Virginia Zoo

Zoo Tales
2026-09-24 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: Backyard Habitats

Fall Fest
2026-09-26 17:00 - 20:30
It’s time to fall in love with autumn at the Virginia Zoo’s newest event, Fall Fest on Saturday, September 26 from 5 – 8:30pm! 🍂 This cozy, small-town inspired evening offers something for everyone, from nostalgic games to elevated tastings, all while soaking in the crisp evening air and golden-hour views.

Families will love the old-fashioned sack races, classic carnival games 🎟, and the charm of a curated fall market featuring handmade goods and seasonal finds. Local food trucks will serve up fall flavors 🍎, while live music sets the tone for a festive evening.

For guests 21+, enjoy bourbon and craft beer tastings from local favorites Tarnished Truth Distillery and Elation Brewing, included with your ticket.🍻

Whether you’re with family or friends, this event is a celebration of unforgettable fall fun! 🍁

Activities

COMING SOON

Food & Drinks (extra cost)

COMING SOON

💲Ticket Prices💲

Please note, prices may increase as the event date nears, so don’t wait — early birds get the best deal!

🍁 COMING SOON

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.

Little Zoo
2026-09-28 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-10-12 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-10-17 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-10-26 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-11-09 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-11-15 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-11-23 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.

Zoo Tales
2026-10-01 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-10-03 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-10-08 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-10-15 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-10-22 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-10-29 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: Creepy Crawlies

Zoovies
2026-10-02 17:00 - 21:00
No outside food or beverages are permitted. Chairs & blankets welcome, but please be mindful of blocking the view of surrounding guests. Seating will not be provided. No new admission purchases are permitted after 8:00pm.

Activities

COMING SOON

Food & Drinks (extra cost)

COMING SOON

💲Ticket Prices💲

Please note, prices may increase as the event date nears, so don’t wait — early birds get the best deal!

COMING SOON

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 Babies
2026-10-06 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: Creepy Crawlies

ZooBoo
2026-10-17 09:00 - 16:00
Carve out some time this October to attend the pick of the patch Halloween event you won’t want to miss – ZooBoo! 🎃 Hosted on October 17th and 18th from 9am – 4pm, this family-friendly celebration is packed with eerie-sistible fun for all ages. Guests can watch animals enjoy pumpkin enrichment, trick-or-treat at candy stations throughout the Zoo 🍬, meet Animal Ambassadors 🦜 🦔 🦎, compete in costume contests to win fang-tastic prizes 🧛 and more. You and your boo crew will be in for a spooktacular treat!

For the wellbeing of our goats, the Goat Yard will be closed to guests during the event.

Activities & Schedule

COMING SOON

Vendors & Characters

COMING SOON

Food & Drinks ($)

10am – 4pm: African Village Restaurant open

10am – 3:30pm: Beastro open

10am – 3:30pm: Mini Melts open

Dietary Needs? Check out the candy ingredient lists here for all of the candy that will be available for trick-or-treating so you can plan!

💲Ticket Prices💲

🎃 COMING SOON

Due to this event being a special event fundraiser for the Zoo, we do not offer our normal ADA admission. We apologize for any inconvenience!

For the safety of you, our guests, animals, staff, and facilities, the following items are not permitted as part of your costume:

Full face coverings/masks

Live animals (with the exception of service animals)

Projectiles of any kind

Flames, pyrotechnics or explosives

Weapons, whether real or fake

Bare feet

Nudity, or any illusion to it, including overly revealing costumes

Thank you for your understanding and we can’t wait to see all of your spooktacular costumes!

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.

ZooBoo
2026-10-18 09:00 - 16:00
Carve out some time this October to attend the pick of the patch Halloween event you won’t want to miss – ZooBoo! 🎃 Hosted on October 18th and 19th from 9am – 4pm, this family-friendly celebration is packed with eerie-sistible fun for all ages. Guests can watch animals enjoy pumpkin enrichment, trick-or-treat at candy stations throughout the Zoo 🍬, meet Animal Ambassadors 🦜 🦔 🦎, compete in costume contests to win fang-tastic prizes 🧛 and more. You and your boo crew will be in for a spooktacular treat!

For the wellbeing of our goats, the Goat Yard will be closed to guests during the event.

Activities & Schedule

COMING SOON

Vendors & Characters

COMING SOON

Food & Drinks ($)

10am – 4pm: African Village Restaurant open

10am – 3:30pm: Beastro open

10am – 3:30pm: Mini Melts open

Dietary Needs? Check out the candy ingredient lists here for all of the candy that will be available for trick-or-treating so you can plan!

💲Ticket Prices💲

🎃 COMING SOON

Due to this event being a special event fundraiser for the Zoo, we do not offer our normal ADA admission. We apologize for any inconvenience!

For the safety of you, our guests, animals, staff, and facilities, the following items are not permitted as part of your costume:

Full face coverings/masks

Live animals (with the exception of service animals)

Projectiles of any kind

Flames, pyrotechnics or explosives

Weapons, whether real or fake

Bare feet

Nudity, or any illusion to it, including overly revealing costumes

Thank you for your understanding and we can’t wait to see all of your spooktacular costumes!

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
2026-10-24 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: Creepy Crawlies

Howl-o-ween: Dog Day at the Zoo
2026-10-30 15:00 - 18:00
Enjoy pawsitively spooky 👻 fun this Barktober with your favorite pup-kins 🐶 🎃 at Howl-o-ween: Dog Day at the Zoo! 🐾 Dog lovers and their well-behaved canine companions are invited to have a ball while exploring the Zoo together. Pups will enjoy new sights, smells, and sounds while playing an important role in enriching the lives of the Zoo’s animals. Guests are encouraged to dress their beasts in their most enchanting costumes and compete in our dog costume contest for a chance to win some pawsome prizes!

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.

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 2 weeks after ticket purchase OR 4pm on October 23 (deadline extended from October 16).

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 & Schedule

COMING SOON

Food & Drinks ($)

COMING SOON

💲 Ticket Prices 💲

Please note, prices may increase as the event date nears, so don’t wait — early birds get the best deal!

🐾 COMING SOON

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.

Zoo Tales
2026-11-05 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-11-07 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-11-12 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-11-19 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: Fall Frenzy

Sensory Friendly Morning
2026-11-08 09:30 - 12:30
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.

Activities

COMING SOON

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.

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 info@virginiazoo.org or call (757) 441-2374.

Wild Babies
2026-11-10 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: Fall Frenzy

Zoo Tales
2026-12-03 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-12-05 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: Fur & Feathers

Wild Babies
2026-12-08 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: Fur & Feathers
