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DonateBIRTHDAY PARTIES
Let your child and their friends have a wild birthday at the Virginia Zoo! Parties are held year-round on Saturdays and Sundays at 10am, 10:30am or 1:30pm. 2pm parties are held seasonally from late spring through early fall. Reservations are required at least 2 weeks in advance.
Pricing information
Virginia Zoo Members: $319
Non-Members: $369
This one-of-a-kind party experience includes:
- 90 minutes of party time in private space
- Special gift from the Virginia Zoo to the birthday child
- Water & lemonade
- Eco-friendly table covers + paper products
- Exclusive encounters with two animal ambassadors
- Digital invitations
- All-day admission for up to 35 party attendees (a $595 value!)
Booking information
- Parties are on a first-come, first-served basis with full payment, with the exception of add-ons, when the party is booked.
- The parties are very popular and typically book several months in advance, so be sure to book early!
- All parties will be held in an indoor space, rain, or shine. The Virginia Zoo remains open year-round except in extreme weather conditions. Cancellations must be received at least 10 days prior to the party date to receive a partial refund of 50%. No refund will be given for cancellations less than 10 days prior to the party date.
- Parties can be booked online, by clicking here. If you have questions, please contact the Program Reservation Specialist at 757-441-2374, ext. 229.
Add-Ons
After you have booked your party, a staff member will be in touch with you about how to order add-ons. We have several add-on options available, including food ($50 Pizza Party Package), favor bags, extra guests, and other treats.
Reminders
- Bringing your own decorations is not recommended; items cannot be hung on walls. Party rooms are pre-decorated with zoo-themed décor.
- You are only allowed to bring in cakes or cupcakes. No other outside food is permitted. No refrigerator, freezer or microwave is available for party use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can I invite?
35 guests are included in the party price, but you can add additional guests up to 45 people total. Each additional guest over 35 people is $11/person.
**Each individual 3 years and older counts toward the total.
Do Zoo members need a ticket for the party?
Yes, birthday admission is separate from general zoo admission. All guests must have a
birthday party admission ticket to attend the birthday party.
However, if the birthday honoree is a Zoo member, they can invite additional guests over the allotted 35 (up to the amount of people listed on their membership) for free.
What add-ons can I purchase for my party?
Food and drink
- Pizza Party Package: $50 (BEST VALUE!)
- Includes: 3 cheese or pepperoni pizzas (12 slices each) and a bowl of chips. Additional pizzas may be added on at $18 each.
- Continental breakfast
- Items on this tray may contain nuts.
- Taxes and service fees not included.
Can you accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Most common diets and allergies can be addressed through our restaurant. Please keep in mind that our kitchen is a mutual preparation environment.
Extra guests or gifts
- Extra guests (up to 45 total guests): $11/each
- Party favor bags (may include animal figurines, notepads, toys, etc): $6/each
- Birthday Zoodoption package: $115
- Includes everything in a ‘caregiver’ Zoodoption package, plus:
- ‘Happy birthday’ Zoodoption certificate
- Zoo-themed coloring pages for all party guests
- Includes everything in a ‘caregiver’ Zoodoption package, plus:
Train tickets
Train tickets can only be purchased at the train station on the day of your party.
How far in advance do I need to make a reservation?
All parties must be reserved at least 2 weeks in advance. The parties are very popular and typically book several months in advance, so be sure to book early!
Can I bring my own…
Decorations?
In order to protect the animals living here and their habitats, the following items are prohibited at the Virginia Zoo:
Balloons (of any kind)
Confetti or glitter
Bouncy balls or any sport balls
Bicycles or motorized vehicles
Bubbles
Frisbees
Glass
Inflatable objects
Piñatas
Roller skates or blades, skateboards, scooters or any other ride-on toy
Sparklers
Straws
Styrofoam
Excessive cleaning of the classroom due to the use of prohibited items may result in a $75 cleaning fee.
Party favors/treat bags?
Yes! However, please do not include any small item that could be considered a choking hazard to children or our animals. If your bags do include these items, you host will ask that they are given to the parents to hold for their children until after they leave the Zoo.
Ice cream cake/smash cake?
No, we do not have accommodations to store an ice cream cake. Please no smash cakes* either.
*The Virginia Zoo defines a smash cake as any dessert given to a child with the intention of encouraging them to make a mess for photographs.
Can I choose what room my party is in? Can I see the room in-person prior to the party?
Generally, our parties are held in one of our classrooms. While we cannot promise any particular room on any given day, we will do our best to let you know which room we expect your party to take place in. Please keep in mind that location is subject to change without notice.
Your event coordinator will provide you with pictures of our birthday party rooms upon request. We cannot do in-person showings beforehand.
Can I choose which animal ambassadors will attend the party?
No. The Virginia Zoo staff will choose from our wide variety of ambassadors to participate at your party based on animal health and safety.
What time can my guests and I access the Zoo? What about the party area?
You and your guests have access to the Zoo the entire day of your party and can tour at
any time after opening. No storage or refrigeration space will be available before your party, so please make a plan to store any items you’re bringing for the party in your car until it’s time.
We ask that you and your guests meet your party host there 30 minutes prior to party time at the designated sign out front. They will then take you to your party room where you can begin any necessary set-up before the party starts.
What if my child has special needs?
Please let us know if anyone in your party requires accommodations. Letting us know in advance gives us the best opportunity to ensure you and your guests have a great experience.
What is the cancellation policy?
All parties will be held in an indoor space, rain or shine. The Virginia Zoo remains open year-round except in extreme weather conditions.
Cancellations must be received at least 10 days before the party date to receive a partial refund of 50%. No refund will be given for cancellations less than 10 days prior to the party date.
Click here to download the Zoo Birthday Invitation.
Click here to download the Birthday Party Info PDF.
Click here to download the Birthday Party Add Ons PDF
Please note: For the safety of our animals, balloons, balls, straws, confetti, any inflatables, and piñatas are not allowed on Zoo Grounds at any time. Small toys or items that could be considered a choking hazard for a child are also considered a choking hazard for our animals, and staff recommends to keeping those items in your car during your visit to the Zoo.