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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 these ways to learn:
Large Group Program
During this 30-minute program, students will meet 3 animals and discover how their unique adaptations help them survive in their habitats.
CLICK HERE to explore program themes.
Grade: Pre-K – 12th
Max Group Size: 200 individuals in Spring – Fall; 95 individuals in Winter
Pricing: $12 per student over 29 students
Title 1: $7 per student over 50 students
Minimum Cost: $350
Explore Tours
Join our educators and explore the zoo like never before. Each guided tour lasts for one hour and is aligned with curriculum standards. Tours can also be adjusted to best fit your learning objectives.
CLICK HERE to explore program themes.
Grade: Pre-K – 12th
Max Group Size: 40 students and 4 chaperones
Pricing: $12 per student
Minimum Cost: $180
Close Encounters
During this 30-minute program, your explorers will meet 2 of our animal ambassadors and have a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants.
CLICK HERE to explore program themes.
Grade: Pre-K – 12th
Max Group Size: 30 students and 3 chaperones
Pricing: $12 per student
Minimum Cost: $350
Zoo Lab
During this 45-minute program, students will strengthen their understanding of animals and conservation through our STEM hands-on lab programs.
CLICK HERE to explore program themes.
Grade: 3rd – 12th
Max Group Size: 30 students and 3 adults
Pricing: $12 per student over 15 students
Minimum Cost: $180
Self-Guided Field Trip
Go at your own pace! Schedule an unguided walk through the Zoo.
All ages
Minimum Group Size: 10 students
Max Group Size: 200 individuals
Pricing: $12 per student
Title 1: $7 per student
Large Group Program
During this 30-minute program, students will meet 3 animals and discover how their unique adaptations help them survive in their habitats.
CLICK HERE to explore program themes.
Grade: Pre-K – 12th
Max Group Size: Unlimited, as long as we fit into the program space.
Price: $400 + Roundtrip Travel Fee
*Discounts available for consecutively booked programs.
Close Encounters
During this 30-minute program, your explorers will meet 2 of our animal ambassadors and have a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants.
CLICK HERE to explore program themes.
Grade: Pre-K – 12th
Max Group Size: 30 students and 3 chaperones
Price: $350 + roundtrip Travel Fee
*Discounts available for consecutively booked programs.
Virtual Close Encounters
This 30-minute virtual program includes 3 animal ambassadors and has a wide variety of themes to choose from. Our programs include digital learning resources and a test call with one of our Zoo Educators.
CLICK HERE to explore program themes.
Grades: Pre-K – 12th
Max Group Size: Dependent on virtual program platform (Zoom or Google Meets)
Pricing: $175 per program
Zoo Lab
During this 45-minute program, students will strengthen their understanding of animals and conservation through our STEM hands-on lab programs.
CLICK HERE to explore program themes.
Grade: 3rd – 12th
Max Group Size: 30 students and 3 adults
Price: $180 + Roundtrip Travel Fee
This 2.5-hour evening program will satisfy your night owls by combining a close encounter animal presentation with an evening wild walk through the Zoo. We will end the night with s’mores by the campfire!
Grade: Pre-K – 12th
Max Group Size: 35 individuals
Pricing: $600 per program
Questions?
Members only receive free admission for self-guided Field Trips. If schools are booking a program, everyone participating in the program must be included in the count.
No. The ambassadors participating in the animal presentation will be chosen by staff at the Virginia Zoo based on animal health and safety.
We recommend all ADA groups to contact the Program Reservations Specialist to make a reservation. ADA individuals will receive free admission with one free chaperone.
Yes. Checks should be made out to the Virginia Zoo.
Our field trip experiences are only offered on weekdays.
Yes. You can update your group size through the reservation portal or by contacting the Program Reservations Specialist at (757) 447-2374 ext. 229.
In order to reschedule, you must give us notice at least 3 weeks from the original date. Reschedule requests are subject to the availability of the new date requested. Refunds will only be issued under special circumstances.
It is the responsibility of the school to let chaperones know where to meet if they arrive late. The Virginia Zoo will not be able to provide late arrivals with this information.
Yes. Group lunch spot locations are at Flora Point, which is next to Turtle Oasis, and the Elephant Statue, which is outside the entrance gates. Groups are not allowed to utilize the tables inside or around the restaurants.
Boxed lunches are available for $10 each or meal vouchers are available for $15 each. Lunch requests can be added onto a field trip up to 10 days before your visit, based on availability. Advanced reservations are required to eat lunch at the Zoo and can be reserved HERE.
The train will operate when the high temperature is above 55*. Fountains are on from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The train and fountains will close during inclement weather. The Train may also close for maintenance.
Field trips must make a advanced reservation online to receive the group discount. Groups that show up without a reservation will have to pay general admission costs.
Wheelchairs can be rented for the day on a first come, first-serve basis. They can be rented from the Zoo's Gift Shop or at the Stroller Shack, located just outside the shop. Regular wheelchairs: $16.
The Virginia Zoo is certified sensory-inclusive facility through KultureCity. Sensory backpacks and weighted lap pads are available in the membership office for checkout at no cost to those visiting the Zoo.
The Virginia Zoo is a rain or shine attraction. Please provide at least 24 hours notice if rescheduling due to weather. We may not always be able to accommodate your desired rescheduled date.
Yes. The Virginia Zoo Gift Shop is open daily. Shop a wide variety of items for Zoo lovers of all ages, many of which support conservation efforts around the world. We ask that only 1 group of 10 students with a chaperone enter at a time.
Have more questions? Contact Us!
To book a program or find answers to your questions, please contact the Programs Reservations Specialist. Email [email protected] 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!