Virginia Zoo

Zoo Tales
2025-10-23 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-30 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: Creepy Crawlies

Fall Mornings
2025-10-26 09:30 - 12:00
Enjoy a drink and a bite to eat from local coffee trucks as you stroll through the Zoo on Sunday mornings, all fall long!

A coffee truck will be on grounds from 9:30am – 12:00 pm. They will be located in the Fountain Plaza.

Coffee Truck ($)

October 26: Bear House Coffee

Become a member!

Little Zoo
2025-10-27 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-11-10 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-11-24 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-12-08 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.

First Responder Day
2025-10-28 09:30 - 16:00
To celebrate First Responder Day, the Virginia Zoo Express will be offering free train rides to all first responders! This offer can be redeemed at the train station only on October 28, 2025.

Wild Tykes
2025-10-30 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

Membership Swap: My Gym Children's Fitness Center
2025-11-01 09:00 - 2025-11-30 16:00
The Virginia Zoo is excited to announce a new partnership with My Gym Children’s Fitness Center in Virginia Beach. Sign-up anytime in November and enjoy a 4-week free trial membership! To learn more about My Gym Children’s Fitness Center, visit their website here.

Virginia Zoo Members visiting My Gym Children’s Fitness Center receive:

🐸 1 (one) structured class per week

🐸 3 (three) open/free play gym sessions per week

It is strongly encouraged to reserve classes ahead of your visit, but walk-ups are permitted if space allows. Classes welcome children from ages 3 months to 10 years old.

To sign up for your free month of membership, visit My Gym Children’s Fitness Center Sign-up:

Select a class based on age range and click Enroll Now. Your trial membership will begin based on the date you choose.

Select Register Now and complete the registration process and then click Submit and continue through the process to create an account and complete sign up.

At checkout, click on “Have a Promo Code?” and enter the code contained in the November Member Update email. If you became a Virginia Zoo Member after November 1, please contact us for the code by emailing info@virginiazoo.org or calling our Membership Office at 757-441-2374 ext. 257.

If you have additional children, you will have to repeat the process to sign them up.

Show your confirmation email you received when you purchased your membership and a photo ID to My Gym Children’s Fitness Center staff at your initial class check-in to receive membership swap benefits.

Note: You must purchase My Gym socks for a nominal fee to participate. Also, be sure to check your membership status for auto-renewal. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to My Gym Children’s Fitness Center staff by texting 757-425-7600.

My Gym Children’s Fitness Center members visiting the Virginia Zoo receive:

💪 Complimentary general admission for the number of individuals covered under their membership. The discount is not valid for special events and education programs.

💪 10% discount on purchases in the gift shop and food service locations.

💪 My Gym Children’s Fitness Center members that purchase a Virginia Zoo membership during the month of November can take advantage of two extra months – free. Offer is valid for in-person sales only.

For My Gym Children’s Fitness Center members visiting the Virginia Zoo, you must present your membership credentials and photo ID to our staff to receive swap benefits.

Zoo Tales
2025-11-01 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-11-06 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-11-13 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-11-20 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

Fall Mornings
2025-11-02 09:30 - 12:00
Enjoy a drink and a bite to eat from local coffee trucks as you stroll through the Zoo on Sunday mornings, all fall long!

A coffee truck will be on grounds from 9:30am – 12:00 pm. They will be located in the Fountain Plaza.

Coffee Truck ($)

November 2: Donut NV

Become a member!

Wild Babies
2025-11-04 09:45 - 10:45, 2025-12-02 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: To Be Determined

Fall Mornings
2025-11-09 09:30 - 12:00
Enjoy a drink and a bite to eat from local coffee trucks as you stroll through the Zoo on Sunday mornings, all fall long!

A coffee truck will be on grounds from 9:30am – 12:00 pm. They will be located in the Fountain Plaza.

Coffee Truck ($)

November 9: Buzz Stop

Become a member!

Veteran's Day
2025-11-11 09:30 - 16:00
Update: Due to low forecasted temperatures, the Virginia Zoo Express train will be closed on Tuesday, November 11. Veterans can receive a voucher for a future free train ride in the Gift Shop, as well as 10% off their purchase.

To celebrate Veteran’s Day, the Virginia Zoo Express will be offering free train rides to all veterans! This offer is only available to veterans and can be redeemed at the train station on November 11, 2025.

Member Perk: Wild Wednesday
2025-11-12 11:30 - 14:30, 2025-11-19 11:30 - 14:30, 2025-12-03 11:30 - 14:30
Wednesdays are wild in the African Village Restaurant! Zoo members can enjoy a special-priced lunch for just $10, which includes a meal and a 16oz fountain drink, as we test new items on the menu. Please present your valid membership card and photo ID at the time of purchase.

Membership Swap: Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum
2025-12-01 09:30 - 2025-12-31 16:00
For December, Virginia Zoo members can enjoy local history with complimentary admission to the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum. Explore the trails and visit the museum. Also, members can enjoy the traveling exhibit, “American Revolution Experience.”

To receive membership swap benefits, present your membership card or the confirmation email from your purchase (showing valid adult names and expiration dates), along with a photo ID, to the Admissions staff.

For more information about Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, please visit Great Bridge Battlefield | Discover Revolutionary History.

Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum members visiting the Zoo:

🦁 Enjoy complimentary general admission for the number of individuals covered under their membership. The discount is not valid for special events and education programs.

🦁 Receive a 10% discount on purchases in the gift shop and food service locations.

🦁 Purchase a Virginia Zoo membership during the month of December and receive two extra months – free. Offer is valid for in-person sales only.

For Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum members visiting the Virginia Zoo, you must present your membership credentials and photo ID to our Ticket Booth staff to receive these benefits.

CyBEAR Monday
2025-12-01 09:30 - 16:00
Take advantage of our “beary” best deals of the season that make perfect gifts for people of all ages!

Whodoptions

Available only on CyBear Monday!

Adopt one of our mysterious “Whodoption” animals for just $15 each.

$7 USPS Ground Advantage Shipping

FREE Shipping when you buy more than one

Upgrade to Priority Mail ($10) or Express ($30)

Limit 6 per transaction (multiple transactions allowed)

Purchase Whodoptions here!

Physical Zoodoption Packages

20% off all physical Zoodoption packages.

Symbolically adopt your favorite Zoo animal this holiday season!

Packages start at $35 and include:

Name on recognition board in Membership Office and in Zoo Review magazine

Personalized adoption certificate

Keeper notes about your animal

4″x6″ picture of your animal

Purchase Zoodoptions here!

Gift of Memberships

$10 off all Gift Memberships.

Give the gift of the Virginia Zoo all year with our Gift Memberships

Click here to learn more about our Membership Levels and perks.

Purchase Gift Membership here!

Behind-the-Scenes Tours

$10 off per person on Sloth, Animal Ambassador, and Bird of Prey Tour gift certificates.

Purchase Behind-the-Scenes Tours here!

Gift of Tickets

$2 off single-day admission gift tickets.

Purchase Gift Tickets here!

Safari Camp

Members receive early access today to our popular Spring Break Safari Camp.

Book Spring Break Camp here!

Giving ZooDay
2025-12-02 00:00 - 23:59
TODAY is Giving Tuesday, or Giving ZooDay, as we like to call it in the animal kingdom. 😉

Donate here!

This Giving ZooDay, help us raise $5,000 in 24 hours! On Giving ZooDay, you’re not just a donor, you’re a superhero for wildlife! You’re stepping up to shield endangered species, nurture the next generation of planet caretakers, and support a cherished local treasure. Together, we can help our wildest pals flourish! Giving Zoo Day is all about kindness, community, and giving back. At the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, the care for over 700 animals never hits pause. Every donation, big or small, turbocharges the Zoo Fund, ensuring top notch animal care, fun enrichment, expert veterinary support, habitat upkeep, and vital conservation efforts. A huge thank-you for fueling the Virginia Zoo’s mission.

Every dollar given today will go towards things like:

​Nurture and protect more than 700 animals

​Inspire and educate thousands of children

Lead vital conservation efforts locally and globally

Build a more sustainable future for wildlife

​New enrichment toys and training tools

Habitat improvements

Medical supplies for our Animal Wellness Campus

Conservation work that protects species worldwide

Zoo Tales
2025-12-04 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-12-06 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: Birds

Holidays in the Wild: Holiday Market
2025-12-06 11:00 - 15:00
Whether the holiday season has you leaping for joy or saying “baaa humbug”? 🐑 Have no fear, visit the Virginia Zoo to experience seasonal cheer at our second annual Holidays in the Wild: Holiday Market on December 6th from 11am-3pm! Stroll our animal trails with a warm, cozy beverage in hand ☕, take in the sounds of the season listening to cheerful carolers, watch animals interact with festive enrichment, and shop local artisans to give a one-of-a-kind gift that gives back to your community. 🎁 🛍️ This holiday market is sure to be your new family tradition full of joyful memories of wildlife and wonder! ❄️

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

Help local animals have a happy howl-iday season by giving to our Norfolk Animal Care Center donation drive! The Zoo will be offering one (1) free admission with a donation to Norfolk Animal Care Center (NACC) on the day of the event. Bring a 5 pound or larger bag of dry pet food (any brand, flavor, or size animal) or three (3) NEW items off the list below:

Blankets and comforters

Towels and washcloths

Dog toys (especially for tough chewers)

Toys for cats and small mammals

Dog collars, harnesses, and leashes

Dog & cat treats

Small animals supplies

Donations can be made at the Norfolk Animal Care Center’s Waggin’ Wheels mobile unit located in front of the Zoo ALL DAY on the day of the event. Free admission can only be used on Saturday, December 6th and multiple donations can receive multiple admissions.

Purchase your general admission ticket here!

Event Map

Activities

Activities included with admission

11am – 3pm: Photo ops with Tango the Tiger

11am: Zoo Tales – Birds

11am: Community Science Chat in the outdoor classroom

11:30am: Animal Ambassador Pop-up at the Event Pavilion

12pm – 2pm: Doorway Singers

12:30pm: Holiday show with our cryptid zookeepers, Zoosquatch and Zoozilla at the ZooLive! Stage

1:30pm: Educator Chat

2:00pm: Animal Ambassador Pop-up at the Event Pavilion

2:30pm: Holiday show with our cryptid zookeepers, Zoosquatch and Zoozilla at the ZooLive! Stage

2:30pm: Southern cassowary keeper chat on the Asia: Trail of the Tiger

Themed animal enrichment throughout the Zoo

FREE Coca-Cola holiday ornament giveaway to the first 300 guests to arrive

Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Demonstration Station

Supplies provided by 757 Creative Reuse Center

Activities available for an additional cost ($)

11am – 2pm: Train Rides and Photos with Santa*

*The Virginia Zoo Express Train will not operate if the temperature is below 45 degrees. In the event of train closure, photos with Santa will be moved to the Virginia Zoo Gift Shop.

Bounce house ($)

Holiday Vendor Market ($)

That Hippie Painter

The Sarcastic Hermit, LLC

Better Than Your Bandana

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Out of Woodstock

Artemis Crystal Connections

Snake Shed Art by Moonflower Mountain

Tumbeezy Cookies

Smith’s Woodworking

dEMONCH | monch+kins Atelier

Chaos 3D

Parti Pups LLC

Velvet Horns Vintage

Hunger Shop

Sunflower Rose Boutique LLC

Easy Crumb Easy Dough

Sacred Souls

Ever Jane Boutique

Stay Weird Vintage

Organamama Apothecary

Messie by Jessie

Flutterby Soap Company

WUBYS WINGS

Love, Gioia

Tinsletown 757

Bad Panda VB

Jollity and Co.

Three Little Birds Embroidery

Pawsnickety Pets

Stitched by Nature

Virginia Zoo Gift Shop

20% off all items purchased for a gift basket

More coming soon!

Food & Drinks ($)

10am – 4pm: African Village Restaurant open

Hot cocoa avaiable

Food Trucks

Ghost Kitchen

Glazed & Infuzed

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.

Train Rides with Santa
2025-12-06 11:00 - 14:00
Due to weather, the Virginia Zoo Express Train will not operate on Saturday, December 6. Please see details below regarding Santa location.

Climb aboard the Virginia Zoo Holiday Express to savor the magic of the holiday season and take a *photo with Santa! Holiday train rides will be offered on select weekends throughout December from 11am-2pm, weather permitting.**

*Photos with Santa included with price of train ride. Photos are self-serve.**Train cannot operate below 45 degrees or in the rain.

Train rides are $3 and free for ages 2 and below.

If Virginia Zoo Express Train is closed due to weather

In the event of poor weather causing the train to be closed, Santa will be located at the Virginia Zoo Gift Shop taking self-serve photos for $3 a family. Guests will also receive a yellow train ticket to use for one train ride at a later date.

Please check posted signage, Virginia Zoo social media, or call ahead before your visit to confirm train operations.

Train Rides with Santa
2025-12-07 11:00 - 14:00
Climb aboard the Virginia Zoo Holiday Express to savor the magic of the holiday season and take a *photo with Santa! Holiday train rides will be offered on select weekends throughout December from 11am-2pm, weather permitting.**

*Photos with Santa included with price of train ride. Photos are self-serve.**Train cannot operate below 45 degrees or in the rain.

Train rides are $3 and free for ages 2 and below.

If Virginia Zoo Express Train is closed due to weather

In the event of poor weather causing the train to be closed, Santa will be located at the Virginia Zoo Gift Shop taking self-serve photos for $3 a family. Guests will also receive a yellow train ticket to use for one train ride at a later date.

Please check posted signage, Virginia Zoo social media, or call ahead before your visit to confirm train operations.
