Sensory Friendly Morning

About this event

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Join us as we partner with Autism Society Tidewater Virginia , Complete the Puzzle , and Destination Family Services to provide guests of all abilities and needs, along with their families, the opportunity to visit the Virginia Zoo in a less overwhelming environment. On this special date and time we will provide stress-free activities for your Zoo visit through adapted programs and a reduced number of visitors. With access to animal ambassadors, activity carts, Run Wild! Discovery Zone nature play, and more the whole family can enjoy this sensory-friendly morning at the Zoo.

Purchase tickets here!

Activities

Included with your ticket:

Biofact Tables: Join us for hands-on exploration using our biofacts — animal artifacts like feathers, skulls, snake sheds, and more!

Little Zoo located in the World of Reptiles Classroom

Community Resources: Autism Society Tidewater Virginia

Brighter Side ASD

CHKD – Developmental Pediatrics

Complete the Puzzle

Connecting the Steps

Destination Family Services

Dynamic ABA

FACT Families for Autism

Moms Who Advocate

Sentara Therapy Center

Train: The Virginia Zoo Express train will not run during the event to limit sound, but guests will have the opportunity to view, touch, and take photos with the train. Normal train operations will resume at 12:30pm, weather permitting.

All activities are being conducted as they would during standard operations with some modifications to create a calmer environment with reduced lights, sounds, and crowds.

Available for an additional cost ($):

An assortment of sensory toys available for purchase at our Gift Shop for 20% off!

Food & Drinks ($)

African Village Restaurant Chicken tenders, burgers, pizza, fries, snack items

Soda, juice, water, beer, wine, Waters Edge Serpentine Sangria

Tickets

Due to limited capacity, timed tickets will be required for entry to the Zoo for this time and date. Individuals with an ADA-Recognized Disability and One Companion can receive free admission upon request. ADA Admission is only redeemable at the ticket booth. All additional family and friends attending are required to purchase & reserve your tickets ahead of time.

🎧 Member Adult (18+): Free

🎧 Member Child (2-17): Free

🎧 Non-Member Adult (12+): $20

🎧 Non-Member Senior (62+): $18

🎧 Non-Member Child (2-11): $17

🎧 Children under 2 are free but require a reserved ticket

Purchase tickets here!

Event Reminders

Tickets are non-refundable. All sales are final. Should a ticket holder be unable to attend the event, the purchase will be considered a donation.

As an outdoor venue, events are rain or shine unless otherwise indicated. If any changes are made, an announcement via an email to our members and/or ticket holders and on the Virginia Zoo social media channels will be issued prior the event.

The Zoo is a smoke-free facility; no smoking is allowed inside the Zoo. This also includes e-cigarettes and vaping. Inability to follow this rule will result in dismissal from Zoo grounds without a refund.