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!

Virtual Program with an Opossum and Zoo Keeper

Choose one of three ways to learn:

At the Zoo (Zoo Field Trips)

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 To You

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.

Virtual Zoo

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!