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Virginia Zoo Norfolk

4.5
·7k reviews·Norfolk, United States

Discover over 700 animals from 150+ species at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. Enjoy gardens, tours, and family fun!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Baby

Virginia Zoo Norfolk

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover over 700 animals from 150+ species at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. Enjoy gardens, tours, and family fun!

4.5
(7k reviews)

"A wonderful experience with well-organized exhibits and a peaceful vibe, perfect for families and solo visitors."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Senior Wednesday Free Admission

Seniors get in free on Wednesdays! A great way to save money and enjoy the zoo.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The zoo has a convenient loop trail, but you'll be doing a lot of walking.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 7,524 reviews

Type

Zoo

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

African Elephant Habitat

African Elephant Habitat

Africa

Witness these magnificent creatures in a spacious, naturalistic setting. A truly awe-inspiring sight!

Orangutan Exhibit

Orangutan Exhibit

See playful orangutans, including adorable babies, in their treetop home. A heartwarming experience for all ages.

Reptile House

Reptile House

Explore a fascinating collection of snakes, lizards, and other cold-blooded creatures. A cool escape on a warm day.

Zoo Train

Zoo Train

Hop aboard the electric Virginia Zoo Express for a scenic and relaxing ride around the park. Fun for the whole family!

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the crowds and the heat by visiting during weekdays, especially in the morning. Senior citizens often get free admission on Wednesdays, making it a budget-friendly option. Check for special events or member swap days for added value.

Getting Around the Zoo

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is designed with a convenient loop trail, making it easy to navigate. Consider the new electric train for a relaxed way to see the grounds, especially with younger children. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the spacious exhibits.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Wednesday mornings
Why
Senior free admission day
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Train rides & shade
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Virginia Zoological Park in Norfolk, VA 🦒. Follow for more 💫 #virginia #virginiatravel #norfolkva #wildlife #nationalpark #traveltiktok #travelmom #momsoftiktok #kidsthingstodo #zoo #reviews
@jtoya__
129 likes • 10.1K views

🎯 Senior Wednesday Free Admission

Seniors get in free on Wednesdays! A great way to save money and enjoy the zoo. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The zoo has a convenient loop trail, but you'll be doing a lot of walking. Instagram

Visiting Virginia? Have kids and want to find something to do for the day? Visit Norfork, Virginia zoo! Quality fun that offers great variety of animals, photo opportunities, snacks, and hands-on experiences! The kids absolutely love it. ##moving##realtor##relocation##realestateagent##zooanimals##daysout##zootrip##dayatthezoo##movetovirginia##zooday##whattodowiththekids##norfolkzoo
@karen_richa
132 likes • 14.5K views
Discover the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, the perfect year-round destination, especially in the summer! Bring your kids for an unforgettable adventure with educational zoo talks, fun train rides, and incredible encounters with amazing animals in their habitats! 🐾🐯 #VisitNorfolkVA
visitnorfolkva
0 likes • 21.1K views

🚆 Ride the Zoo Train

The new electric train is a fun and relaxing way to see the park. Instagram

☀️ Plenty of Shade

Enjoy ample shade throughout the zoo, making it comfortable even on hot days. TikTok

NEW ELECTRIC TRAIN AT THE ZOO! 🚃 "ALL ABOARD THE VIRGINIA ZOO EXPRESS! The new, electric train has pulled into the station and will be welcoming passengers starting Saturday, August 26th! With an electric engine, refurbished passenger cars and an all-new design, the Virginia Zoo is committed to both eco-friendly practices and top-tier guest experiences. Enjoy a unique perspective of the exhibits...
virginiabeachlocal
3.7K likes • 130.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Senior Wednesday Free Admission

Seniors get in free on Wednesdays! A great way to save money and enjoy the zoo. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The zoo has a convenient loop trail, but you'll be doing a lot of walking. Instagram

🚆 Ride the Zoo Train

The new electric train is a fun and relaxing way to see the park. Instagram

☀️ Plenty of Shade

Enjoy ample shade throughout the zoo, making it comfortable even on hot days. TikTok

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Save time and hassle by purchasing your tickets online in advance. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun Guaranteed

A fantastic spot for family outings with engaging exhibits for kids. TikTok+1

🐘 Check for Animal Encounters

Look for opportunities for personal encounters and educational talks. TikTokInstagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Virginia Zoo for its clean, well-organized layout and the ample living conditions provided for its animals. Many highlight the enjoyable experience of seeing animals up close in naturalistic settings and appreciate the convenience of the loop trail and the fun zoo train. While some find it smaller than other zoos, the overall sentiment is positive, with many recommending it for families and a pleasant day outdoors.

"My husband and I visited on a Wednesday, senior citizens can get tickets to enter free on Wednesdays. The zoo was laid out in a very convenient pattern. There was plenty of shade. The animals have ample living conditions. A very pleasant experience"

Caroline Guillemette

"What a wonderful experience at the Virginia Zoo!
I bought my tickets online—super convenient and easy to use. Once inside, everything was well-organized, clean, and inviting. I loved walking through the beautiful garden areas filled with colorful flowers—it really added to the peaceful vibe.
Watching the animals up close was such a joy. Each exhibit was thoughtfully designed and gave a great view of the animals in a natural setting. One of the highlights was riding the zoo train for just $3—such a fun way to relax and take in the scenery.
A perfect place for families, friends, or solo visitors. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a lovely day outdoors with nature and wildlife!"

Chida S.

"Always a great experience. Love the zoo workers who teach about certain animals. Best zoo to check out rhinos, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, and tigers!
Food court is ok, but plenty of food options around the zoo. It takes rough 1.5 hours to 2 hours to tour the whole zoo."

Katie VanMeter

What People Like

Clean and well-organized
Spacious animal habitats
Pleasant garden areas

What People Dislike

Smaller than some zoos
Could use better play area

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Virginia Zoo is located at 3500 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23504. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the Granby Street area. Instagram+1

Yes, the Virginia Zoo offers on-site parking for visitors. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on busy days, to secure a spot. TikTok

While specific routes can vary, it's advisable to check with the local Norfolk transit authority for bus or other public transport options that service the Granby Street area near the zoo. TikTok

The zoo is laid out with a convenient loop trail, making it easy to explore on foot. For a more relaxed experience, consider riding the new electric zoo train. Instagram+1

The zoo is generally accessible with paved paths and a loop trail. Many exhibits are designed to be viewed from accessible vantage points. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices for the Virginia Zoo typically range from $17-$20 for adults and children, with younger children often free. Check the official Virginia Zoo website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts. Instagram

Yes, seniors can enjoy free admission on Wednesdays. Military veterans also receive free admission. Keep an eye out for special events or member swap days for potential savings. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended for convenience and to save time upon arrival. Reddit

The Virginia Zoo is typically open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. It's always best to verify the current hours on their official website before your visit, as they can change seasonally. Instagram

Yes, the Virginia Zoo offers various membership options, including family memberships, which can provide great value if you plan to visit multiple times a year. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors often rave about the African elephants, orangutans (especially babies!), lions, giraffes, and tigers. The reptile house is also a popular attraction. TikTokReddit

Yes, the Virginia Zoo has a petting zoo area where visitors can interact with and pet animals like goats. Reddit

Beyond animal exhibits, kids can enjoy the zoo train, educational talks, and the nature discovery zone. Some reviews suggest a better play area would be a welcome addition. InstagramReddit+1

Most visitors find that it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to tour the entire zoo. Some may spend longer if they take advantage of special programs or enjoy a leisurely pace. InstagramReddit

Yes, there is a food court available, and reviews suggest there are also plenty of food options around the zoo. Bringing your own snacks and water is also a good idea. TikTokReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The diverse habitats, from the African savanna to the lush gardens, offer many picturesque opportunities. The orangutan exhibit and the elephants are particularly photogenic. TikTok+1

Generally, personal photography is allowed. For professional shoots or commercial use, it's best to contact the zoo directly to inquire about their policies and any necessary permits. TikTok

While specific restrictions are not widely publicized, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals. TikTok

A versatile zoom lens is ideal for capturing animals at various distances. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots of the zoo's gardens and habitats. TikTok

The zoo's well-designed exhibits often provide naturalistic backdrops. Look for opportunities to capture animals interacting with their environment or with each other. TikTok

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Virginia Zoo Norfolk (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide