DESTINATIONS

SCHOOL

Guided tours of the Zoo last 1 hour and provide students with a lesson about a topic such as animal adaptations, behavior, habitats, or exhibits at the Zoo. Discovery Programs are more hands-on, and create connections between animals, biology, ecology, and a variety of other topics. Students may get to create food webs, meet animals from different continents, see a presentation on genetics, and more.

supports classroom learning in:
Environmental Studies, Science.

topics covered:
Animals, Animal Adaptations, Animal Behavior, Biology, Classification, Conservation, Ecosystems, Endangered Species, Food Chain, Habitats, Living Environment, Zoology.

contact info
Phone: 757-441-2374 ext. 229

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: Varies. Program Type: Day Trips, Self-Guided Tours, Guided Tours Recomm. Length of Visit: 2-3 hours. Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies. Food Options: Bring your own, Available for purchase, Picnic area available, Indoor and outdoor seating, Food, Beverages. Cost: Fee Accessible To: PD.

ABOUT

Virginia Zoo

Virginia Zoo is dedicated to wildlife education, recreation, and conservation. The 53-acre zoo is over 118 years old and features animals such as giraffes, tigers, rhinos, lions and crocodiles. Its gardens and naturalistic habitats hold a range of plants, from tropical to carnivorous plants, herb and vegetable gardens and more. Exhibit areas include Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, the World of Reptiles & Friends, and the ZooFarm. Groups can get up-close and personal with the animals on behind-the-scenes tours, learn about wildlife during presentations and educational programs, and outreach.

Educational programs adhere to Virginia’s Standards of Learning and NGSS. Live animals are used in many of the Zoo’s programs, including keeper chats, EdZOOcation Days, birthday parties, and outreach.

contact info

Hrs: Daily 10AM-5PM.

HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)

Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com

Zoo Lesson Plan

FUN FACTS

The giraffe’s tongue is black to prevent sunburn while eating in the hot sun. Their spots, which are as unique as humans fingerprints, are designed for camouflage. And they need less sleep than any other mammal, using the time instead to browse for food.

When you go to the zoo, be on the lookout for the clever ways animals adapted to their surroundings and developed traits that help them survive.

View Lesson Plan>>

SCOUTS

Scouts can enjoy after-hours programming at Virginia Zoo on Scout Badge Nights. The 3-hour Twilight Program includes nighttime zoo hikes, themed activities, animal encounters, and more. Please note that food will not be provided for Scout Badge Nights, so scouts should eat dinner before arriving at the zoo. Zoo Snoozes overnights are also available, which feature animal presentations, morning zoo hikes, and meals.

supports scout badges in:
Environmental Studies, Science.

topics covered:
Animals, Animal Adaptations, Animal Behavior, Biology, Classification, Conservation, Ecosystems, Endangered Species, Food Chain, Habitats, Living Environment, Zoology.

contact info
Phone: 757-441-2374 ext. 229

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: Varies. Program Type: Day Trips, Overnight Trips, Self-Guided Tours, Guided Tours, Guided Activities, Outreach. Recomm. Length of Visit: 2-3 hours. Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies. Food Options: Bring your own, Available for purchase, Picnic area available, Indoor and outdoor seating, Food, Beverages. Cost: Fee Accessible To: PD.

ABOUT

Virginia Zoo

Virginia Zoo is dedicated to wildlife education, recreation, and conservation. The 53-acre zoo is over 118 years old and features animals such as giraffes, tigers, rhinos, lions and crocodiles. Its gardens and naturalistic habitats hold a range of plants, from tropical to carnivorous plants, herb and vegetable gardens and more. Exhibit areas include Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, the World of Reptiles & Friends, and the ZooFarm. Groups can get up-close and personal with the animals on behind-the-scenes tours, learn about wildlife during presentations and educational programs, and outreach.

Educational programs adhere to Virginia’s Standards of Learning and NGSS. Live animals are used in many of the Zoo’s programs, including keeper chats, EdZOOcation Days, birthday parties, and outreach.

contact info

Hrs: Daily 10AM-5PM.

HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)

Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com

Zoo Lesson Plan

FUN FACTS

The giraffe’s tongue is black to prevent sunburn while eating in the hot sun. Their spots, which are as unique as humans fingerprints, are designed for camouflage. And they need less sleep than any other mammal, using the time instead to browse for food.

When you go to the zoo, be on the lookout for the clever ways animals adapted to their surroundings and developed traits that help them survive.

View Lesson Plan>>

CAMP

Bring campers to the Virginia Zoo for guided tours, exciting animal presentations, keeper chats, and more. Shows featuring live animals will be featured at the ZooLive! Stage located near the Animal Wellness Center from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

topics covered:
Animals, Animal Adaptations, Animal Behavior, Biology, Classification, Conservation, Ecosystems, Endangered Species, Food Chain, Habitats, Living Environment, Zoology.

contact info
Phone: 757-441-2374 ext. 229

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: Varies. Program Type: Day Trips, Overnight Trips, Self-Guided Tours, Guided Tours, Guided Activities, Outreach. Recomm. Length of Visit: 2-3 hours. Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies. Food Options: Bring your own, Available for purchase, Picnic area available, Indoor and outdoor seating, Food, Beverages. Cost: Fee Accessible To: PD.

ABOUT

Virginia Zoo

Virginia Zoo is dedicated to wildlife education, recreation, and conservation. The 53-acre zoo is over 118 years old and features animals such as giraffes, tigers, rhinos, lions and crocodiles. Its gardens and naturalistic habitats hold a range of plants, from tropical to carnivorous plants, herb and vegetable gardens and more. Exhibit areas include Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, the World of Reptiles & Friends, and the ZooFarm. Groups can get up-close and personal with the animals on behind-the-scenes tours, learn about wildlife during presentations and educational programs, and outreach.

Educational programs adhere to Virginia’s Standards of Learning and NGSS. Live animals are used in many of the Zoo’s programs, including keeper chats, EdZOOcation Days, birthday parties, and outreach.

contact info

Hrs: Daily 10AM-5PM.

HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)

Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com

Zoo Lesson Plan

FUN FACTS

The giraffe’s tongue is black to prevent sunburn while eating in the hot sun. Their spots, which are as unique as humans fingerprints, are designed for camouflage. And they need less sleep than any other mammal, using the time instead to browse for food.

When you go to the zoo, be on the lookout for the clever ways animals adapted to their surroundings and developed traits that help them survive.

View Lesson Plan>>

HOMESCHOOL

Homeschool parents and teachers are welcome to contact the zoo’s Education Department about booking tours or programs for homeschool groups. School programs can be customized for age appropriateness or combined to suit the needs of your homeschool group.

supports classroom learning in:
Environmental Studies, Science.

topics covered:
Animals, Animal Adaptations, Animal Behavior, Biology, Classification, Conservation, Ecosystems, Endangered Species, Food Chain, Habitats, Living Environment, Zoology.

contact info
Phone: 757-441-2374 ext. 229

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: Varies. Program Type: Day Trips, Overnight Trips, Self-Guided Tours, Guided Tours, Guided Activities, Outreach. Recomm. Length of Visit: 2-3 hours. Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies.Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies. Food Options: Bring your own, Available for purchase, Picnic area available, Indoor and outdoor seating, Food, Beverages. Cost: Fee Accessible To: PD.

ABOUT

Virginia Zoo

Virginia Zoo is dedicated to wildlife education, recreation, and conservation. The 53-acre zoo is over 118 years old and features animals such as giraffes, tigers, rhinos, lions and crocodiles. Its gardens and naturalistic habitats hold a range of plants, from tropical to carnivorous plants, herb and vegetable gardens and more. Exhibit areas include Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, the World of Reptiles & Friends, and the ZooFarm. Groups can get up-close and personal with the animals on behind-the-scenes tours, learn about wildlife during presentations and educational programs, and outreach.

Educational programs adhere to Virginia’s Standards of Learning and NGSS. Live animals are used in many of the Zoo’s programs, including keeper chats, EdZOOcation Days, birthday parties, and outreach.

contact info

Hrs: Daily 10AM-5PM.

HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)

Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com

Zoo Lesson Plan

FUN FACTS

The giraffe’s tongue is black to prevent sunburn while eating in the hot sun. Their spots, which are as unique as humans fingerprints, are designed for camouflage. And they need less sleep than any other mammal, using the time instead to browse for food.

When you go to the zoo, be on the lookout for the clever ways animals adapted to their surroundings and developed traits that help them survive.

View Lesson Plan>>