Virginia Zoo
About
The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk offers families an intimate wildlife experience with over 700 animals from around the world, featuring unique elevated walkways that give kids eye-level views of giraffes and other tall creatures. With interactive petting areas, engaging keeper talks throughout the day, and excellent family amenities, this mid-sized zoo provides a manageable yet memorable adventure without the overwhelming crowds of larger facilities.
Highlights
- ✓Elevated walkways providing eye-level giraffe encounters
- ✓Interactive petting zoo where kids can meet and touch friendly farm animals
- ✓Daily keeper talks offering behind-the-scenes animal facts and feeding demonstrations
- ✓Asia-Okavango Trail featuring elephants, rhinos, and zebras
- ✓North American river otters - always a crowd favorite with their playful antics
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right at opening (9:30 AM) when animals are most active during feeding time and before crowds arrive
- 2.Don't miss the elevated walkway experience - kids get incredible up-close views of giraffes and can see into tree canopies where animals rest
- 3.Bring a stroller even for older kids as the zoo covers significant ground and little legs tire quickly
- 4.Check the daily keeper talk schedule at the entrance and plan your route around 2-3 talks to maximize learning experiences
- 5.Pack hand sanitizer and wipes especially if visiting the petting areas, and bring quarters for the animal food dispensers
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings in spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when temperatures are comfortable, animals are most active, and school groups are minimal. Arrive right at 9:30 AM opening for the best animal viewing.
What to Know
General admission is reasonably priced with discounts for children under 12. Parking is available on-site, and while there's a café inside, many families pack picnic lunches to enjoy in designated areas. The zoo is stroller-friendly with paved pathways throughout.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. Summer can be hot and humid, so visit early in the day. The zoo hosts special seasonal events including Boo at the Zoo in October and holiday light displays in December. Some outdoor exhibits may have limited viewing in extreme winter weather.
Nearby Eats
Doumar's Cones & Barbecue (about 2 miles away) is a nostalgic Norfolk institution serving kid-friendly BBQ and ice cream. Chicho's Pizza Backstage has nearby locations with casual family dining and pizza that pleases picky eaters.
More Activities Near Virginia Beach
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (Marsh Pavilion)
The Virginia Aquarium's Marsh Pavilion offers an exciting hands-on marine adventure where kids can touch stingrays and horseshoe crabs, marvel at graceful sea turtles gliding overhead, and watch mesmerizing jellyfish displays. With daily animal encounters, feeding demonstrations, and knowledgeable educators stationed throughout, children get up-close experiences that spark curiosity about ocean life in ways books simply can't match.
Military Aviation Museum
The Military Aviation Museum houses one of the world's largest private collections of historic military aircraft, with many planes still in flying condition. Kids will be mesmerized by the massive warbirds spanning WWI through WWII, and on select days, they can actually watch these vintage aircraft take to the skies during thrilling flight demonstrations.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers families an incredible opportunity to explore over 9,000 acres of pristine coastal habitat along Virginia Beach's southern shoreline. Kids can spot dolphins, sea turtles, and hundreds of bird species while hiking easy trails through maritime forests, dunes, and freshwater marshes. The visitor center features interactive exhibits and touch tanks that bring local ecosystems to life for young naturalists.
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park offers families 500 acres of coastal adventure where kids can explore maritime forests, play on sandy beaches, and spot wildlife in their natural habitats. With easy hiking trails winding through cypress swamps and dunes, plus nature centers packed with educational exhibits, this park combines outdoor fun with learning opportunities that keep children engaged for hours.