Zoo Tales
2026-06-20 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-25 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: Farmers

Free Father's Day Train Rides
2026-06-21 09:30 - 16:00
To celebrate all the amazing fathers in our community, this Father’s Day we are offering free train rides on the Virginia Zoo Express to all dads, grandfathers or father-figures! Valid on Father’s Day, June 21, 2026 only.

Little Zoo
2026-06-21 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-22 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-06 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-13 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-19 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-20 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 Tykes
2026-06-25 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-06-27 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: Farmers

25 on the 25th
2026-06-25 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

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

Click here to get your tickets!

Member Night - A Look Behind the Scenes
2026-06-25 17:00 - 20:00
At “A Look Behind the Scenes” on June 25th, members of all ages can learn directly from our dedicated staff about how we provide outstanding care for our animals! But this event isn’t just educational – you’ll also get the chance to ride the Virginia Zoo Express 🚂 for free, enjoy an evening exploration of the Zoo, access free bounce houses, and more!

No advanced reservations are required, but attendees must show their Member ID upon arrival. Gates will open at 5pm and the event ends at 8pm. The event will take place rain or shine.

BECOME A MEMBER

Activities

($) = for an additional cost

5 – 5:30pm: Animal Ambassador Greeters

5 – 7:30pm: Animal Trails and Goat Yard Open

5 – 7:45pm: FREE Virginia Zoo Express Train Rides

5:30 – 8pm: Behind-the-Scenes Open House

5:30- 6pm: Vet Chat Meet & Greet with new vet, Dr. Arin, at the Animal Wellness Campus

FREE Bounce House Access

Diet Kitchen Tours

Trading Card

Spinning & Weaving Demos with the Coastal Virginia Weavers

Animal Art Silent Auction in the Event Pavilion

Submit your memories table

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

Community Organizations

Virginia MOCA

Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Virginia Zoo Gift Shop ($)

25% off for 25 on the 25th

Fairy Hair by The Fairy Hair Company ($)

Face Painting by Artfully Yours Face Painting ($)

Food & Drinks (extra cost)

5 – 7:45pm: African Village Restaurant open

25% off full menu for 25 on the 25th

Free water station

5 – 7:45pm: Mini Melts open

Event Reminders

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 attending, you agree to abide by the Virginia Zoo’s Rules & Policies.

Member Mornings
2026-06-27 08:30 - 2026-06-28 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 in the Fountain Plaza.

Coffee Trucks ($)

June 27: Mello Beans ($)

June 28: Glazed & Infuzed ($)

Become a member!

Zoo Tales
2026-07-02 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-04 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-09 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-16 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-18 11:00 - 11:30, 2026-07-23 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: Sunny Summer

Member Mornings
2026-07-04 08:30 - 2026-07-05 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 in the Fountain Plaza.

Coffee Trucks ($)

July 4: Donut NV ($)

July 5: Buzz Stop ($)

Become a member!

Wild Babies
2026-07-07 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 0-4 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: Sunny Summer

Member Mornings
2026-07-11 08:30 - 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 in the Fountain Plaza.

Coffee Trucks ($)

July 11: Bear House Coffee ($)

Become a member!

Wild Tykes
2026-07-11 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-23 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-25 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: Sunny Summer

Breakfast with the Animals
2026-07-12 08:00 - 10:00
Are you a morning person who’s ready and roaring to go to the Zoo on the weekend? Join us for Breakfast with the Animals – an opportunity to rise, shine and dine with your favorite Zoo residents!

Flock to the Zoo with your fellow early birds and catch exclusive access to the trails before we open to the general public. Gobble down some grab-and-go breakfast foods, migrate to your favorite animals’ habitat, and get a bird’s eye view of how morning meals are made on the wild side.

Gates open at 8am and close at 9:30am. The Zoo will open to the public at 10am.

Event takes place rain or shine!

Activities

COMING SOON

Food & Drink

COMING SOON

💲Ticket Prices💲

Each ticket includes various breakfast foods, exclusive access to animal’s morning routines, and all-day Zoo admission.

🍎 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.

Member Mornings
2026-07-18 08:30 - 2026-07-19 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 in the Fountain Plaza.

Coffee Trucks ($)

July 18: Glazed & Infuzed ($)

July 19: Mello Beans ($)

Become a member!

Adult Night
2026-07-18 17:00 - 20:00
Craving a 90’s summer? Salute your childhood by joining us for a 21+ nostalgic night out at Adult Night: Summer Camp on Saturday, July 18 from 5-8pm at the Virginia Zoo!

As your Camp Director, we’ve got the ultimate itinerary planned for you! Get ready for a throwback camp experience with tug of war, sack races, volleyball, beer pong, bounce houses, lawn games, yoga, local vendors, and more. Whether you’re feeling competitive or just here for the vibes, this is your chance to relive camp – minus the bunk beds and bug bites.

Refuel with camp-inspired eats, specialty cocktails, adult juice pouches, mocktails and s’mores and all the summer-night nostalgia while exploring the Zoo after hours.

One, two, three, four, we declare a COLOR WAR! The Virginia Zoo camp teams are: the Red Pandas, the Orange Bongos, the Blue Iguanas, and the Green Parrots. Pick your team at checkout, and don’t forget to wear your team color on the day of the event.

The only thing scarier than campfire stories is missing your chance to get tickets – so get them before they are gone!.

Event is Ages 21+ and ALL IDs will be checked before entering.

Purchase tickets here!

Activities

Included with your ticket:

5 – 5:30pm: Animal Ambassador Greeters

7pm: Scary Tales, a special edition of Zoo Tales, at the ZooLive! Stage

Sack Races and Tug of War with Astro Event Company

Beer Pong (with water) and Volleyball with CLUBWAKA

Bounce House and Bounce Agility Course from Just Jump A Lot

Beer samples from Elation Brewing

Pop-up class with Sky’s the Limit Yoga

Submit your memories table

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

Community Organizations

Tidewater Compost

Norfolk Kayak

The Adventure Park

Available for an additional cost ($):

Tinsel Town Fairy Hair

Artfully Yours Face Painting

Mocktail Bar from Free Life LLC

Vendor Market:

Tumbeezy Cookies

Pop.Roxie

Lavender Designs

S’mores Amore

xedmade

Stay Weird Vintage

Huckleberry Handmade

Chalk Dust Dyes

Food & Drinks ($)

Food Trucks

Cast Iron Catering

Chesapeake Concessions

Kona Ice

African Village Restaurant open from 5 – 7:45pm serving a limited summer camp themed menu.

Mac & Cheese Bites

Flatbread Pizzas

Chicken Quesadilla with Peppers & Onion served with Sour Cream & Salsa

Adult Icees with Vodka or Tequila

Virginia Zoo Specialty Cocktails (while supplies last): All drinks will be served in a 12 oz. cup, $10 per drink.

Zoo Punch: Bacardi Superior, Malibu, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, Grenadine

Camp Cooler: Smirnoff Vodka, Fresh Lemonade Watermelon Pucker, Sprite

💲Ticket Prices💲

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

This is a 21+ only event. IDs will be checked upon entry.

☀️ Member Adult: $13

☀️ Non-Member Adult: $28

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.

Member Mornings
2026-07-25 08:30 - 2026-07-26 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 in the Fountain Plaza.

Coffee Trucks ($)

July 25: Buzz Stop ($)

July 26: Bear House Coffee ($)

Become a member!
