Looking for fun and interactive programs that encourage family learning and foster early environmental awareness? The Virginia Zoo’s Early Childhood Programs offer opportunities for toddler to pre-school age children and their caregivers. Come discover the natural world through play, stories, animal encounters, and more! Each month will have a new theme and different activities! 

Woman reads a book to a group of children

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
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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 17 in the Run Wild: Nature Discovery Zone from 9:30am – 10:30am.

Dates:

  • April 17
  • May 3
  • May 15
  • June 7
  • June 19
  • July 5
  • July 17
  • August 2
  • August 21
  • September 6
  • September 18
  • October 30
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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 is scheduled for every Monday from July 7-August 25, 2025. For the rest of the year, Little Zoo will be hosted on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month.

Dates:

  • July 7
  • July 14
  • July 21
  • July 28
  • August 4
  • August 11
  • August 18
  • August 25
  • September 1
  • September 15
  • October 6
  • October 20
  • November 3
  • November 17
  • December 1
  • December 15
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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 2nd Tuesday of every month.

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

Dates:

  • July 8
  • August 5
  • September 2
  • October 7
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