Virginia City has an extensive list of attractions and activities that will excite, educate, and convert you to a fan of this beautiful mining town. 

You can get to experience drive-through safaris, underwater exhibits, or boat rides with your family. This small city in the United States is packed with zoos and aquariums both for locals as well as tourists. 

A List to Pick One of Your Favorite Zoo in Virginia

Virginia is a great spot to visit for people in love with animals and aquatic life. The state is home to some of the country’s most diverse and extensive collections of animal species. The following are some of Virginia’s most well-known zoos and aquariums.  

1. Virginia’s Zoo

Address: 3500 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23504, United States

Norfolk, a city in coastal Virginia, is where Virginia Zoo is located. It is also known as Virginia Zoological Park and is the home of 700 animals from over 150 species. 

Several continents, including Asia, North America, and Australia, inspire this 53-acre zoological park. They also conduct family-friendly events such as summer safaris, reptile exhibitions, zoo tales, breakfast with animals, and other activities for adults and children. 

2. The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

Address: 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, United States

The Virginia Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in Virginia, including over 10,000 marine animals from over 300 different species. You can see the world’s largest collection of Bay fishes, as well as other aquatic species such as sea turtles, sharks, and sea stars. 

They host a lot of exhibitions and interactive programs which will fill your day with lots of excitement. They offer boat tours to visitors to watch dolphins and whales in the Atlantic Ocean. They also offer ziplines and other thrilling activities to enjoy your day with your family. 

3. Virginia Living Museum

Address: 524 J Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601, United States

The Virginia Living Museum is the best place to go if you want to learn more about Virginia’s rich natural heritage, which includes everything from animals to mountains and the sea. 

You can get to see various animals here, which live in the Chesapeake Bay, limestone caves, cypress swamps, and mountain coves. You can see beavers, otters, coastal birds, and other animals while strolling along the boardwalk. 

It is also the home of some exotic animals, such as red wolves and moon jellyfish. Don’t miss out on the Virginia and butterfly gardens, as they hold Virginia’s largest collection of native plants. 

4. Virginia Safari Park

Address: 229 Safari Ln, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, United States

Children of all ages will be thrilled by this nearly 175-acre drive-through adventure in Virginia Safari Park. Not only that, but you can also get to walk through ten villages. 

Virginia Safari Park is the home of rhinos, cheetahs, anteaters, giraffes, sloths, and other 80 more species of animals. They also host various special events.

You can even hand-feed the animals, such as giraffes, camels, zebras, bison, llamas, and elk. You can also take the safari wagon ride for a 45-minute guided tour.

You should not miss out on Virginia Safari Park, as it is the only drive-through safari in Virginia.

5. Mill Mountain Zoo

Address: Mill Mountain Spur, Roanoke, VA 24014, United States

The Mill Mountain Zoo was developed in 1951 as a kid’s zoo with a nursery rhyme theme. From here, the zoo has undergone various major modifications and expanded drastically. 

Mill Mountain Zoo is the home of numerous endangered and vulnerable species, such as red panda, snow leopard, black hornbill, and wolves. They host various fun and educational events year-round.

The zoo also held zoo camps for the kids during summer times.

6. Fort Chiswell Animal Park

Address: 569 Red Hollow Rd, Max Meadows, VA 24360, United States

Fort Chiswell Animal Park is the largest zoo in southern Virginia and opened in 2004. At present, this zoo is the home of more than 200 animals.

Fort Chiswell Animal Park is the most interactive zoo in the city. One of the most amazing facts about this zoo is you don’t have to buy tickets ahead of time to enjoy the adventure and exhibits. Just be prepared for lots of animal interactions, such as llamas, deer, monkeys, and pygmy goats. 

This zoo is home to animals from six different continents, and kids are gonna love this place. 

7. Natural Bridge Zoo

Address: 5784 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, United States

Natural Bridge Zoo opened in 1972, and since then, this zoo has been loved by kids of all ages. 

They protect and preserve the species that are endangered or threatened while conducting various educational programs for visitors interested in learning about ecological and conservation projects. 

Natural Bridge Zoo is the home of giraffes, cranes, parrots, zebras, kudus, macaws, monkeys, antelope, camels, ibises, African honey badgers, and others.  

8. Metro Richmond Zoo

Address: 8300 Beaver Bridge Rd, Moseley, VA 23120, United States

The Metro Richmond Zoo is home to over 1,500 animals, including zebras, monkeys, camels, giraffes, and more. The visitors can hand-feed the giraffes and even pet the animals in the petting area. 

They also offer rides like ziplines and other activities to make your day more adventurous and fun.  You can also check out the park’s treetop zoofari, the penguin drop tower, the safari sky lift, and the jungle carousel. 

Metro Richmond Zoo also takes part in various international conservation initiatives. 

9.Leesburg Animal Park

Address: 19246 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, VA 20175, United States

Leesburg Animal Park is home to a variety of animals, including zebras, African serval cats, lemurs, white-handed gibbons, camels, llamas, goats, pigs, ducks, kookaburra, bunnies, wallabies, and many more. The young kids are going to love this park. 

Additionally, there are camel rides, wagon, and pony rides, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, and live animal exhibitions. Furthermore, they also conduct various events.

10. Hunt Club’s Petting Zoo

Address: 2388 London Bridge Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, United States

Hunt Club’s Petting Zoo is a 32-acre family-run zoo located in Virginia Beach. 

This petting zoo is the home of various friendly animals such as goats, sheep, cows, turkeys, guinea, peacocks, guinea hens, llamas, donkeys, pigs, and more. They also offer pony rides for kids and farm market events.

The Bottom Lines

If your family is crazy about animals and marine life, then Virginia is one of the best spots to go. There are several wild animals, such as zebras, penguins, elephants, birds, alligators, and many others. 

Virginia is home to nearly a dozen zoos and aquariums that will appeal to animal lovers of all ages.  

Last Updated on December 20, 2023 by ayeshayusuf