Let's go visit the animals!
If your kids are anything like mine, they love animals! We have been on several trips to Virginia Zoos and Aquariums and they are all tons of fun. Take a peek at what Virginia has to offer and choose one for your next family outing! If you have the opportunity to visit more than one, do it!
 Image Credit: Jenny Sites |
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Blvd, Norfolk, VA
Cost:
This amazing Aquarium has over 10,000 animals and hands-on exhibits. When you arrive you are greeted by adorable Harbor Seals. Walk inside and follow the pathway to see over 300 species of animals from sea turtles to reptiles to fish, crabs, and more! The north building and south building are connected by a fun outdoor nature trail. The entire experience usually takes our family about 3 hours.
There is also an Adventure Park onsite with a zipline. Ask about boat trips to see dolphins and whales in the Atlantic Ocean.
Note: Strollers must be 36" or less wide. No stroller rental. No outside food or drink is allowed int eh exhibit areas. There is a cafe onsite. Wheelchairs can be borrowed on a first-come basis.
 Image Credit: Aqua.org |
501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Cost: $50/Adult; $40/Senior & Youth;4 and under are free (Memberships available)
What you should know:
- Visit the website for hours as they change based on the season.
- Discounts are available to the military daily with an ID; Public discounts are available on Friday Nights.
- Food is available for purchase or bring your own and eat at a picnic table.
 Image Credit: Jenny SItes |
3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC 20011
Grounds are open 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Exhibit Buildings open at 9:00 AM.
The National Zoo is home to 2,200 animals. Admission to the Zoo is free, but you must have an Entry Pass for each guest. Entry Passes can be found online HERE. There is a fee for parking ($30) which can be purchased online in advance of your visit when you get your entry passes. We suggest not waiting until you arrive to purchase your pass because if the lot is full, you will have to find parking outside of the Zoo lots.
If you kids like to interact with the animals, the National Zoo has a "Kid's Farm" petting zoo area where kids can visit with and pet farm animals. It is located beside a public restroom for easy handwashing. Before heading to the zoo, be sure to check the website for the daily schedule for animal demos and feedings.
The National Zoo rents single and double strollers along with Electronic Convenience Vehicles. They also have free manual wheelchairs available. (All items are first come, first served). If you have kids older than stroller age, we suggest taking a wagon.
The National Zoo does have food available in a couple areas or you can put your cooler in your stroller or wagon.
If you plan to visit the zoo often, you might look into getting a membership which, depending on the level, gives you free parking, discounts on food, retail, and rentals and, at some levels, provides guided tours and VIP events.
 Photo Credit: Jenny Sites |
8300 Beaver Bridge Rd, Moseley, VA 23120
Monday - Saturday 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
The Metro Richmond Zoo is home to about 2000 animals. There is a per-person fee to enter (2024 cost: $26 adults/$20 child. 1 and under are free) along with fees for additional rides and activities throughout the park if you choose to do them. Parking is free. If you plan to go more than 3 times in a year, consider purchasing a membership. (prices vary depending on the level)
While inside the zoo you will find a multitude of animals that you are allowed to feed (Purchase animal food at the ticket booth on your way in; $3/cup $2/bird stick). Additionally, the zoo had a train and skylift inside for families and a drop tower and carousel for the littles.
The zoo also has a "Treetop Zoofari" where participants can take an adventure high in the air over the zoo on bridges and tightwires with a zipline over the pond. This is adventure offers both an adult option and a junior option.
The Metro Richmond Zoo does have some food available for purchase and also has a picnic table area inside the zoo.
 Photo Credit: Jenny Sites |
3500 Granby St, Norfolk, VA
Cost: $18/adult; $16/senior; $15/child (check the website for discounted tickets for military, first responders, teachers, foster families and more)
This zoo spans 53 acres with over 700 animals. It offers a petting zoo, a train (new in 2023), and a large schedule of educational programs with zoo keepers, Live stage shows and more. Be sure to plan ahead so you don't miss out. The zoo also has it's own app to use while in the park so it's easy to find what you're looking for.
 Photo Credit: Jenny Sites |
229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge, VA 24578
Cost: $28/adult; $26/senior; $21/child (Under 1 free): Ask about Discounts for military and law enforcement; Additional fee for animal food.
Take the family for a drive in your personal vehicle through the Drive-thru Safari and then park your car to walk through the Safari Village.
 Image Credit: NaturalBridgeZoo.com |
5784 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578
Cost: $20/adults; $18/seniors; $14 children (2 and under free)
"The most complete collection of exotic animals & birds in the State of VA"
 Image Credit: Novawild.org |
1228 Hunter Mill Rd, Vienna, VA 22182
Hours: 10am to 6pm daily
Cost: $20/adult; $15/senior; $15/child; Season passes available.
Drive through the interactive Safari, then park and walk through the zoo. You can also purchase tickets for up-close and personal experiences.
 Image Credit: MMZoo.org |
Mill Mountain Spur, Roanoke, VA 24014 - Located in Mill Mountain Park
Open 7 days a week from 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost: $12/ adult (13-54); $11/senior; $10 children 3-11; 2 and under free; 10% Military/veteran discount w/ ID. Memberships available.
Mill Mountain Zoo is a cooperative conservation with a focus on species native to Appalachia and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visit the 568-acre zoo and ride the Zoo Choo ($2).
