Roer's Zoofari - Image 1
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Roer's Zoofari

4.2
·3k reviews·Vienna, United States

Roer's Zoofari offers an intimate, interactive zoo experience with a safari drive-thru and hands-on animal encounters, perfect for families.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal interaction

CrowdLow
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Roer's Zoofari - Image 1

Roer's Zoofari

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal interaction

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Roer's Zoofari offers an intimate, interactive zoo experience with a safari drive-thru and hands-on animal encounters, perfect for families.

4.2
(3k reviews)

"We had a blast. Animals in the safari were very interactive."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Roer's Zoofari tickets in advance online.

🍎 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a picnic lunch on-site, a great way to save money and enjoy the zoo grounds.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Safari Drive-Thru

Safari Drive-Thru

Designated drive-thru route

Get up close and personal with a variety of animals from the comfort of your vehicle. Interactive feeding opportunities abound!

Animal Feeding Experiences

Animal Feeding Experiences

Designated feeding areas

Feed and interact with animals like capybaras and sloths for a truly memorable experience. A must-do for kids!

Walk-Thru Zoo Exhibits

Walk-Thru Zoo Exhibits

Main zoo pathways

Explore a variety of animal enclosures featuring owls, cheetahs, bison, and more. Great for a few hours of family fun.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Roer's Zoofari

Roer's Zoofari, formerly known as NOVA Wild, offers an intimate zoo experience perfect for families. Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save time, especially during peak seasons. The zoo is compact, making it manageable for a few hours of exploration with young children. Reddit

Interactive Animal Encounters

The highlight for many visitors is the opportunity for up-close animal encounters, including feeding and petting. While the safari drive-thru is enjoyable, be aware that some additional attractions, like the butterfly house, come with an extra fee. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal interaction
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Animals often more active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Recent experiences at NOVA Wild (Reston Zoo)?

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Roer's Zoofari tickets in advance online. Reddit

🍎 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a picnic lunch on-site, a great way to save money and enjoy the zoo grounds. Reddit

💰 Food Bucket Costs

Animal food buckets are available for purchase, but can be a bit pricey. Consider sharing one. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a good amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes for your visit. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Roer's Zoofari tickets in advance online. Reddit

🍎 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a picnic lunch on-site, a great way to save money and enjoy the zoo grounds. Reddit

💰 Food Bucket Costs

Animal food buckets are available for purchase, but can be a bit pricey. Consider sharing one. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a good amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes for your visit. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moments

Bring your camera or phone to capture the amazing animal encounters and unique experiences. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the interactive animal encounters, particularly feeding experiences with capybaras and sloths, and the engaging safari drive-thru. The zoo is praised for being kid-friendly and offering good value for the admission price. Some note that additional attractions can increase the overall cost.

"What a fun experience! We had the best day with the capybaras and sloths! We were able to feed them and pet them as well. Sidney, our guide, was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. She was so patient with our little boys. I highly recommend NOVA Wild. The rest of the complex and the drive thru was also enjoyable. We will be back!"

Kathryn Marsh

"We had a blast. Animals in the safari were very interactive. The walk thru was small but nice for the price. The butterfly house was 8 dollars extra per person so we didn't go on."

Jenny Rine

"I am very happy to have gone to the zoo. You can go on a field trip have a picnic. Drive through the safari. Get up and close to the animals. 30 acres of wilderness where you can have a birthday party and unique experiences. I have never enjoyed myself more than my visit to Nova Zoo and they have a light show."

Wayne R. Little

What People Like

Interactive animal feeding
Safari drive-thru
Kid-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Extra cost for some attractions
Price of food buckets

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Roer's Zoofari is conveniently located and easily accessible by car. It's a short distance from Dulles, making it a great option for a day trip. Parking is available on-site. Reddit

Information on public transport options to Roer's Zoofari is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of arrival. Check local transit schedules for potential routes.

Specific driving directions can be found on the Roer's Zoofari website or by using GPS navigation. The zoo is generally well-signposted in the local area.

Yes, Roer's Zoofari provides on-site parking for visitors. It's advisable to arrive early during busy periods to secure a good spot.

The drive time to Roer's Zoofari varies depending on your starting point. It's noted as being a short distance from Dulles, suggesting a quick commute for many in the Northern Virginia area.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can purchase Roer's Zoofari tickets online through their official website or at the entrance. Buying online in advance is often recommended to streamline your entry. Reddit

Admission prices can vary, but reviews suggest the entry fee is reasonable, around $21 per adult. It's best to check the official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

While specific promo codes aren't frequently mentioned, checking for Groupon deals or seasonal promotions might offer savings. Reddit

Yes, Roer's Zoofari offers season passes, which can be a cost-effective option if you plan on visiting multiple times throughout the year. Reddit

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's essential to check the official Roer's Zoofari website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the interactive safari drive-thru, animal feeding experiences (like with capybaras and sloths), and the walk-thru exhibits featuring owls and cheetahs. Reddit

Absolutely! Roer's Zoofari is described as a great place for small kids due to its compact size and interactive nature. Reddit

A visit to Roer's Zoofari usually takes a few hours, making it a perfect half-day outing. Reddit

While not explicitly stated as formal tours, staff members like Sidney have been noted for being knowledgeable and engaging with visitors, answering questions and enhancing the experience. Reddit

The drive-thru safari allows you to get very close to the animals from your vehicle, with many animals being quite interactive. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Roer's Zoofari is a great place to have a picnic, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own food. Reddit

While specific dining facilities aren't detailed, the availability of animal food for purchase suggests some concessions might be present. Bringing your own food is a reliable option. Reddit

Animal food buckets are available for purchase, with one review mentioning a medium-sized bucket costing around $20. Reddit

Information on specific dietary options for human consumption is not readily available. Bringing your own food is recommended for those with dietary restrictions.

Yes, Roer's Zoofari offers opportunities for birthday parties and unique experiences, making it a fun venue for celebrations. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The safari drive-thru and animal feeding areas offer fantastic opportunities for close-up animal photos. The walk-thru exhibits also provide great shots of various species. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed and encouraged at Roer's Zoofari to capture the memorable animal encounters. Reddit

While no specific restrictions are mentioned, always be mindful of animal welfare and avoid using flash photography directly at animals if it seems to disturb them.

A camera with a good zoom lens is beneficial for capturing clear shots of animals from a distance, especially during the safari drive-thru. However, a smartphone camera is also perfectly adequate for most visitors. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos during the animal feeding experiences, but be sure to keep your hands and any camera equipment safely away from the animals' mouths. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

Roer's Zoofari is an ideal destination for families with young children. Its compact size makes it manageable for little legs, and the interactive animal feeding opportunities are a huge hit. Reddit The safari drive-thru provides a unique and exciting way for kids to see animals up close without the overwhelm of a massive zoo. Staff are noted for being patient and knowledgeable, enhancing the experience for families. Reddit

Consider bringing snacks and drinks, or plan for a picnic, as this can help keep costs down and cater to picky eaters. The zoo's focus on hands-on experiences ensures that children remain engaged throughout the visit. It's a fantastic spot for creating lasting memories with your little ones. Reddit

💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors

Roer's Zoofari offers good value, especially with its reasonable entry fee. The ability to bring your own picnic is a significant cost-saver, allowing you to enjoy a full day without breaking the bank on food. Reddit While animal food buckets have a cost, they can be shared among a group to reduce individual expense. Reddit

Focusing on the included safari drive-thru and walk-thru exhibits provides a full day of entertainment without needing to pay for extra attractions. Purchasing tickets online in advance might also offer slight discounts or avoid on-site fees. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Roer's Zoofari's History and Rebranding

Roer's Zoofari, previously known as NOVA Wild, has undergone a significant transformation. The zoo acknowledges a 'dark history' prior to its reopening under new management about a year ago. This rebranding signifies a fresh start, focusing on a more positive and interactive visitor experience. Visitors have noted the positive changes and the new management's efforts to create a welcoming environment. Reddit

This new direction emphasizes interactive exhibits and up-close animal encounters, aiming to provide educational and enjoyable experiences for families. The focus on animal welfare and visitor engagement appears to be a core principle of the current operation. The zoo's compact size is often highlighted as a positive for families with young children, making it less overwhelming than larger institutions. Reddit

The zoo's 30 acres offer a unique blend of a drive-thru safari, walk-thru exhibits, and special experiences. This variety, combined with the renewed focus on guest interaction, makes Roer's Zoofari a noteworthy destination for those seeking a more intimate zoo adventure. Reddit

Maximizing Your Roer's Zoofari Experience

To make the most of your visit to Roer's Zoofari, planning is key. Arriving on a weekday morning can help you avoid the largest crowds, allowing for more personal interactions with the animals. Reddit Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save time at the entrance. Reddit

The safari drive-thru is a major draw, so ensure your vehicle is ready for an up-close encounter. For those looking for even more interaction, the animal feeding experiences are highly recommended. While the cost of food buckets is noted, many find the experience well worth the price. Reddit Remember to wear comfortable shoes as you'll be exploring the walk-thru areas on foot. Reddit

Don't forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the unique moments. While the main zoo experience is comprehensive, be aware that some attractions, like the butterfly house, may incur additional fees. Packing a picnic lunch is also a smart way to manage your budget and enjoy the zoo's grounds. Reddit

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