Virginia Zoo

Zoo Tales
2026-04-18 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-04-23 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-04-30 11:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
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: Colors & Shapes

Golden Egg Hunt
2026-04-19 09:30 - 16:00
Click here to see the full list of available prizes!

Every Saturday and Sunday there will be 10 large golden eggs hidden throughout the Zoo. All eggs will have a Virginia Zoo prize pack but 2 eggs each day will have larger prizes. NEW! This year we’ll have prizes from partner organizations included in the large eggs. We will also be hiding 30 small golden eggs each day with a Virginia Zoo trading card prize!

Small eggs will be hidden in the Zoo throughout the day, expanding the time that people can find them. All the large eggs will be hidden before the Zoo opens for the day.

Rules and Guidelines

Ten (10) golden eggs will be hidden across the publicly accessible areas throughout the Zoo.

Two (2) of these eggs will have BIG prizes. The big prizes of the day are as follows:

ONE MOCA Household Membership + Elation Brewing Sticker Coupon + Virginia Zoo Prize Pack

ONE spot in 2027 Safari Camp + Virginia Zoo Prize Pack

Eight (8) of the large eggs will contain Virginia Zoo Prize Packs which include a Virginia Zoo drawstring bag, 2 Virginia Zoo sticker sheets (including our special edition 125th anniversary stickers), a Virginia Zoo pencil pouch with supplies, a Virginia Zoo trading card, and a Virginia Zoo trading card deck box.

Thirty (30) small golden eggs (also hidden across the publicly accessible areas throughout the Zoo) will contain a Virginia Zoo trading card prize.

Once your family finds a golden egg, go to the Membership Office to celebrate. Please be sure to only redeem one golden egg per family.

Eggs are available on a first come first serve basis only. Starting at 9:30am. Check signage in the Fountain Plaza for status of egg hunt.

Good luck and happy egg hunting!

Little Zoo
2026-04-19 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-04-27 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-11 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-17 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.

Habitat Heroes - Native Plant Workshop
2026-04-19 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-05-12 18:00 - 19:30
Sign Up Here

Interested guests are invited to join us for an Introduction to Designing with Native Plants—a beginner-friendly workshop where you’ll learn how to create a sustainable, low-maintenance landscape that supports local wildlife and thrives in the Hampton Roads environment.

In This Workshop, You Will Learn:

The benefits of using native plants in your garden,

How to assess your landscape and choose the right plants,

Design principles to create a beautiful and functional garden,

Tips for sustainable gardening practices.

Handouts will be provided to take home and reinforce what you learn.

Bonus! Take home a native plant to add to your landscape!

Details:

Where: Virginia Zoo’s World of Reptiles Classroom. Program participants will meet in front of the Zoo 10 minutes before class start time.When: 🌿 3/31 – 6pm🌿 4/19 – 1pm🌿 5/12 – 6pm

Why Attend?

Whether you’re starting from scratch or enhancing an existing garden, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to design a landscape that’s both beautiful and environmentally friendly.

Cost:

This workshop costs $5 per person. Registration is required.

Please note: This workshop is designed with adult learners in mind. The content may be more advanced than what younger participants typically engage with, and seating is limited to a total capacity of 20 people. We encourage families to use their own judgment about whether the material will be a good fit for their children when purchasing them a ticket.

Sign Up Here

If you sign up and are no longer able to attend, please let us know so that we can open the spot to another. Space is limited. Sign up now to secure your place and begin your journey towards being a wildlife Habitat Hero!

Course Instructor: Trista Imrich is the owner and fearless leader of Wild Works of Whimsy and Southern Branch Nursery. A Navy veteran (Surface Warfare Officer), this Ohio native has a Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Management and brings her unique perspective on landscape design and native planting to Hampton Roads. Trista has extensive experience with the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP), Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) requirements, and mitigation projects, including living shorelines, rain gardens, infiltration trenches, and conservation landscaping. She is a Virginia Certified Horticulturist (VCH), a Designer (VSLD-certified), and a Level 2 Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional in design and installation (CBLP-ID). Trista contributed to creating and editing the “Native Plants for Southeast Virginia” guide and is an active advocate for sustainable practices in the region. She frequently speaks at events, garden clubs, and community groups, sharing her passion for native plants and practical insights into sustainable landscaping.

Golden Egg Hunt
2026-04-25 09:30 - 16:00
Click here to see the full list of available prizes!

Every Saturday and Sunday there will be 10 large golden eggs hidden throughout the Zoo. All eggs will have a Virginia Zoo prize pack but 2 eggs each day will have larger prizes. NEW! This year we’ll have prizes from partner organizations included in the large eggs. We will also be hiding 30 small golden eggs each day with a Virginia Zoo trading card prize!

Small eggs will be hidden in the Zoo throughout the day, expanding the time that people can find them. All the large eggs will be hidden before the Zoo opens for the day.

Rules and Guidelines

Ten (10) golden eggs will be hidden across the publicly accessible areas throughout the Zoo.

Two (2) of these eggs will have BIG prizes. The big prizes of the day are as follows:

ONE Hermitage Household Plus Museum Membership + 2 Sunset Tickets to the Hermitage Museum + Elation Brewing Sticker/Coupon + Virginia Zoo Prize Pack

ONE Virginia Zoo Anniversary Zoodoption + 125th Anniversary Prize Pack + Virginia Zoo Prize Pack

Eight (8) of the large eggs will contain Virginia Zoo Prize Packs which include a Virginia Zoo drawstring bag, 2 Virginia Zoo sticker sheets (including our special edition 125th anniversary stickers), a Virginia Zoo pencil pouch with supplies, a Virginia Zoo trading card, and a Virginia Zoo trading card deck box.

Thirty (30) small golden eggs (also hidden across the publicly accessible areas throughout the Zoo) will contain a Virginia Zoo trading card prize.

Once your family finds a golden egg, go to the Membership Office to celebrate. Please be sure to only redeem one golden egg per family.

Eggs are available on a first come first serve basis only. Starting at 9:30am. Check signage in the Fountain Plaza for status of egg hunt.

Good luck and happy egg hunting!

25 on the 25th
2026-04-25 09:30 - 16:00
The Virginia Zoo is celebrating our 125th anniversary all throughout 2026. Check out our exciting deals and activities listed below that showcase how we’re celebrating!

Deals are exclusive to the 25th of each month and available in person only.

25% off admission tickets

$125 Two-Adult Household Memberships

$1.25 Virginia Zoo Express train rides

12.5% discount in the Virginia Zoo Gift Shop for all guests

25% discount in the Virginia Zoo Gift Shop for Virginia Zoo Members

25% discount in the African Village Restaurant, excluding alcoholic beverages

Members receive a FREE bring-a-friend ticket (automatically applied)

10am – 2pm: Trading Card Swap

Do you have duplicate trading cards from your Zoo visits, or are you looking to find the rarest trading cards? Visit us for our Trading Card Swap for your chance to collect them all!

Mission Engagement Activities

10 am: Zoo History Chat at the Goat Yard

11 a.m.: Zoo History Walking Tour (meet in Fountain Plaza)

1:30 pm: Zoo History Chat in the Fountain Plaza

Click here to get your tickets!

Golden Egg Hunt
2026-04-26 09:30 - 16:00
Click here to see the full list of available prizes!

Every Saturday and Sunday there will be 10 large golden eggs hidden throughout the Zoo. All eggs will have a Virginia Zoo prize pack but 2 eggs each day will have larger prizes. NEW! This year we’ll have prizes from partner organizations included in the large eggs. We will also be hiding 30 small golden eggs each day with a Virginia Zoo trading card prize!

Small eggs will be hidden in the Zoo throughout the day, expanding the time that people can find them. All the large eggs will be hidden before the Zoo opens for the day.

Rules and Guidelines

Ten (10) golden eggs will be hidden across the publicly accessible areas throughout the Zoo.

Two (2) of these eggs will have BIG prizes. The big prizes of the day are as follows:

ONE Chrysler Museum Hot Glass Class for 2 Certificate + Elation Brewing Sticker/Coupon + Virginia Zoo Prize Pack

ONE 4-pack of Zoo Tickets + 4 meal vouchers + 4 Virginia Zoo Express train rides + Virginia Zoo Prize Pack

Eight (8) of the large eggs will contain Virginia Zoo Prize Packs which include a Virginia Zoo drawstring bag, 2 Virginia Zoo sticker sheets (including our special edition 125th anniversary stickers), a Virginia Zoo pencil pouch with supplies, a Virginia Zoo trading card, and a Virginia Zoo trading card deck box.

Thirty (30) small golden eggs (also hidden across the publicly accessible areas throughout the Zoo) will contain a Virginia Zoo trading card prize.

Once your family finds a golden egg, go to the Membership Office to celebrate. Please be sure to only redeem one golden egg per family.

Eggs are available on a first come first serve basis only. Starting at 9:30am. Check signage in the Fountain Plaza for status of egg hunt.

Good luck and happy egg hunting!

Conservation Clean-Up
2026-04-26 10:00 - 12:00
Make a positive impact in your local community by volunteering with the Virginia Zoo to keep our environment and city parks beautiful. Participating in one of these clean-ups will grant free entry to the Virginia Zoo on May 16, 2026 for our Party for the Planet event.

How: Sign up as an Episodic Volunteer through our Better Impact system. Once approved you will have the opportunity to sign up for the shift. Please allow 2-3 days for system update.

When: April 26 from 10am – 12pm

Where: Community Beach Park

Sign Up Here!

Tails & Trails: Dog Day at the Zoo
2026-04-26 15:00 - 18:00
Are you and your pup ready to have the best W-A-L-K? 🐕 🐾 Get ready to join us for our first Dog Day event of the year! 🐶 We’re inviting dog-loving zoo fans and their well-behaved canine companions to explore the Zoo together! Your dogs will be treated to sights, smells, and sounds of animals they’ve never encountered before all while playing a vital role in enriching the lives of the Zoo’s animal residents.

To ensure that this event is safe for everyone, your fur babies MUST be well-trained and vaccinated. Dogs behaving in an unruly or aggressive manner (i.e. excessive barking, growling, lunging, biting, etc.) will be required to leave without a refund.

PAW-RCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE!

How to Join Us:

Reserve a ticket for yourself AND your dog. Each adult ticket may only reserve a spot for ONE dog. Note: Our ticket form will not complete transactions that do not have a 1:1 ratio of adult humans to dogs.

Submit a signed waiver (this link will be provided in your ticket confirmation email).

Upload your dog’s veterinary records*. Medical records must be received no later than April 12 @ 4pm.

Medical requirements:

Up-to-date vaccination for: Rabies

Up-to-date vaccination for: Distemper virus, Adenovirus (also called canine Hepatitis) and Parvo virus

Up-to-date vaccination for: Bordetella

Proof of negative heartworm test within the past year AND proof of purchase for heartworm preventative

*You will only have one opportunity to upload these documents, please verify before you select submit that all required documentation has been provided.

Entry will not be permitted if your medical records have not been received by the Virginia Zoo, or if our veterinary staff determines that your dog’s records are insufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need to reserve tickets ahead of time, or can I walk up with my dog?

All dog tickets must be pre-registered by the date listed above, so our vets can review your dog’s records to ensure they meet requirements. Only human tickets will be available at the gate.

What veterinary records are required for my dog to attend this event?

Medical records must be received no later than 4pm on April 12. Upload your dog’s veterinary records to the link provided in your canine ticket purchase confirmation email. You will only have one opportunity to upload these documents, please verify before you select submit that all required documentation has been provided.

Medical requirements:

Up-to-date vaccination for: Rabies
Up-to-date vaccination for: Distemper virus, Adenovirus (also called canine Hepatitis) and Parvo virus
Up-to-date vaccination for: Bordetella
Proof of negative heartworm test within the past year AND proof of purchase for heartworm preventative

These records are being required by the Virginia Zoo's board certified veterinarian for the safety of both your animals and those that call the Zoo home. If you have questions or or need clarification, please email us at events@virginiazoo.org.

What if my dog’s records are rejected?

If our vets do not approve your dog’s veterinary records, your ticket will be cancelled and refunded. You will be notified at the email you provided when tickets were reserved.

Does my dog need to be on a leash at all times?

Yes, dogs must be on a leash at all times during the event, even if they are in a carrier or a stroller. Leashes must be no longer than 6 feet and should be non-retractable.

Can I use a hands-free leash at this event?

No, hands-free leashes are not permitted at this event to ensure the safety of all animals and guests in attendance.

Can I bring more than one dog to the event?

Each adult (18+) can only be accompanied by ONE dog. If you would like to bring more than one dog, you will need to have another adult present with you in your party.

Can I bring a pet that is not a dog?

No, only dogs are allowed at this time.

Will dog supplies be provided?

Guests are encouraged to bring their own treats, water bowls, and relief bags. Limited water stations will be available around the Zoo. Water will also be available for purchase.

Can I go to all parts of the Zoo with my dog?

Dogs are currently not permitted to enter the Zoo Farm, the World of Reptiles or Turtle Oasis. Other areas may not be available as programs or animals dictate. Dogs must remain behind the guest fences or stanchions, not go through them, and obey all posted signage.

Where are the relief areas for my dog?

The Zoo will be installing a designated dog relief area (see event map). All guests will be responsible for cleaning up after their dogs should it be needed.

Are there any restrictions on the types of dogs that can attend?

Puppies under 4 months, sick dogs, dogs with active injuries (i.e. stitches, bandages), unvaccinated dogs, and female dogs in heat are not suitable for the event.

Am I allowed to attend if I don’t have a dog?

Yes, of course! All dog and zoo-lovers are welcome! The Zoo will be open for extended hours for this event and guests are more than welcome to purchase a human ticket to attend without a dog.

Can I go back in and edit my waiver submission?

No, all documents and completion of the waiver needs to be done at one time. If you have trouble with your submission, email us at info@virginiazoo.org.

Can I bring my service dog to this event?

Yes, service dogs are welcomed to this event at their handler's discretion. If your service dog is on duty, while the handler will require to purchase a ticket, the dog will not. However, to assist with planning, a cost-free reservation is requested by contacting us at events@virginiazoo.org to let us know your working service dog will be attending.
Emotional support dogs do not qualify as service animals according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and are therefore required to purchase a ticket to attend this event.

Dog tickets are sold out, what now?

For safety reasons, we have a limited number of dog tickets available for this event. Veterinary records must be submitted for all dogs with tickets purchased for this event, however, it could take our team a few days to ensure the records are sufficient and approved. Should records not be approved, some dog tickets may open up, so please reserve a free waitlist ticket at the ticket link to be added to our waitlist!

What are you doing to ensure the Zoo animals are safe and not stressed?

The health and safety of our Zoo animals is always our top priority. We are ensuring their wellbeing during this event in a number of ways, including:

Our team has done extensive research and consulted with other AZA-accredited facilities who have hosted similar events. We have also reviewed in detail all aspects of the event with our Veterinary and Animal Care teams, including them in every step of the process and acting on their recommendations.
For this event, dogs will not be permitted in some parts of the Zoo, including the ZooFarm, World of Reptiles, and Turtle Oasis. This is to protect our animals from close contact with the dogs, as well as prevent stress for some of our more reactive species.
We conducted two test days with well-behaved pets of our Zoo Team and Members, which allowed our Animal Care Team to evaluate their animals’ responses to dogs. The open areas of the Zoo were selected because the keepers identified that the animals in that area did not exhibit concerning behaviors during the tests.
During our test days, and through our research, we actually found that having some dogs on site was enriching for many of the animals here at the Zoo! Many of the animals were interested in our canine friends and it proved to be stimulating and exciting for them!
We will continue to monitor our animals’ behavior during and after the event as well as make adjustments mid-event and for future events accordingly.
On the day of the event, any dogs behaving in an unruly or aggressive manner (i.e. excessive barking, growling, lunging, biting, etc.) will be required to leave Zoo grounds without a refund.

Bringing in other animals onto Zoo grounds is something we take very seriously. We are adhering to all recommendations by animal experts at our facility and other AZA organizations. Additionally, we require detailed vaccination and veterinary records to be submitted for review by our Veterinarian for all dogs attending this event.

Activities

Included with your ticket:

Donation Drive for the Norfolk Animal Care Center (NACC)

Guests who donate items from the NACC’s donation list will receive a raffle ticket with the chance to win a basket from our participating vendors! Items include a raffle basket filled with dog-friendly items.

Raffle basket drawing will take place at 5:30pm – you must be present to win!

Dog Agility Course demos with Dogtopia in the Event Field

Note: Dogs will remain on leash for this activity.

Scent Enrichment Activity: Dogs can sniff unique scents that they wouldn’t normally encounter on their daily walks to make their Tails & Trails experience extra special.

Golden Egg Hunt: Five large golden eggs and 15 small golden eggs will be hidden around the Zoo with prizes!

One (1) large golden egg will have one Waters Edge Winery Bottling Experience Certificate, a The Mariners’ Museum and ParkⓇ Family Fun Pack, and a Virginia Zoo Prize Pack.

One (1) large golden egg will have 1 Dog Ticket and 1 Human Ticket to Howl-o-ween: Dog Day at the Zoo (October 30), and a Virginia Zoo Prize Pack.

Three (3) large golden eggs will contain Virginia Zoo Prize Packs.

Fifteen (15) small golden eggs will contain Virginia Zoo trading card prizes.

Celebrate our 125th anniversary: Share your photos and memories of the Virginia Zoo through time for the chance to be featured in our time capsule. The time capsule will be buried later this year and unearthed in 2031!

Available for an additional cost:

Exclusive dog Zoodoption Packages featuring a Burmese python, two-toed sloth, yellow-footed tortoise, or red fox toy inside

Virginia Zoo Gift Shop Sale: 20% off dog merch, including bandanas, toys, leashes, and collars

Virginia Zoo Express Train Rides until 5:40pm

Vendors

$ = for an additional cost

Salty Paws Chics Beach

Pup cups will be available

Dogtopia – Ghent

Parti Pups LLC ($)

Dogtown VA

Moondog Bakery ($)

Earthwise Pet Nutrition Center ($)

Pawsnickety Pets ($)

Muddy Paws

Camp Bow Wow

Food and Drink Options ($)

Cool Concessions 757

💲 Ticket Prices 💲

Tickets on sale to Zoo Members starting 3/13 and available to the general public beginning 3/20.

🐾 Canine (Dog Ticket): $18

🐾 Member Adult (18+): $8

🐾 Member Child (2-17): $8

🐾 Non-Member Adult (12+): $18

🐾 Non-Member Child (2-11): $13

PAW-RCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE!

Event Reminders

Limited number of tickets available. Advance ticket sales end when sold out (get yours early!). If tickets remain on the day of the event, gate sales may be limited to credit card transactions only.

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.

Membership Swap: Elation Brewing & Waters Edge Winery
2026-05-01 09:00 - 2026-05-31 16:00
Virginia Zoo Members visiting Elation Brewing and Voyager Coffee 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 (Notifications are available in Elation Brewing App.)

🐍 15% off your tab (Excludes pizza purchases.)

🐍 $1 off Crowlers

🐍 $2 off Growler refills

🐍 15% off 6-packs to go except for Virginia Zoo based brews

🐍 15% off merchandise purchases excluding Red Pandamonium merchandise

🐍 Each Monday for Mug Club Night, receive an extra $1 off Elation Pint Drafts Only

🐍 15% off at Voyager Coffee

Virginia Zoo Members must present a valid membership card and photo ID to Elation and Voyager staff to receive these benefits.

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

🍻 VEP Mug Club Members receive complimentary admission tickets for the member and up to 3 additional guests. This offer is not valid for special events and programs.

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

🍻 It’s a great time for VEP Mug Club Members to become Virginia Zoo Members! When you purchase a membership, you will receive two additional months for free. Offer is valid for in-person sales only.

VEP Mug Club Members should log in to their Elation Brewing app and present photo ID to Virginia Zoo Staff to receive these benefits.

Virginia Zoo Members visiting Waters Edge Winery receive:

🦁 50% off glasses or bottles on Wednesdays and Thursdays (dine-in only)

🦁 10% off on wine and merchandise purchases

🦁 Complimentary tastings

🦁 Virginia Zoo Members can reserve a spot for a Wine Bottling Experience. Visit wewnorfolk.com and click on Wine Bottling Experience. Sign up and in the comments write Virginia Zoo Member. Note: Space is limited.

Virginia Zoo Members must present a valid membership card and photo ID to Waters Edge Winery staff to receive these benefits.

Waters Edge Winery Members visiting the Virginia Zoo receive:

🍷 Waters Edge Winery Members receive complimentary admission for the member and up to 3 additional guests. This offer is not valid for special events and programs.

🍷 Waters Edge Winery Members receive a 10% discount on purchases in the Gift Shop and food service locations.

🍷 It’s a great time for Waters Edge Winery Members to become Virginia Zoo members! When you purchase a membership, you will receive two additional months for free. Offer is valid for in-person sales only.

Waters Edge Winery Members should log in to their online account and show their photo ID to Virginia Zoo staff to receive these benefits.

Zoo Tales
2026-05-02 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-07 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-14 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-16 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-21 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: Spring from the Earth

Conservation Clean-Up
2026-05-03 10:00 - 12:00
Make a positive impact in your local community by volunteering with the Virginia Zoo to keep our environment and city parks beautiful. Participating in one of these clean-ups will grant free entry to the Virginia Zoo on May 16, 2026 for our Party for the Planet event.

How: Sign up as an Episodic Volunteer through our Better Impact system. Once approved you will have the opportunity to sign up for the shift. Please allow 2-3 days for system update.

When: May 3 from 10am – 12pm

Where: Poplar Hall Park

Sign Up Here!

Give Local 757
2026-05-05 00:00 - 23:59
Every Gift Plants Progress at the Virginia Zoo

Make your donation today!

A gift of any size helps the Virginia Zoo grow, but this year your donation can plant something truly special.

To celebrate 125 years of care, community, and connection, you can help us plant 125+ trees and shrubs throughout the Zoo’s 53 acres. These plantings will bring more than just beauty to the grounds; these carefully curated species will transform the Zoo into a browsable garden, boosting biodiversity, supporting local pollinators, and best of all, enriching the lives of the animals that call the Zoo home.

Your generosity takes root, enhancing the lives of our animals every day.

How? Browse is a vital, plant-based form of enrichment that engages our animals’ senses through sights, smells, textures, and tastes. Enrichment is essential to maximizing the wellbeing of the animals in our care by creating stimulating environments or activities that encourage natural behaviors.

And when you give $125 today, you can turn your gift into a living tribute and make your mark on Zoo history. With a $125 donation, you’ll receive a small commemorative plaque placed on a browsable tree. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate a graduation, to honor someone who loves animals or nature, or to remember a loved one—through something living, growing, and lasting.

As leaves unfurl and branches stretch, your contribution becomes part of daily life at the Zoo. Animals thrive. Habitats blossom. Visitors marvel. And your gift keeps quietly doing its work—season after season.

Our goal is $12,500—125+ plants rooted in care and made possible by people like you. Whether you give $25, $50, $125, or more, you’re helping us grow a healthier Zoo and a greener future.

Please give today at the level that feels right to you.

What you plant here will live on.

Make your donation today!

Wild Babies
2026-05-05 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: Spring from the Earth

Bike Night
2026-05-08 17:00 - 20:00
Tire-d of your same-old cycling route? 🚲 Put those pedals to the metal and gear up for a wild, after-hours ride at the Virginia Zoo! Cruise through the Zoo on designated paths, listen to our DJ spin dance-worthy tracks, take a break to walk the animal trails, and meet local bike vendors that can help you repair or trick out your ride with wheel-y cool accessories. Electric scooters are not permitted for this event.

*Please note that guests will not be permitted to bike or scooter on exhibit trails due to safety concerns for pedestrians that will be in attendance.

Rules and Safety

No Electric Bicycles Permitted (Unless Hybrids with Motors Removed)

No skateboards, roller skates, or longboards

Helmets must be worn by all attendees under the age of 18.

Bikes must be walked on animal trails — no riding.

Event takes place rain or shine!

Purchase tickets here!

Activities

Included in your ticket:

5 – 7:30pm: Animal trails open; Goat Yard open

6pm: Zoo Tales – Storytime featuring an Animal Ambassador guest

Tune up station sponsored by Bike Norfolk

Helmet decoration station hosted by GenZoo

Local DJ

Submit your memories table

Share your Virginia Zoo memories with us for a chance to be featured in our 125th anniversary time capsule

Visiting Organizations

Elizabeth River Trail

Visit Norfolk

GenZoo

Spinclusion

Available for an additional cost ($):

Virginia Zoo Express Train Rides (last ride at 7:40pm)

20% off exclusive Bike Night water bottles in the Virginia Zoo Gift Shop

*Bikes must be walked, not ridden on Animal Trails. Guests cannot bring bikes in the World of Reptiles or ZooFarm.

Vendors

Hampton BMX

East Coast Bikes

Slow & Steady Bikes and Goods

Food & Drink ($)

Beastro open with limited menu

💲Ticket Prices💲

Tickets go on sale to Zoo Members starting 3/27 and to the general public starting 4/3. Ticket prices may increase closer to the event, so be sure to get yours early!

🛞 Member Adult: $8

🛞 Member Child: $8

🛞 Non-Member Adult: $18

🛞 Non-Member Child: $13

Purchase tickets here!

Event Reminders

Limited number of tickets available. Advance ticket sales end when sold out (get yours early!). If tickets remain on the day of the event, gate sales may be limited to credit card transactions only.

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.

Wild Tykes
2026-05-09 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-05-21 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: Spring from the Earth

Conservation Clean-Up
2026-05-09 10:00 - 12:00
Make a positive impact in your local community by volunteering with the Virginia Zoo to keep our environment and city parks beautiful. Participating in one of these clean-ups will grant free entry to the Virginia Zoo on May 16, 2026 for our Party for the Planet event.

How: Sign up as an Episodic Volunteer through our Better Impact system. Once approved you will have the opportunity to sign up for the shift. Please allow 2-3 days for system update.

When: May 9 from 10am – 12pm

Where: Lafayette Park Kayak and Boat Launch

Sign Up Here!

Free Mother's Day Train Rides
2026-05-10 09:30 - 16:00
To celebrate all the amazing mothers in our community, this Mother’s Day we are offering free train rides on the Virginia Zoo Express to all moms, grandmothers or mother-figures! Valid on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026 only.

Party for the Planet
2026-05-16 09:30 - 14:00
Celebrate Earth Day the WILD way by joining our Party for the Planet! 🥳 🌎 Get inspired to take environmental action not just on Earth Day, but every day. Greet Animal Ambassadors, learn about all the Zoo’s conservation efforts, hear from community partners about how they make a difference for our planet, and much more!

Party for the Planet is North America’s largest combined Earth Day celebration, with over 120 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facilities participating in the fun. You won’t want to miss these terra-ific festivities here at the Virginia Zoo! 🌿

NEW THIS YEAR Volunteer for a Great American Clean with the Virginia Zoo and receive free admission to the Zoo to attend Party for the Planet! Click here to sign up for these volunteer opportunities.

Get your tickets here!

THIS EVENT IS FREE WITH YOUR GENERAL ZOO ADMISSION AND TAKES PLACE RAIN OR SHINE!

Activities

9:30 – 10am: Animal Ambassador Pop Up at the Event Pavilion

1 – 1:30pm: Animal Ambassador Pop Up at the Event Pavilion

Photo ops with Tango the Tiger

Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) Animal Activity Stations

iNaturalist Bioblitz:

Contribute to community science by logging local wildlife sightings on Zoo grounds!

Drive Safe Hampton Roads’ Old, Used, Borrowed and Abused Child Safety Seat Round-Up in the parking lot

Car seats that are over eight years old, have been purchased from a thrift store or yard sale, have missing parts, or have no traceable recall information can all pose a safety risk to children. This donation drive provides a way for community members to properly recycle their car seats.

Submit your memories table

Share your Virginia Zoo memories with us for a chance to be featured in our 125th anniversary time capsule.

Plant sale with the Virginia Zoo’s Horticulture Department ($)

Community Vendors

AskHR Green

Environmental Stormwater

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Habitat Heroes

Keep Norfolk Beautiful

Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Norfolk Environmental Commission

Norfolk Public Library

Tidewater Compost

Tidewater Master Naturalists

Virginia 811

Virginia Herpetological Society

Norfolk Tree Commission

Norfolk Public Libraries

Visit Norfolk

James River Association

Garden for Wildlife

Food & Drink ($)

10am – 4pm: African Village Restaurant open

10:30am – 3:30pm: Beastro open

9:30am – 4pm: Mini Melts open
