Maximum capacity is 200 per program (Students and chaperones combined). All requests that go over 200 individuals will be declined.
Bring the whole school together for an auditorium program! Each presentation includes at least 4 animal ambassadors and can be booked for up to 200 people.
Bring your whole group together to meet some of our animal ambassadors! During this 45-minute program, students will meet 4 animals and discover how their unique adaptations help them survive in their habitats.
VA Science SOLs: K.7a; 1.5a,b; 2.5b; 3.4a,b; 4.2b; 4.3c; LS.6d; LS.7b; BIO.7c
NC Essential Standards (Science): K.L.1.2, 1.L.1.1, 1.L.1.2, 1.L.2.2, 4.L.1.2, 4.L.1.4, 5.L.2, 8.L.3, Bio.2.1.2
Onsite: 10 am, 11 am, or 12 pm
One FREE adult chaperone for every 10 students.
The minimum fee is $350.
Maximum capacity is 200 per program (Students and chaperones combined).
School-discounted tickets will not be offered through general admission.
Payment is due the day of the visit during the school check-in.
VA Science SOLs: K.7a; 1.5a,b; 2.5b; 3.4a,b; 4.2b; 4.3c; LS.6d; LS.7b; BIO.7c
NC Essential Standards (Science): K.L.1.2, 1.L.1.1, 1.L.1.2, 1.L.2.2, 4.L.1.2, 4.L.1.4, 5.L.2, 8.L.3, Bio.2.1.2
*Reservations must be made at least 2 weeks before the date of your visit.
Field Trips are non-refundable. Habitats, attractions, or entertainment may close due to refurbishing, capacity, weather, special events, or change in operating hours without notice and liability to the Virginia Zoo.
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 about animal care, behavior, and conservation on an up-close and personal behind-the-scenes tour! Be introduced to a Zoo Keeper who can share information about the animals they care for as only they know them! Meet our rhinos, stand tall with the giraffes, or meet an almost-century-old tortoise. See a tapir in close proximity or chill with a sloth! The Virginia Zoo offers you once-in-a-lifetime animal tours filled with memorable experiences and fascinating information. Each tour is certain to cross off that item on your bucket list, as it will offer you and your family or friends the breathtaking experience of seeing the world’s most dramatic wildlife.
Funds raised from behind-the-scenes tours help to support the Zoos’ animal care internship program. This program offers participants unique and specialized training, giving them the experience necessary to become the animal care experts of the future. The Zoo Keeper internship program is open to local and national participants and runs year-round.
We share our reservation portal with our school programs. Guests that are reserving a Behind-the-Scenes Tour, don't be alarmed when the site asks for teachers' information and school information.
For all reservation requests, there must be a 2-week notice of the date requested.
Science, Biology, Ecosystems, Animals
200 students, Min 1 chap.
45 min.
Field Trip
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, K
$12.00 per Person for School Group
$6.00 per Person for Title I School