The Virginia Zoo offers group bagged lunches at an affordable rate, making lunchtime easy and convenient. Meal Vouchers are available for purchase if the bagged lunches are not wanted you're looking for. Lunches can be added to a field trip up to 10 days before your visit, based on availability. When you sign up for lunches, please include any known allergies, so that all accommodations can be made in the event of substitutions.
Once confirmed, you will be sent an invoice and once paid you will receive a confirmation email that you will show at our African Restaurant. The time you choose will be the time for pick up and your lunchtime.

If your group is bringing your own lunches, you will still need to reserve a time.

Boxed Lunch
Cost: $10 each
Meal options:
Turkey & Cheese Sliders
Ham & Cheese Sliders
Uncrustable
Veggie & Fruit Box
*Gluten-Free available upon request
Includes: 1 Zoo Bag, 1 Juice Box, 1 Bag of Chips, Bag of Grapes, 1 Bag of Animal Cookies, Napkins, Mayo & Mustard Packets for Sandwiches.

Meal Vouchers
Cost: $15 each
Meal includes:
1 Hot Entrée Item, Fries or Bag of Chips, & 1-16oz Fountain Drink. (Excludes Cold Box Items)

Go at your own pace! Schedule an unguided walk through the Zoo.

Minimum 10 students to receive field trip discount.

Cost: $9.95/participant plus $1.05. Title I Schools 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.

Additional chaperones/teachers must pay $11 through the school/group. If the school/group requires a separate invoice for the chaperones, please notify the Program Reservations Specialist. Additional chaperones/teachers will not be able to get the $11 school/group ticket online or at the ticket booth.

To receive the Title 1 discount, the school must be a certified Title 1 school. Only Title 1 schools receive this discount. No exceptions.

By submitting a program request, you agree to the Program Policies and Virginia Zoo Policies.

Come visit the Virginia Zoo during Spring Break as a Self-Guided field trip. Limited availability.

Minimum 10 students to receive field trip discount.

Cost: $9.95/participant plus $1.05 conservation and technology fee.
Title I Schools can receive a $5 discount on tickets.

To receive the Title 1 discount, the school must be a certified Title 1 school. Only Title 1 schools receive this discount. No exceptions.

Includes: All-day admission to the Zoo for all participants; 1 free adult chaperone for every 10 students.

Additional chaperones/teachers must pay $11 through the school/group. If the school/group requires a separate invoice for the chaperones, please notify the Program Reservations Specialist. Additional chaperones/teachers will not be able to get the $11 school/group ticket online or at the ticket booth.

Compulsory age students | $11 per student

Homeschool Day Events will be on November 15th and March 6th

Maximum group size | 10 students + 1 chaperone

Proof of Notice of Intent or Bona Fide exemption is required to receive this discount. Please email a copy for verification once confirmed.

Tickets are only available during the weekdays.

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 without liability to the Virginia Zoo.

Go at your own pace! Schedule an unguided walk through the Zoo.

The Virginia Zoo provides all ADA individuals with FREE admission. Each individual gets in one FREE adult chaperone. This perk is only for Self-Guided Field Trips.

Minimum Group Size: 5 ADA Individuals

Bring the whole school together for an auditorium program! Each presentation includes at least 3 animal ambassadors and can be booked for up to 200 people. These programs are offered at the zoo and in your school.

Join us on a global animal adventure! During this 30-minute program, your explorers will meet 3 of our animal ambassadors from different continents and diverse habitats. Your students will learn how animals adapt to their environments and how we can help their populations thrive.

You will receive digital learning resources for you and your students.

Onsite: 10 am, 11 am, or 12 pm

One FREE adult chaperone for every 10 students.
The minimum fee is $350.
Maximum capacity is 95 per program (participants and chaperones).
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

NC Essential Standards (Science): K.L.1.2, 1.L.1.1, 1.L.1.2, 1.L.2.2

*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.

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.
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.

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.

Please choose one of these themes: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Explore-Tours-2023-2024.pdf

Cost: 12 per person | Minimum: $180
Maximum Group Size: 40 students + 4 chaperones

Take a closer look! These programs provide a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants. throughout each program, participants will meet 3 animal ambassadors.

Choose a theme for your program: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Close-Encounters-Early-Childhood-2023-2024.pdf

Cost:
$12 per student and any additional chaperones
Minimum: $350

Group Size: 30 students + 3 chaperones
To know the standards of learning for each theme, please email vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov.

Students will strengthen their understanding of animals and conservation through our STEM lab programs. Students will collect, record, and interpret data in these hands-on programs. Programs are 45 minutes long and are offered at the zoo and in your school. Please note that Zoo Labs do not include an animal encounter.

Please choose a theme: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Zoo-Labs-2023-2024.pdf

Cost: $12 per student
Minimum Fee: $180
Maximum Group Size: 30 students + 3 chaperones

Take a closer look! These programs provide a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants. Throughout each program, participants will meet 3 animal ambassadors.

Choose a theme for your program: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Close-Encounters-K-thru-2nd-2023-2024.pdf

Cost:
$12 per student and any additional chaperones
Minimum: $350

Group Size: 30 students + 3 chaperones
To know the standards of learning for each theme, please email vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov.

Take a closer look! These programs provide a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants. Throughout each program, participants will meet 3 animal ambassadors.

Choose a theme for your program: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Close-Encounters-3rd-5th-2023-2024.pdf

Cost:
$12 per student and any additional chaperones
Minimum: $350

Group Size: 30 students + 3 chaperones
To know the standards of learning for each theme, please email vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov.

Take a closer look! These programs provide a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants. Throughout each program, participants will meet 3 animal ambassadors.

Choose a theme for your program: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Close-Encounters-6th-12th-2023-2024.pdf

Cost:
$12 per student and any additional chaperones
Minimum: $350

Group Size: 30 students + 3 chaperones
To know the standards of learning for each theme, please email vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov.

Bring the whole school together for an auditorium program! Each presentation includes at least 3 animal ambassadors and can be booked for up to 95 people.

Join us on a global animal adventure! During this 30-minute program, your explorers will meet 3 of our animal ambassadors from different continents and diverse habitats. Your students will learn how animals adapt to their environments and how we can help their populations thrive.

You will receive digital learning resources for you and your students.

Onsite: 10 am, 11 am, or 12 pm

One FREE adult chaperone for every 10 students.
The minimum fee is $350.
Maximum capacity is 95 per program (participants and chaperones).
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

NC Essential Standards (Science): K.L.1.2, 1.L.1.1, 1.L.1.2, 1.L.2.2

*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.

Bring the whole school together for an auditorium program! Each presentation includes at least 4 animal ambassadors and can be booked for up to 95 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.

You will receive digital learning resources for you and your students.

Onsite: 10 am, 11 am, or 12 pm

One FREE adult chaperone for every 10 students.
The minimum fee is $350.
Maximum capacity is 95 per program (participants and chaperones).
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.

Take a closer look! These programs provide a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants. throughout each program, participants will meet 3 animal ambassadors.

Choose one theme for your program: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Close-Encounters-Early-Childhood-2023-2024.pdf

Cost:
$12 per student and any additional chaperones
Minimum: $350

Group Size: 30 students + 3 chaperones
To know the standards of learning for each theme, please email vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov.

Take a closer look! These programs provide a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants. Throughout each program, participants will meet 3 animal ambassadors.

Choose a theme for your program: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Close-Encounters-K-thru-2nd-2023-2024.pdf

Cost:
$12 per student and any additional chaperones
Minimum: $350

Group Size: 30 students + 3 chaperones
To know the standards of learning for each theme, please email vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov.

Take a closer look! These programs provide a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants. Throughout each program, participants will meet 3 animal ambassadors.

Choose a theme for your program: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Close-Encounters-3rd-5th-2023-2024.pdf

Cost:
$12 per student and any additional chaperones
Minimum: $350

Group Size: 30 students + 3 chaperones
To know the standards of learning for each theme, please email vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov.

Take a closer look! These programs provide a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants. Throughout each program, participants will meet 3 animal ambassadors.

Choose a theme for your program: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Close-Encounters-6th-12th-2023-2024.pdf

Cost:
$12 per student and any additional chaperones
Minimum: $350

Group Size: 30 students + 3 chaperones
To know the standards of learning for each theme, please email vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov.

Take a closer look! These programs provide a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants. throughout each program, participants will meet 3 animal ambassadors.

Choose a theme for your program: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Close-Encounters-Early-Childhood-2023-2024.pdf

Cost:
$12 per student and any additional chaperones
Minimum: $350

Group Size: 30 students + 3 chaperones
To know the standards of learning for each theme, please email vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov.

Take a closer look! These programs provide a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants. Throughout each program, participants will meet 3 animal ambassadors.

Choose a theme for your program: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Close-Encounters-K-thru-2nd-2023-2024.pdf

Cost:
$12 per student and any additional chaperones
Minimum: $350

Group Size: 30 students + 3 chaperones
To know the standards of learning for each theme, please email vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov.

Take a closer look! These programs provide a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants. Throughout each program, participants will meet 3 animal ambassadors.

Choose a theme for your program: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Close-Encounters-3rd-5th-2023-2024.pdf

Cost:
$12 per student and any additional chaperones
Minimum: $350

Group Size: 30 students + 3 chaperones
To know the standards of learning for each theme, please email vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov.

Take a closer look! These programs provide a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants. Throughout each program, participants will meet 3 animal ambassadors.

Choose a theme for your program: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Close-Encounters-6th-12th-2023-2024.pdf

Cost:
$12 per student and any additional chaperones
Minimum: $350

Group Size: 30 students + 3 chaperones
To know the standards of learning for each theme, please email vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov.

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.

Grades Pre-K – 12th | $175 per program

Maximum # of Devices: Dependent on virtual program platform (Zoom or Google Meets). The Virginia Zoo does not limit the number of participants in our virtual programs, but the program platform may limit the number of devices that can join.

Choose a Close Encounter Theme: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Virtual-Programs-2023-2024.pdf

Join us on a global animal adventure! During this 30-minute program, your explorers will meet 3 of our animal ambassadors from different continents and diverse habitats. Your students will learn how animals adapt to their environments and how we can help their populations thrive
VA Science SOLs: K.7a; 1.5a,b; 2.5b

NC Essential Standards (Science): K.L.1.2, 1.L.1.1, 1.L.1.2, 1.L.2.2

Cost: $385 per program + travel
Discounts available for consecutively booked programs

Travel Fee (round-trip):
Free within Norfolk
Up to 15 miles - $25
16-30 miles - $30
31-45 miles - $35
45-60 miles - $45

During this 45-minute program, your group (up to 300 students) will meet 4 different animal ambassadors and learn about the places that they call home. We will discuss what these animals need to survive and what might happen if those basic needs are not met. We will also discuss the physical features and behavioral adaptations that these animals have for surviving in their habitats. By the end of this program, we hope that participants leave with a greater appreciation for wildlife and the habitats that they live in. This program includes digital learning resources.
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

Cost: $400 per program + travel
Discounts available for consecutively booked programs

Travel Fee (round-trip):
Free within Norfolk
Up to 15 miles - $25
16-30 miles - $30
31-45 miles - $35
45-60 miles - $45

Take a closer look! These programs provide a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants. throughout each program, participants will meet 3 animal ambassadors.

Choose a theme for your program: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Close-Encounters-Early-Childhood-2023-2024.pdf

Group Size: 30 students + 3 chaperones

Cost:
Set Fee: $350
Discounts available for consecutively booked programs

Travel Fee (round-trip):
Free within Norfolk
Up to 15 miles - $25
16-30 miles - $30
31-45 miles - $35
45-60 miles - $45

To know the standards of learning for each theme, please email vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov.

Take a closer look! These programs provide a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants. Throughout each program, participants will meet 3 animal ambassadors.

Choose a theme for your program: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Close-Encounters-K-thru-2nd-2023-2024.pdf

Group Size: 30 students + 3 chaperones

Cost:
Set Fee: $350
Discounts available for consecutively booked programs

Travel Fee (round-trip):
Free within Norfolk
Up to 15 miles - $25
16-30 miles - $30
31-45 miles - $35
45-60 miles - $45

To know the standards of learning for each theme, please email

Take a closer look! These programs provide a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants. Throughout each program, participants will meet 3 animal ambassadors.

Choose a theme for your program: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Close-Encounters-3rd-5th-2023-2024.pdf

Group Size: 30 students + 3 chaperones

Cost:
Set Fee: $350
Discounts available for consecutively booked programs

Travel Fee (round-trip):
Free within Norfolk
Up to 15 miles - $25
16-30 miles - $30
31-45 miles - $35
45-60 miles - $45

To know the standards of learning for each theme, please email vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov.

Take a closer look! These programs provide a more in-depth learning experience for up to 30 participants. Throughout each program, participants will meet 3 animal ambassadors.

Choose a theme for your program: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Close-Encounters-6th-12th-2023-2024.pdf

Group Size: 30 students + 3 chaperones

Cost:
Set Fee: $350
Discounts available for consecutively booked programs

Travel Fee (round-trip):
Free within Norfolk
Up to 15 miles - $25
16-30 miles - $30
31-45 miles - $35
45-60 miles - $45

To know the standards of learning for each theme, please email vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov.

Students will strengthen their understanding of animals and conservation through our STEM lab programs. Students will collect, record, and interpret data in these hands-on programs. Programs are 45 minutes long and are offered at the zoo and in your school. Please note that Zoo Labs do not include an animal encounter.

Please choose a theme: https://virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Zoo-Labs-2023-2024.pdf

Cost:
Set Fee: $180

Travel Fee (round-trip):
Free within Norfolk
Up to 15 miles - $25
16-30 miles - $30
31-45 miles - $35
45-60 miles - $45

To know the standards of learning for each theme, please email vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov.

On this tour, guests will have the opportunity to get up-close with these slow-moving reptile giants inside their exhibit! Learn more about these impressive animals, their conservation status, and what it takes to care for them from Zoo Keepers. Guests will get a chance to meet AJ, the Zoo’s largest and oldest Aldabra tortoise!
Max persons allowed on tour: 10 guests
Minimum persons allowed on tour: 2 guests

Cost:
• Family of 4: $250 non-members, $200 Virginia Zoo members
• Friends of 2: $150 non-members, $100 Virginia Zoo members
• Additional adult: $50
• Additional child: $30

An invoice will be emailed to you after requesting the experience.

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.
Teacher = Main Tour Contact | Organization Address = Home Address
Invoice is sent out through PayPay but can be paid over the phone.

On this tour, guests will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes to get a closer look at our bison, Lily! Learn more about these amazing animals, their conservation status, and what it takes to care for them from Zoo Keepers. This tour is a great way to meet and honor our National Mammal!
Max persons allowed on tour: 10 guests
Minimum persons allowed on tour: 2 guests

Cost:
• Family of 4: $250 non-members, $200 Virginia Zoo members
• Friends of 2: $150 non-members, $100 Virginia Zoo members
• Additional adult: $50
• Additional child: $30

An invoice will be emailed to you after requesting the experience.

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.
Teacher = Main Tour Contact | Organization Address = Home Address
Invoice is sent out through PayPay but can be paid over the phone.

On this tour, guests will have the opportunity to get up-close with these graceful giants! Learn more about these amazing animals, their conservation status, and what it takes to care for them from Zoo Keepers. Guests will also get the chance to offer giraffes Imara, Noelle, Mchanga, or Tisa some of their daily diet – no ladders necessary!
Max persons allowed on tour: 5 guests
Minimum persons allowed on tour: 2 guests

Cost:
• Family of 4: $300 non-members, $250 Virginia Zoo members
• Friends of 2: $200 non-members, $150 Virginia Zoo members
• Additional adult: $60
• Additional child: $40
An invoice will be emailed to you after requesting the experience.

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.
Teacher = Main Tour Contact | Organization Address = Home Address
Invoice is sent out through PayPay but can be paid over the phone.

On this tour, guests will have the opportunity to get a closer look at the Moon Bear! Learn more about these amazing animals, their conservation status, and what it takes to care for them from Zoo Keepers. Guests will get the chance to go behind the scenes and see a training or enrichment session up close with our Moon Bear Chai.
Max persons allowed on tour: 4 guests
Minimum persons allowed on tour: 2 guests

Cost:
• Family of 4: $300 non-members, $250 Virginia Zoo members
• Friends of 2: $200 non-members, $150 Virginia Zoo members
• Additional adult: $60
• Additional child: $40
An invoice will be emailed to you after requesting the experience.

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.
Teacher = Main Tour Contact | Organization Address = Home Address
Invoice is sent out through PayPay but can be paid over the phone.

Come face to face with reptile giants, watch hatching and newborn reptiles being nurtured and raised, and immerse yourself in a floor-to-ceiling marsh habitat of the Siamese crocodile.* 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! *Specific animals seen on the tour will vary.

Max persons allowed on tour: 5 guests
Minimum persons allowed on tour: 2 guests

Cost:
• Family of 4: $250 non-members, $200 Virginia Zoo members
• Friends of 2: $150 non-members, $100 Virginia Zoo members
• Additional adult: $50
• Additional child: $30
An invoice will be emailed to you after requesting the experience.

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.
Teacher = Main Tour Contact | Organization Address = Home Address
Invoice is sent out through PayPay but can be paid over the phone.

On this tour, guests will have the opportunity to get up-close to one or more of our three rhinos! Learn more about Southern white rhinos, their conservation status, and what it takes to care for them from Zoo Keepers. Guests will get the chance to go behind the scenes and meet either Bora, Zina, Sibindi, or Mosi in person! Tours could be held inside their overnight barn or behind the scenes outdoors, depending on the weather. Come visit our rhino crash and experience meeting the world’s second-largest land mammal!
Max persons allowed on tour: 6 guests
Minimum persons allowed on tour: 2 guests

Cost:
• Family of 4: $300 non-members, $250 Virginia Zoo members
• Friends of 2: $200 non-members, $150 Virginia Zoo members
• Additional adult: $60
• Additional child: $40
An invoice will be emailed to you after requesting the experience.

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.
Teacher = Main Tour Contact | Organization Address = Home Address
Invoice is sent out through PayPay but can be paid over the phone.

Only select groups are able to register for this booking. Please contact us if you are unsure if this option is available for you

During this 45-minute program, your group (up to 200 individuals) will meet 4 different animal ambassadors and learn about the places that they call home. We will discuss what these animals need to survive and what might happen if those basic needs are not met. We will also discuss the physical features and behavioral adaptations that these animals have for surviving in their habitats. By the end of this program, we hope that participants leave with a greater appreciation for wildlife and the habitats that they live in. This program includes digital learning resources and admission into the Zoo.

Please note, due to the nature of our programs, we can only accommodate the
preapproved number of participants and chaperones in each program. This number will be outlined in your booking invoice. If your invoice needs to be updated, let us know at least 1 business day before your visit. This will also allow our staff to modify your program space to better fit your needs.

By submitting a program request, you agree to the Program Policies and Virginia Zoo Policies.

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! Please let us know about any dietary restrictions during the booking process. Working on badges/patches with your scout group? Let us know and we will do our best to modify the program to fit your learning goals!

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Cost:
$600 per program
Maximum group size: 35 individuals
Must have 1 chaperone for every 10 participants.

By submitting a program request, you agree to the Program Policies and Virginia Zoo Policies.

The Zoo offers a myriad of opportunities for your group to get involved. Anything from horticulture activities like planting and raking to assisting at major Zoo events – your group is essential to the Zoo.

Large groups working with our Horticulture team for a workday project help us accomplish lots of work in a short amount of time and allows your group to participate in a unique, fun team building activity. Corporate, civic, military, or any other groups that would like to volunteer at the Zoo are welcome.

Please Note: Most projects require physical tasks like lifting or using gardening tools, and therefore are restricted to adults ages 18 and up in most cases. If you have a group that includes youth, please note that in your inquiry and we can try to accommodate if the right project is available.