23 Zoos in VIRGINIA (Extraordinary, Huge, & Diverse)
People nowadays tend to focus on looking at their screens since it is easy to acquire all the entertainment that a person wants and needs at the tap of a button.
You can watch pranking videos of other people or funny videos of different animals.
People absolutely love spending hours watching them, giving this sudden bursts of pleasure or happiness.
Your kids are also getting increasingly hooked on the virtual world.
They aren’t interested anymore in the real thing.
If they want to see an elephant, they will search for it on Google, and it will immediately pop up.
But worry no more!
This article provides the most astonishing and extraordinary zoos in Virginia.
Grab your pens now, and be sure to list down these tourist spots!
Zoos in Roanoke, Virginia
1. Mill Mountain Zoo
Are you looking for a zoo that has a variety of animals?
The Mill Mountain Zoo has different types of animals, such as birds, mammals, and reptiles.
You will have the opportunity to get to know all the animals residing in Mill Mountain and to learn a lot of things about them.
They have various events and programs lined up that you can try out.
You can even have breakfast with the animals, or you can join their Zoo Boo event, where your child can go trick-or-treating while exploring different animals.
You can sign up your kids for their Spring Break and Summer Camps.
What are you waiting for?
Sign up for your kids now and allow them to be educated in a fun manner about animals in this tourist destination.
Address: Mill Mountain Spur, Roanoke, VA 24014, United States
Related: https://illinoisstateonline.com/zoos-in-illinois/
2. Jeter Farm
If you are looking for a place where your family can enjoy various activities adjusted to farm life, this zoo spot is the place for you.
This spot has been around since 1853 when a couple started their brand-new life here as a fresh start.
Jeter Farm has a historic barn that has been preserved well which was built in 1871.
This barn serves as one of the best specimens of an old type called the forebay bank barn.
Take a gamble and try to solve their corn maze.
You can also play with your kids in the barnyard.
If you want an actual experience, you may also visit their farm animals, feed them, or learn more about them.
Address: 181 Blue Ridge Blvd Roanoke, VA 24012, United States
Related: https://floridastateonline.com/zoos-in-florida/
3. Fort Chiswell Animal Park
Do you want to go to a place where you can explore the Blue Ridges while observing animals up close?
Are you an enthusiastic animal lover?
Be ready and add Fort Chiswell Animal Park now to your bucket list!
This zoo spot is in the form of a safari.
You can get up close with their animals to feed or casually touch them in order to have a wonderful up-close experience.
The animal park has zebras, llamas, alpacas, camels, and so much more.
Together with your children, ride their safari bus to see the scenery of this beautiful place.
Go and have an adventure with your family and friends.
Awaken the dormant animal lover in you by getting to know Fort Chiswell’s animals.
Address: 113km away from Roanoke, VA, USA
Related: https://mytexasstateonline.com/zoos-in-texas/
4. Twin J Ranch
The Twin J Ranch is currently owned and operated by an animal-loving couple.
Both of them were raised in a setting of farming and ranching.
This type of life led them to build the ranch where their kids would have the same opportunity that they did to grow up with animals.
So if you are an animal lover, you will absolutely love this place!
They have several activities and events here that you can do.
You may accompany your children as they go to the ranch’s petting zoo.
Let them have an experience mingling with animals.
They even offer photoshoots here that are an absolute must for your kid’s next birthday photoshoot.
You will be able to take photos with the farm’s animals to commemorate your time here.
Address: 46km away from Roanoke, VA, USA
Zoos in Moseley, Virginia
1. Metro Richmond Zoo
If you are searching for a place where you can discover the wild, this zoo should be your next travel destination.
They have numerous activities here dedicated to families to enjoy.
You can have a go and feed their giraffes by hand.
If you are a bird lover, feed the budgies residing in the zoo’s budgie aviary.
You can also listen to one of their caretakers in order to expand your knowledge about the animals residing in the zoo.
If you have kids, they can have the chance to see and feed some of the zoo’s animals in the Children’s Petting Area.
They even have rides here!
Fill your heart with suspense as you try out the Penguin Falls Drop Tower or take a relaxing ride in the Safari Train Ride.
Address: 8300 Beaver Bridge Rd, Moseley, VA 23120, United States
2. Serpentes Reptiles
Are you an avid reptile lover?
Do you want to have a close-up experience handling and even kissing snakes?
Then this is the perfect destination spot for you!
They have various reptiles here that you can have first-hand experience with.
This tourist spot has turtles, tortoises, snakes, and lizards which you will have the chance to see and learn a lot from to expand your knowledge on them.
You can book your children to have a learning experience with the School/Daycare Reptile Adventure.
They even offer to host birthdays here!
Avail of their Reptile Birthday Adventure and give your kid the best birthday that he will have and give his guests a unique experience that they will remember until they grow up.
Address: 38km away from Moseley, VA, USA
3. Heavenly Creatures Petting Zoo
You will take a 40-minute drive from Moseley to arrive here.
After spending a day here, you will surely think that your trip was worth it!
Take your family and spend some quality time here by exploring all the animals residing in this beautiful zoo.
Experience petting their numerous animals and get the chance to hand-feed them.
You may also ask the zoo’s staff if you are interested in expanding your knowledge on animals.
Dress up with your kid and take crazy, memorable photos to post on social media to share your joys to the world.
You can catch one of their theatricals if you are interested in plays.
Plan your next family trip now here at Heavenly Creatures Petting Zoo!
Address: 43km away from Moseley, VA, USA
4. Laughing Place Farm
Are you interested in a petting zoo where you’ll have the opportunity to touch and feed a variety of farm animals?
Then this tourist destination should be on your list!
The Laughing Place Farm has been around since 2002 that is why you can rest assured that they have a lot of experience of giving the best services to their visitors.
It is one of Virginia’s most beautiful mobile petting zoos.
The farm boasts its staff that has undergone different training to give their guests the best services.
This place is home to various animals such as ponies, sheep, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, goats, bunnies, chickens, and even unicorns.
They offer to host parties here where you’ll have the opportunity to play with their animals.
Address: 20km away from Moseley, VA, USA
Zoos in Luray, Virginia
1. Luray Zoo A Rescue Zoo
Are you searching for a zoo where kids can go on a field trip?
Luray Zoo has different trips lined up for you and your whole family.
You can take your summer camp or home school groups here wherein they will have the chance to meet different species of animals.
Through their educational programs, handled by their professional personnel, your kids will learn a lot and will expand their knowledge on the animal kingdom.
They even offer field trips for boy scouts and girl scouts where they will have numerous unique experience.
Bring them along as they expand their horizons and learn new things.
Your kids will even have additional skills where they will earn new badges!
Address: 1087 US-211, Luray, VA 22835, United States
2. Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo: West Virginia Zoo
Hovatter’s Zoo, also known as West Virginia Zoo, is one of Virginia’s most popular zoos.
They are known to have the most extensive collections of animals here, ranging from deer, black bears, and tigers to chimpanzees, Orange and White tigers, and other exotic species.
So if you are an enormous animal enthusiast, you should a hundred percent come in this fantastic zoo!
You will have the opportunity to observe their wildlife residents to see their behavior, eating habits, and even how they interact with people and other animals.
If you love giraffes, you can feed some of them with the assistance of their professional personnel.
They even have birds here that you can hand-feed and have a close-up experience with.
Address: 240km away from Luray, VA, USA
3. West Virginia State Wildlife Center
Do you want a zoo that aims to show tourists the state’s wildlife?
If so, get your pens and list down the wildlife center as your next destination!
This wildlife center has a 1.25-mile trail where you’ll see their wildlife and the scenery West Virginia State Wildlife Center has to offer.
You will get to see the magnificent scenery in their hardwood forest and also, be ready to expand your knowledge here.
Learn as you observe their wildlife in their habitats as they exhibit their natural behavior patterns.
The tour guides will share all they know about the animals in the zoo so always be ready to listen.
After taking the trip, you and your family can have a peaceful picnic in the area.
Reclaim your peace and release all of your pent-up stress.
Address: 269km away from Luray, VA, USA
4. NOVA Wild
If you are interested in different types of animals, the NOVA Wild will surely appease your desire!
NOVA Wild, formerly known as Roer’s Zoofari and Reston Zoo, aims to offer its guests the best zoo experience.
They have different species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and butterflies that you can have a close-up experience with.
The zoo features a reptile house, a butterfly garden, and an aviary that you can visit within the zoo’s visiting hours.
You will be able to have a hands-on experience with the wildlife residing in the zoo.
They even have the Lumagica: The Great Migration Light Show, where you can enjoy the lights at night.
Pack your bags now and take your family to this magical land!
Address: 136km away from Luray, VA, USA
5. Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
Are you interested in learning a lot about different species of animals?
Do you have a strong drive to make an effort to save endangered animals from extinction?
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is the perfect place for you!
You can discover how their leading scientists are doing their best to try to save animals from extinction.
It is a must to visit their diverse set of exhibits where you will get to see different displays which aim to share the institute’s knowledge to the public.
If you are an animal lover, you can see different marine, aerial, and land animal species.
You will even have the opportunity to visit their Reptile Discovery Center.
Give yourself a chance to see all of the reptiles and amphibians residing in this travel destination.
Address: 42km away from Luray, VA, USA
Zoos in Virginia Beach, Virginia
1. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Virginia Aquarium aims to show different marine creatures to promote their conservation.
This spot does this by educating its guests through different modes of learning.
You can try out their virtual learning mode of education or their Outreach Program.
If you are interested, you may even have a close-up experience with their animals.
They even have divers in their aquariums, so wave and say hello to one of them.
If your children are greatly interested in marine life, try out their Gallery Programs.
Ask anything related to the animals in this spot to one of their Aquarium Educators.
They are professionals who will tour the place and share everything there is to know about marine life.
Address: 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, United States
2. Hunt Club Farm
Do you want to go to a tourist destination where you can have unlimited time to pet animals?
This spot features different species of animals that you can pet.
You can try out their BirdWalk Aviary, where you’ll get to meet feathered creatures or visit their petting farm and make new friends!
Hunt Club Farm has a diverse set of animals that you can meet, therefore, you will absolutely have a great time exploring this astonishing place.
The farm also features the TreeWalk Adventure.
Encourage your kids to face their fears and conquer this escapade!
They offer to host birthday parties here, which is a one-of-a-kind experience for your kid’s party.
Visit the farm during easter and have fun doing their Easter Spring Fling and Egg Hunt.
Address: 2388 London Bridge Rd Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Zoos in Norfolk, Virginia
1. Virginia Zoological Park
If you are looking for a tourist spot that is rich in wildlife and plants, this is the right place for you.
They have a variety of animals here that will fill your heart with astonishment and wonder.
From the African giant millipede to the bearded dragon, you will have the chance to see all of them.
They even have numerous species of avian creatures.
Without a doubt, your heart will be filled with wonder as you watch the zoo’s birds.
You will also have a peaceful time by listening to the singing birds.
Come and be captivated by their alluring peafowl.
You can also visit their ZooFarm Garden and Tropical Garden.
Visit their gardens and increase your knowledge of the zoo’s diverse plants.
Address: 3500 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23504, United States
2. Golden Eagle Alpaca Farm
If what you are looking for is a farm that focuses on raising alpacas and llamas, then prepare yourself for this magnificent spot!
This tourist spot is a 12-acre natural farm that raises not only animals but also fresh produce.
You’ll be able to meet and pet alpacas, llamas, and hens which you may also feed by hand.
They have a variety of produce here, such as peaches and blackberries.
You may buy some produce from the farm to give to your relatives or friends.
The farm aims to promote a diet that leans on consuming natural food.
What are you waiting for?
Visit the Golden Eagle Alpaca Farm now and live a healthier lifestyle through their fresh goods.
Address: 69km away from Norfolk, VA, USA
3. Bel Laurel Farm
Are you looking for a zoo that is both a farm and a petting zoo?
Do you want to create wonderful memories with your children?
If yes, then pack your things and be ready to plan your next family trip here at Bel Laurel Farm!
The owners initially wanted to build a self-sustaining farm where they could live a harmonious life with their animals.
But they have felt and seen the need to contribute to solving the problem of animal abuse.
In this travel destination, you can observe how they care for bees.
If you love to fish, you can try out fishing in their ponds and freshwater lakes.
You may conduct different celebrations such as birthday parties, family tours, New Year’s Countdown, and so much more.
Address: 97km away from Norfolk, VA, USA
4. Wolf Haven
Are you an earnest lover of wolves?
Here in Wolf Haven, you’ll have the chance to meet the wolves residing in the area.
The majestic wolves of this tourist spot are a must see for everyone because you will have a once in a lifetime encounter of these fascinating animals.
One of their animal specialists will be answering all your questions about wolves.
You will learn how to care for wolves, how to feed them, and interesting facts about them.
Take pictures of their majestic wolves!
Post them on your social media to share their beauty with the world.
Your kids will also love it here!
Fill your kids’ hearts with joy as you take them to one of the park’s kid-friendly attractions!
Address: 76km away from Norfolk, VA, USA
Zoos in Newport News, Virginia
1. Virginia Living Museum
The Virginia Living Museum features an animal attraction and the Dino Destination.
You can look at their animals here and learn a great deal about them, or you can explore the outdoors to see their Dinosaur Trail.
Expand your knowledge by listening and asking questions to the zoo’s guides who will share all they know about the animals residing in Virginia Living Museum.
You may also visit their several exhibits, such as Living Green/Gardens, Indoor Galleries, Boardwalk Trail, and so much more.
If you are interested in celestial bodies, come and visit the Planetarium.
Observe the stars through stargazing.
On Saturday nights, they have the stunning Laser Nights where you will surely be filled with surprise!
Address: 524 J Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601, United States
2. Bluebird Gap Farm
If you are looking for a place for your next family trip, then this is what you are looking for!
You can spend some quality time with your family as you try out The Azalea Trail.
If you want to have a picnic to have a quiet and peaceful time with nature, the farm has numerous picnic spots.
Visit the Hampton Master Gardeners’ Display Garden and Arboretum.
Come and see the farm’s various animals.
From domestic animals such as horses and cows to wild animals such as birds of prey and peacocks, you will see all of them here.
Visit the Bluebird Gap Farm now!
Bring your family along and create memories that will last for a lifetime!
Address: 12km away from Newport News, VA, USA
3. The Barnyard Foundation
You will take a 40-minute drive from Newport News to arrive at this travel destination.
After arriving here, you will learn of their inspiring mission which may give you the drive to get up and support their cause.
The Barnyard Foundation aims to build a world where humans and animals will live a peaceful and harmonious life.
They have various activities here where you’ll be able to connect with the animals.
You can have a go at their Animal Assisted Activities.
Here, you will experience scientifically proven animal therapy that will help you reclaim peace.
So, if things haven’t been going your way lately, unwind at this tranquil place.
The place also features the Animal Sanctuary and Welfare dedicated to giving a home to rescued animals.
Address: 39km away from Newport News, VA, USA
4. BrightEyes Alpacas Retreat
Are you interested in visiting a place solely dedicated to raising alpacas?
BrightEyes Retreat is an agritourism facility that offers to educate groups or individuals.
You can pet one of their alpacas and have a feel of their fluffy fur.
If you want a more close-up experience, you may feed and connect with the alpacas as you spend time together.
Have a wonderful time to release all your pent-up stress from your work by playing with the animals.
You will have the chance to expand your knowledge on their behavior, the type of food that they eat, and even their anatomy.
What are you still waiting for?
Come now and bring your family and friends, spend some quality time to build new memories together!
Address: 223km away from Newport News, VA, USA