Virginia Zoo

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk is a mid-sized, well-maintained zoological park that punches above its weight with quality animal experiences and a genuine commitment to family programming. Located on Granby Street in a pleasant neighborhood, it's approximately 45 minutes from central Williamsburg and makes for a worthwhile half-day trip.

The Africa section is the crown jewel. The giraffe exhibit allows visitors to purchase feeding sticks and extend leaves to the giraffes from an elevated platform — a close encounter that puts you at eye level with animals whose necks alone are taller than most adults. The moment when a giraffe's 18-inch tongue wraps around a leaf stick is something children describe to grandparents for weeks.

ZooFarm provides the tactile animal experience that young children crave — petting goats, chickens, and other domestic animals in a hands-on barnyard area. For toddlers and preschoolers who want to touch rather than just observe, it's a significant feature.

The zoo opens at 9:30AM, and that early window is genuinely the best time to visit. Animals are most active in the cooler morning hours, crowds are minimal, and you can complete a full circuit before the midday heat sets in. Plan to be done by 1PM for the most enjoyable experience.

For Hampton Roads-area families, zoo membership is an excellent investment. For Williamsburg visitors, a one-day visit covers the highlights thoroughly.