For Aiden’s birthday this year we decided to do a trip instead of a party. It considered with my brother getting deployed so it was go timing to go visit him down in Virginia Beach. We hit a lot of beach time but we also did a little exploring which included a trip to the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. Check out our visit to the Virginia Zoo.

Before you visit you should download the free Virginia zoo app so you have their virtual map. It uses your phone’s GPS so you know exactly where you are. The tickets cost $14.95 for adults, children (2-11) $11.95 and seniors (62+) $12.95. There is a military discount. If you are local there are memberships too.

We hit the zoo on a Friday. It wasn’t super busy but there were plenty of kids in his age range to hang out with and play. He meets two boys who were equal levels of energy and crazy kid. They really liked hanging out together.

Visit to the Virginia Zoo

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The whole zoo is about a 2-mile walk through exhibits from Asia, Africa, Australia, and here in America. We started with Asia. The first animal Aiden saw was the tiger. He was up and watching the kids who pressed their noses to the window.

Asia

Most of the Asian features were separated. Aiden had a little trouble focusing in this section because some of the animals were hiding and made it hard to see without really looking. He just wanted to go back to the Tigers.

Africa

When we got to Africa the animals were more together. You could see a bunch of animals include one of his favorites the giraffes.

This section had a bunch of things to climb on including a large tortoise.

He really enjoyed climbing on the rock features throughout the park with his friends and running up and down the paths.

Australia

We went to the Australian exhibit next. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to go in. This exhibit allowed you to get up close and personal to emus, a kangaroo, and some wallabies. They do require you to stay on the walking path and not chase the animals. You can always see the peacocks wandering around too. Although they didn’t seem to be stuck inside the enclosure.

Next, we went on the train ride around the park. A miniature engine ride of about 20 minutes runs every half hour for a $2 token. It doesn’t really show a whole lot that you can’t see walking around it was just a fun ride around the park.

Finally got the see the North American section. The bald eagle was beautiful to see. And the small cave the kids could play in was a big hit. And a giant snake that could be walked on.

We headed over to the Farm where you could see and touch the barnyard animals. Aiden wanted to pet the pigs 🐖 🐖 🐖. The other ones he could touch we’re either too big or hanging out in the shade.

At that point, Aiden was tired and hungry so we headed out of the zoo after a quick stop in the gift shop for some souvenirs.

We did skip the reptile house and a couple of the gardens. Although we did wander through the rose garden and the African vegetable garden.

Food

And we weren’t happy with the price of food. There were lots of families who brought lunch with them despite the signs saying no outside food or drinks. We went elsewhere to eat.

Visit to the Virginia Zoo

All in all it a fun-filled trip. It was a great way to learn about the animals and we will be counting it as our field trip of the month. Totally worth a visit if you are in the area. Don’t forget to download the app and packing a lunch or at least snacks if you’re staying more than a few hours.