Virginia Zoo 36.87677° N -76.27712° W

Description

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!

Behind the Scenes Tours

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.

  • The animals have specialized diets, so please avoid bringing any human food or beverages into animal areas or, if needed, keep them unopened and tucked away in a bag held by an adult. You can help keep the animals safe by having parents or guardians hold on to any toys or items that could fall into animal areas. Tour activities and dates are dependent upon each animal’s cooperation and availability.

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.


Lunch Notes

  1. To eat lunch onsite fill out the Lunch at the Zoo form. (own lunch, bagged lunch, or meal vouchers)
  2. We have only two lunch spots in the Zoo where Field Trips can eat lunch.
  3. The spot is outside and does not have a covered shelter
  4. We do not have a spot for your students to store their lunches.
  5. Bagged lunches can be added to a field trip up to 10 days before your visit.

Please do not use the tables at African Village Restaurant, Beastro (World of Reptiles and Farm area), and MiniMelts.

Bagged Lunch*
Cost: $10 each
Meal Vouchers*
Cost: $15 each
*See Lunch at the Zoo form to view the different meal options.

Cancellation Policy

The Zoo is open rain or shine, and does not offer refunds.
Most of our facilities are outside. Due to weather conditions, some animals may not be visible or on exhibit.

Reschedule Policy:

  • If your reservation must be rescheduled for any reason, the Program Reservations Specialist must be contacted at least 3 weeks before the originally scheduled reservation. Reschedule requests are subject to the availability of the new date requested.
  • In the case of severe weather, please notify the Program Reservations Specialist, at 757-441-2374 x229. We will do our best to reschedule your reservation promptly.

Payment and Refund Policy

  • Field Trips and Programs Payment is due on the day of the field trip/program. Groups are required to pay the full amount listed on the invoice.
  • We accept credit/debit cards and check payments.

    • No refunds will be issued.
  • Behind the Scenes Tours
    Payment is due ASAP when you receive your invoice through your email. Depending on the date of the tour requested will affect the due date of payment.

  • We accept credit/debit cards, Virginia Zoo Gift Cards, and All Access Pass

    • No refunds will be issued.

Conservation and Technology Fee is not a tax and is not exemptable from payment

Info

3500 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23504

+1 757-441-2374 ext. 229

vazoo.reservations@norfolk.gov

Sun
9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Mon
9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Tues
9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Wed
9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Thur
9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Fri
9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Sat
9:30 am - 4:00 pm

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Subjects
Animals, Science, Biology, Ecosystems, Adaptation, Life Sciences, Conservation, My Community, Team Building, Counting, Other
Activities
Family Programs, Field Trip, Volunteer Groups, School Based Program, Virtual Field Trip, Partnership, Scout Programs
Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Adult, K, Postsecondary, Preschool
Cost
Accommodations

Learning Experiences

Field Trip

Self-Guided Field Trip

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

Minimum 10 students to receive field trip discount. The ticket price is subject to change.
Cost: $12 ($9.95 + $2.05).
Title I Schools $7 ($4.95 - $2.05)
Only certified, fully funded Title 1 schools are on the U.S. Department of Education Title 1 list to receive the Title 1 discount. There are no exceptions.
*The $2.05 is our Conservation and Technology fee. This fee is not a tax and is not exemptable.

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

Additional chaperones/teachers must pay $12 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 $12 school/group ticket online or at the ticket booth.

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

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
300 stu., Min 1 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
180 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Lunch at the Zoo

One of the perks of scheduling a field trip with us is that you can bring your own lunches and/or snacks. There are only 2 lunch locations where groups can eat lunch. By filling out a request you will be assigned one of our locations depending on the time requested for and the amount in your group.

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.

Boxed Lunch (must modify and pay before the field trip date)
Cost: $10 each
Meal options:
Turkey & Cheese
Ham & Cheese
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 (must modify and pay before the field trip date)
Cost: $15 each
Meal includes:
1 Hot Entrée Item, Fries or Bag of Chips, & 1-16oz Fountain Drink. (Excludes Cold Box Items)

Subjects Covered

other

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
120 stu.
Activity

field trip

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

ADA Self-Guided Field Trip

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 one FREE adult chaperone. This perk is only for Self-Guided Field Trips.
This discount is for any groups that have SPED, IEP, or any individual with a disability.
We do not ask for proof of disability.

Minimum Group Size: 5 ADA Individuals
Please spread the word that ADA individuals can receive free admission to the Virginia Zoo through daily admission.
*educational programs and special events are not included.

Subjects Covered

science, ecosystems, animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
200 stu., Min 1 chap.
Activity

field trip

Duration
120 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Virtual Field Trip

Family Programs

Aldabra Tortoise Behind-the-Scenes Tour

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

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. This will need to be paid ASAP. Keep a look out for the email and also check the junk folder.
If your request is more than 2 weeks from the date selected you will have a week for payment. If your request is less than 2 weeks away you will have a shorter due date period.

An Invoice will be sent separately through email and can be paid through the link or over the phone.
Confirmation of this tour will not be sent till the invoice has been paid.

Your request will be canceled if your invoice is not paid by the due date listed in the email sent.

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

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
10 stu.
Activity

family programs

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Malayan Tapir Behind-the-Scenes Tour

On this tour, guests will get the opportunity to get a closer look at the largest of the tapir species, the Malayan tapir! Learn more about these amazing animals, their conservation status, and what it takes to care for them from Zoo Keepers. Guests will have the chance to go behind the scenes to see one or more of our tapirs up close, with the potential to watch a training or enrichment session with tapirs Sinar or Sariah. Did you know that tapirs are most closely related to rhinos and horses? Learn more on a tapir tour!

Cost:
• Family of 4: $300 non-members, $250 members
• Friends of 2: $200 non-members, $150 members
• Additional adult: $60
• Additional child: $40
Max persons allowed on tour: 4 guests

An invoice will be emailed to you after requesting the experience. This will need to be paid ASAP. Keep a look out for the email and also check the junk folder.
If your request is more than 2 weeks from the date selected you will have a week for payment. If your request is less than 2 weeks away you will have a shorter due date period.

An Invoice will be sent separately through email and can be paid through the link or over the phone.
Confirmation of this tour will not be sent till the invoice has been paid.

Your request will be canceled if your invoice is not paid by the due date listed in the email sent.

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

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
4 stu.
Activity

family programs

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Masai Giraffe Behind-the-Scenes Tour

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 and/or Noelle some of their daily diet – no ladders necessary!
Max persons allowed on tour: 5 guests

December-February: NO TOURS

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. This will need to be paid ASAP. Keep a look out for the email and also check the junk folder.
If your request is more than 2 weeks from the date selected you will have a week for payment. If your request is less than 2 weeks away you will have a shorter due date period.

An Invoice will be sent separately through email and can be paid through the link or over the phone.
Confirmation of this tour will not be sent till the invoice has been paid.

Your request will be canceled if your invoice is not paid by the due date listed in the email sent.

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

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
5 stu., Min 1 chap.
Activity

family programs

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Moon Bear Behind-the-Scenes Tour

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

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. This will need to be paid ASAP. Keep a look out for the email and also check the junk folder.
If your request is more than 2 weeks from the date selected you will have a week for payment. If your request is less than 2 weeks away you will have a shorter due date period.

An Invoice will be sent separately through email and can be paid through the link or over the phone.
Confirmation of this tour will not be sent till the invoice has been paid.

Your request will be canceled if your invoice is not paid by the due date listed in the email sent.

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

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
4 stu.
Activity

family programs

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

World of Reptiles Behind-the-Scenes Tour

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

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. This will need to be paid ASAP. Keep a look out for the email and also check the junk folder.
If your request is more than 2 weeks from the date selected you will have a week for payment. If your request is less than 2 weeks away you will have a shorter due date period.

An Invoice will be sent separately through email and can be paid through the link or over the phone.
Confirmation of this tour will not be sent till the invoice has been paid.

Your request will be canceled if your invoice is not paid by the due date listed in the email sent.

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

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
5 stu.
Activity

family programs

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

White Rhino Behind-the-Scenes Tour

On this tour, guests will have the opportunity to get up-close to one or more of our five 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 some of the crash 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

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. This will need to be paid ASAP. Keep a look out for the email and also check the junk folder.
If your request is more than 2 weeks from the date selected you will have a week for payment. If your request is less than 2 weeks away you will have a shorter due date period.

An Invoice will be sent separately through email and can be paid through the link or over the phone.
Confirmation of this tour will not be sent till the invoice has been paid.

Your request will be canceled if your invoice is not paid by the due date listed in the email sent.

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

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
6 stu., Min 1 chap.
Activity

family programs

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Bongo Behind-the-Scenes Tour

On this tour, guests will have the opportunity to get up-close with with our Eastern bongo, Charlie. This new tour will give guests the opportunity to meet Charlie and learn all about her from her keepers. It's an opportunity you won't want to miss!

Max persons allowed on tour: 6 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. This will need to be paid ASAP. Keep a look out for the email and also check the junk folder. If your request is more than 2 weeks from the date selected you will have a week for payment. If your request is less than 2 weeks away you will have a shorter due date period. An Invoice will be sent separately through email and can be paid through the link or over the phone. Confirmation of this tour will not be sent till the invoice has been paid. Your request will be canceled if your invoice is not paid by the due date listed in the email sent.

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

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
6 stu., Min 1 chap.
Activity

family programs

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Two-Toed Sloth Behind-the-Scenes Tour

To submit a request for a Private Sloth Tour, please join the waitlist.
You will need to create a profile with Explorable Places.

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

On this tour, slow down and enjoy this private encounter with one of the Zoo’s sloths! Learn more about these creatures, and their conservation status and meet the Zoo staff who take care of them. Guests will have the chance to get up close with one of the slower-moving animals on earth, so be sure to bring a camera to capture a priceless photo opportunity!
Max persons allowed on tour: 6 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. This will need to be paid ASAP. Keep a look out for the email and also check the junk folder.
If your request is more than 2 weeks from the date selected you will have a week for payment. If your request is less than 2 weeks away you will have a shorter due date period.

An Invoice will be sent separately through email and can be paid through the link or over the phone.
Confirmation of this tour will not be sent till the invoice has been paid.

Your request will be canceled if your invoice is not paid by the due date listed in the email sent.

Subjects Covered

animals

Grades
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, adult, k, postsecondary, preschool
Capacity
6 stu.
Activity

family programs

Duration
30 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

Volunteer Groups

Group Volunteer Workday - Horticulture

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.

Subjects Covered

conservation, my community, team building

Grades
adult, postsecondary
Capacity
30 stu.
Activity

volunteer groups

Duration
180 min.
Book Now Join Waitlist

School Based Program

Partnership

Scout Programs