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About Our Programs
Our school and group programs are great for any group – not just schools! Scouts, homeschool groups, libraries, senior centers, and more can all enjoy these exciting offerings. These programs give participants a memorable, fun, and highly educational way to learn about animals and conservation.
All programs are age-appropriate and complement the Virginia Standards of Learning along with curriculum requirements in North Carolina and for private schools. Scouts can also complete certain badge requirements; ask us for more information!
Learn more about our school and group programs in our Field Trip Guide!
Choose one of three ways to learn:
Zoo Edventures
What: This auditorium-style program is 45-minutes, designed for larger groups, and features 4 of our unique animal ambassadors.
Themes: Adaptations. Habitats
Who: All ages – please inquire with the Education Department for the specific SOLs covered.
When: Any day of the week; 10 am to 2 pm
Includes: All-day admission to the Zoo for all participants; 1 free adult chaperone for every 10 students.
Add-ons: Looking for lunch? The Zoo’s Restaurant can provide bagged lunches for $9/lunch including tax.
Close Encounters
What: This 30-minute presentation is designed for smaller groups, includes 3 animal ambassadors, and has a wide variety of themes to choose from.
Themes: Adaptations, Animal Behavior, Animal Groups, Community (Citizen Science), Food Chains + Food Webs, Habitats, Life Cycles, Senses
Who: Pre-K through 12th grade. Please inquire with the Education Department for the specific SOLs or badge requirements covered.
Wild Walks
What: A 1-hour educator-led tour through part of the Zoo focused on a topic of your choice.
Themes: Adaptations, Animal Groups, Habitats, General Zoo Tour, Zoo Careers
Who: Appropriate for all ages, but recommended for Kindergarten and up due to walking.
Starry Safari
What: This 2-hour evening program will satisfy your night owls by combining a close encounter animal presentation with an evening wild walk through the Zoo complete with activities all about our nocturnal neighbors.
Who: Recommended for ages 5 and up.
When: Friday and Saturday evenings starting between 5pm and 6:30pm.
Cost: $500 for up to 20 participants (plus 2 free adult chaperones). $20/participant for up to 30 participants. Includes 1 free adult chaperon for every 10 children.
Add-Ons: Looking to sweeten the deal? Add an extra half hour to include s’mores over the campfire for $50 for the first 20 participants and $2/participant after that.
Field Trips Zoo Admission
What: Go at your own pace! Schedule an unguided walk through the Zoo.
Who: All ages – please be prepared to provide your Staff Identification for all field trips.
When: Monday-Friday; 9:30 am to 4 pm (Last Admission at 3 pm) Two weeks notice is required.
Cost: Minimum 10. $11/participant including applicable fees. Title I students can receive a $5 discount on tickets.
Includes: All-day admission to the Zoo for all participants; 1 free adult chaperone for every 10 students.
Homeschool Zoo Admission
What: Go at your own pace! Schedule an unguided walk through the Zoo.
Who: Compulsory age students – please be prepared to provide your Notice of Intent or bona fide exemption.
When: Monday-Friday; 9:30 am to 4 pm (Last Admission at 3 pm)
Cost: Maximum 10. $9.95/student plus applicable fees. Looking to bring a larger group? Use the School Group Zoo Admission option above.
Includes: All-day admission to the Zoo for all participants; 1 free adult chaperone for every 10 students.
Zoo Edventures
What: This auditorium-style program is 45-minutes, designed for larger groups, and features 4 of our unique animal ambassadors.
Themes: Adaptations. Habitats
Who: All ages – please inquire with the Education Department for the specific SOLs covered.
When: Monday-Friday 10am-2pm; limited availability.
World Traveler
What: During this 30-minute auditorium program, your group (up to 300 students) will meet 4 different animal ambassadors and learn about the places that they call home.
Themes: Adaptations and Habitats
Who: Pre-K through 2nd grade. Please inquire with the Education Department for the specific SOLs
When:Monday-Friday 10am-2pm; limited availability.
Close Encounters
What: This 30-minute presentation is designed for smaller groups, includes 3 animal ambassadors, and has a wide variety of themes to choose from.
Themes: Adaptations, Animal Behavior, Animal Groups, Community (Citizen Science), Food Chains + Food Webs, Habitats, Life Cycles, Senses
Who: Pre-K through 12th grade. Please inquire with the Education Department for the specific SOLs
Cost: $175 – 98 device limit if the Zoo hosts. Includes pre- and post-program curriculum to help your group make the most of this experience.
Contact Us
To book a program or find answers to your questions, please contact the Programs Reservations Specialist. Email vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov or call 757-441-2374 ext. 229
Resources
Looking for extra resources for your classroom or group? Check out our teacher resource page for free videos, scavenger hunts, and more!
