guest.

🍻 VEP Mug Club Members can attend Member Night on Thursday, July 24th for the member and up to 3 additional guests.

Zoo Tales
2025-07-03 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-05 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-10 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-17 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-24 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-31 11:00 - 11:30
Join us for our popular story-time program, Zoo Tales! Each week features two new stories and an animal encounter with a zoo animal ambassador, all related to a changing monthly theme! See signs posted in the Zoo’s Fountain Plaza to find out the location of Zoo Tales on the day of your visit. Free with general admission.

Theme: Mud & Water

4th of July at the Virginia Zoo
2025-07-04 09:30 - 16:00
Celebrate the 4th of July at the Virginia Zoo! Our splash fountains will be on for kids to play in, the African Village Restaurant and Beastro will be serving ice cold drinks and treats, and if you’re one of the first 250 guests to arrive, you’ll get a free Coca-Cola summer can cooler!

You’ll also have the chance to get a mystery Whodoption! Typically only available during special events, Whodoptions will be available at our Membership Gazebo.

Member Mornings
2025-07-05 08:30 - 2025-07-06 09:30
Virginia Zoo members get to spend extra time at the Zoo with Member Mornings on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Members get into the Zoo an hour early when there’s plenty of parking, the weather is cooler, and there’s a better chance of seeing the animals being active and eating their breakfasts!

Members can enter the Zoo between 8:30 – 9:30 am on these weekends. Become a member today to take advantage of this perk!

A coffee truck will be on grounds from 8:30 – 11:00 am. They will be located on the Main Trail between the Event Pavilion and Photo Booth.

Coffee Trucks ($)

July 5: Donut NV ($)

July 6: Mello Beans ($)

Become a member!

Wild Tykes
2025-07-05 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-07-17 09:30 - 10:30
Wild Tykes is a drop-in program recommended for kids aged 3-5 and their favorite adults! Each program features a new theme with age-appropriate nature and science activities that focus on these core areas: sensory, movement, free play, art, and problem-solving. We won’t be afraid to get a little dirty as we explore and play together! See signs posted in the Zoo’s Fountain Plaza to find out the location of activities on the day of your visit. Free with General Admission.

Theme: Mud & Water

Dress Like a Conductor Day
2025-07-05 09:30 - 16:00
📣 Calling all future train conductors! Anybody that visits the Zoo wearing their best conductor outfit will receive Buy One, Get One for $1 Train Rides*. Additionally, guests that visit dressed like a conductor will receive a complimentary bandana and train whistle at the train station.

*If a rider in a party is under 2 and the BOGO cannot be used, a voucher for $1 for a future train ride will be given.

Little Zoo
2025-07-07 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-14 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-21 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-28 11:00 - 11:30
Come join us as educators and volunteers offer themed animal interactions inside one of the Zoo’s classroom spaces. Our Little Zoo program offers our guests an intimate look at our animal ambassadors with station-based learning. This program is open to all who want to experience and grow in our Little Zoo. See signs posted in the Zoo’s Fountain Plaza to find out the location of Little Zoo on the day of your visit. Free with general admission.

Wild Babies
2025-07-08 09:45 - 10:45
Calling all “Wild Babies” to the zoo! Join us for a NEW program offering for our youngest zoo visitors. We will be exploring age appropriate sensory and educational activities in a small up-close setting. This program is geared for 0-2 year olds and their guardians although older children will be welcome. Wild Babies will involve elements of nature and social development including but not limited to story time, short “hikes”, and an animal encounter.

These programs will be located in one of our classrooms. Please check signs in Fountain Plaza on the day of the event.

Theme: Beach

Member Mornings
2025-07-12 08:30 - 2025-07-13 09:30
Virginia Zoo members get to spend extra time at the Zoo with Member Mornings on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Members get into the Zoo an hour early when there’s plenty of parking, the weather is cooler, and there’s a better chance of seeing the animals being active and eating their breakfasts!

Members can enter the Zoo between 8:30 – 9:30 am on these weekends. Become a member today to take advantage of this perk!

A coffee truck will be on grounds from 8:30 – 11:00 am. They will be located on the Main Trail between the Event Pavilion and Photo Booth.

Coffee Trucks ($)

July 12: Bear House Coffee ($)

July 13: Mello Beans ($)

Become a member!

Member Mornings
2025-07-19 08:30 - 2025-07-20 09:30
Virginia Zoo members get to spend extra time at the Zoo with Member Mornings on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Members get into the Zoo an hour early when there’s plenty of parking, the weather is cooler, and there’s a better chance of seeing the animals being active and eating their breakfasts!

Members can enter the Zoo between 8:30 – 9:30 am on these weekends. Become a member today to take advantage of this perk!

A coffee truck will be on grounds from 8:30 – 11:00 am. They will be located on the Main Trail between the Event Pavilion and Photo Booth.

Coffee Trucks ($)

July 19: Glazed & Infuzed ($)

July 20: Bear House Coffee ($)

Become a member!

Coffee Truck Pop Up
2025-07-21 09:30 - 2025-07-25 12:30
We’re celebrating Zoo Keeper Appreciation week with coffee! Enjoy a drink and a bite to eat from a local coffee truck as you stroll through the Zoo. And don’t forget to thank a Zoo Keeper if you see one!

Available 9:30am – 12:30pm.

7/21 – Glazed & Infused

7/22 – Glazed & Infused

7/23 – Bear House Coffee

7/24 – Glazed & Infused

7/25 – Glazed & Infused

Member Mornings
2025-07-26 08:30 - 2025-07-27 09:30
Virginia Zoo members get to spend extra time at the Zoo with Member Mornings on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Members get into the Zoo an hour early when there’s plenty of parking, the weather is cooler, and there’s a better chance of seeing the animals being active and eating their breakfasts!

Members can enter the Zoo between 8:30 – 9:30 am on these weekends. Become a member today to take advantage of this perk!

A coffee truck will be on grounds from 8:30 – 11:00 am. They will be located on the Main Trail between the Event Pavilion and Photo Booth.

Coffee Trucks ($)

July 26: Buzz Stop ($)

July 27: Donut NV ($)

Become a member!

Canceled - Food Truck Pop Up
2025-08-01 09:00 - 12:00
*Food Truck Pop Up for August 1 is canceled. We apologize for the inconvenience.

DC Smoothies will be joining us from 9:30am – 12:00pm to serve delicious smoothies to our guests for an additional cost. They will be located on the Main Trail between the Event Pavilion and Photo Booth.

Membership Swap: The YMCA
2025-08-01 09:30 - 2025-08-31 16:00
During the month of August, Virginia Zoo members can enjoy a month at their local YMCA which includes member pricing on programming.

Zoo Members visiting the YMCA:

🏋️ Zoo Members must show their valid Virginia Zoo membership card, photo ID, and complete a guest waiver form upon visiting any YMCA of South Hampton Roads or YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas location to activate a temporary Y membership.

🏋️ Members can visit any YMCA location in South Hampton Roads or the Virginia Peninsulas. For specific details about visiting these locations, visit www.ymcashr.org or www.ymcavp.org.

🏋️ Zoo Members who join the Y in August will pay no joining fee (a savings of up to $100).

🏋️ Once you’ve activated your Y membership, Zoo Members can also take advantage of discounted member pricing on all programs including personal training in the month of August and register for fitness classes!

YMCA Members visiting the Zoo:

🦁 Members of the YMCA will enjoy free admission when they visit the Virginia Zoo during the month of August. Not valid for special events and education programs.

🦁 YMCA members will also have 10% discounts in the Gift Shop and food service locations.

🦁 YMCA members who purchase a Virginia Zoo membership during the month of August can take advantage of two extra months free.

🦁 Advance reservations are not required. During your visit, please be ready to provide 1 of the 3 options for check-in:

Valid membership card and Photo ID (can use the bar code on the YMCA’s app)

Completed membership verification form (available from YMCA member services) and Photo ID

Reminder: The YMCA and Virginia Zoo do not share membership databases. To receive membership swap benefits, please ensure that:

Your membership credentials list the adult(s) on the membership

Your membership is current and includes a valid expiration date

Member Mornings
2025-08-02 08:30 - 2025-08-03 09:30
Virginia Zoo members get to spend extra time at the Zoo with Member Mornings on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Members get into the Zoo an hour early when there’s plenty of parking, the weather is cooler, and there’s a better chance of seeing the animals being active and eating their breakfasts!

Members can enter the Zoo between 8:30 – 9:30 am on these weekends. Become a member today to take advantage of this perk!

A coffee truck will be on grounds from 8:30 – 11:00 am. They will be located on the Main Trail between the Event Pavilion and Photo Booth.

Coffee Truck ($)

August 2: Mello Beans ($)

August 3: Donut NV ($)

Become a member!

Wild Tykes
2025-08-02 09:30 - 10:30
Wild Tykes is a drop-in program recommended for kids aged 3-5 and their favorite adults! Each program features a new theme with age-appropriate nature and science activities that focus on these core areas: sensory, movement, free play, art, and problem-solving. We won’t be afraid to get a little dirty as we explore and play together! See signs posted in the Zoo’s Fountain Plaza to find out the location of activities on the day of your visit. Free with General Admission.

Theme: Backyard Habitats
