STORYTIMES

Zoo Tales

Join the Education Department for a storybook adventure. The program features animal stories, educational activities, and maybe even an animal visitor!

These programs are included with Zoo admission.

• Every Thursday 11:00am-11:30am
• First Saturday of each month
• Adding Saturday dates to June – September
  • June 6th, 20th
  • July 4th, 18th
  • August 1st, 15th
  • September 5th, 19th

WILD TYKES

Taking the best parts of Zoo Tykes, our early-childhood program, and Running Wild, our nature play program, WILD TYKES is a new program recommended for kids aged 3-5 and their favorite adults! Each program will feature 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! 

Wild Tykes will start again on April 2026 in the Run Wild: Nature Discovery Zone from 9:30am – 10:30am. We are adding Saturday dates during our warmer months!

Dates:

• April 16th
• May 21st, 23rd
• June 13th, 25th, 27th
• July 11th, 23rd, 25th
• August 8th, 20th, 22nd
• September 12th, 24th
• October 24th

Want to learn a little more about the plants and animals around the Virginia Zoo? Download the app “Seek by iNaturalist” to identify different species in a snap!

LITTLE ZOO

Join us for a showcase of some of our smallest Animal Ambassadors at the Zoo! Watch our animal handlers work with Animal Ambassadors to demonstrate natural and enriching behaviors right in front of your eyes. Several animals will be featured at each experience.

Little Zoo will be hosted on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month with expanded opportunities in July and August. We are also adding the 3rd Sunday of each month for our weekend visitors! (Some weeks vary due to holidays.)

Dates:

• December 1th, 15th, 2025
• January 12th, 18th, 26th
• February 9th, 15th, 25th
• March 9th, 22nd, 30th
• April 13th, 19th, 27th
• May 11th, 17th
• June 8th, 14th
• July 13th, 19th, 20th, 27th
• August 3rd, 10th, 16th, 24th
• September 14th, 20th, 28th
• October 12th, 17th, 18th, 26th
• November 8th, 15th, 23rd
• December 14th, 20th, 28th

WILD BABIES

This program offers age-appropriate educational and sensory experiences to audiences age 0-4 years and their caregivers. The program will include a story, hike, and sensory experience (activities and/or animal encounter). This program will provide opportunities to experience nature, social development, and set up zoo guests to grow with our program offerings. These are held on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of every month through November.

Wild Babies programs are held from 9:45-10:45am.

Dates:

• June 2nd
• June 16th
• July 7th
• July 21st
• August 4th
• August 18th
• September 1st
• September 15th
• October 6th
• October 20th
• November 3rd
• November 17th

WILD WHEELS

A new program that invites our little learners (0 to 4 years old) in their strollers to join us in a walk around the zoo with stops and activities along the way to get the wiggles out! Check signs in the Plaza for meeting location. Be ready to stroll at 10:30 am! These programs are held on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month through November.

Wild Wheels programs are held from 10:30-11:15am.

Dates:

• June 9th
• June 23rd
• July 14th
• July 28th
• August 11th
• August 25th
• September 8th
• September 22nd
• October 13th
• October 27th
• November 10th
• November 24th