Virginia offers families countless ways to connect with animals, and petting zoos provide some of the most hands-on experiences you can find.
These interactive destinations let children and adults touch, feed, and learn about friendly farm animals in safe, educational settings.
Petting zoos across Virginia give you the chance to create lasting memories while teaching kids about animal care and agriculture.
From safari parks with exotic species to small family farms with traditional barnyard animals, the state hosts diverse options that cater to different interests and budgets.
Whether you’re looking for pony rides, animal feeding experiences, or educational programs, Virginia’s petting zoos deliver engaging adventures for visitors of all ages.
1. Virginia Safari Park
Virginia Safari Park offers a unique 180-acre drive-through experience where you can meet exotic animals from the comfort of your car. You’ll see free-roaming elk, gazelle, zebras, and other wildlife as you drive through their safari trails.
The park features three ways to interact with animals. You can stay in your vehicle for the drive-through safari, walk through the village area on foot, or book special encounters with sloths, rhinos, and penguins.
Beyond entertainment, the park focuses on wildlife conservation and education. They support conservation programs worldwide and offer grants to wildlife and habitat programs. You can learn about endangered species while enjoying hands-on experiences.
Virginia Safari Park operates as part of a larger conservation mission. They care for resident animals while educating visitors about wildlife protection. The park clearly states it has no connection to the Natural Bridge Zoo, which is a separate facility in the same area.
Rating: 4.7 (7,601 reviews)
Location: 229 Safari Ln, Natural Bridge, VA 24578
Contact: (540) 291-3205
Website: Visit Website
2. Petting Zoo
You’ll find this charming petting zoo right next to Yoder’s Country Market in Madison, Virginia. The best part? There’s no admission fee to visit the farm animals.
The goats are the main attraction here. They love to play on their impressive 15-foot-high skywalk, giving you a fun show while you visit. You can feed all the friendly animals by hand using feed from the quarter machines outside or buying a bag inside the store.
The petting zoo stays open during all store hours, so you can visit whenever it’s convenient. Just remember not to bring your own food like corn, as this can make the animals sick. Stick to the approved feed they sell on-site.
With nearly perfect ratings from over 100 visitors, this spot offers a genuine country experience. The animals are well-cared for and used to interacting with people of all ages.
Rating: 4.9 (121 reviews)
Location: Madison, VA 22727
Website: Visit Website
3. Leesburg Animal Park
Leesburg Animal Park offers a unique mix of exotic animals and hands-on experiences. You can meet zebras, lemurs, camels, and llamas in their petting areas.
The park focuses on education through interactive programs. Your family will learn about different species while getting up close with the animals.
Beyond the petting zoo, you’ll find indoor playground areas and party services. The park hosts special seasonal events like Easter celebrations and Christmas village activities.
You can also book their Zoo-To-You program that brings animals to your location. Summer camps give kids deeper learning experiences with animal care and education.
Rating: 4.4 (1,405 reviews)
Location: 19246 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, VA 20175
Contact: (703) 433-0002
Website: Visit Website
4. Flat Creek Farm Petting Zoo and Pony Rides
Located in Amelia Court House, Flat Creek Farm offers a hands-on farm experience just 15 minutes past Woodlake. The Kohout family runs this working homestead where you can interact with various farm animals in a relaxed setting.
You can feed grain to friendly animals, ride the barrel train, and play with goats. The farm also features roosters you can walk around with and baby chicks for gentle cuddling. Pony rides are available as part of their animal experience packages.
The farm operates as a mobile service with two trailers to bring animals to your location. They offer birthday parties, seasonal photoshoots, and special events like Christmas on the Farm. You can book engagement photos, senior pictures, or other celebrations at the farm.
Caitlin Kohout brings over 22 years of horse experience and farm management to the operation. She works alongside her husband Gibson and daughter Huntleigh Mae to create memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.
Rating: 4.8 (29 reviews)
Location: 13342 Lodore Rd, Amelia Court House, VA 23002
Contact: (804) 873-3620
Website: Visit Website
5. NOVA Wild
You’ll find NOVA Wild on 30 acres of beautiful land in Vienna, offering both walk-through exhibits and a unique drive-through safari experience. This non-profit zoo opened in 2023 and features over 40 animal species including capybaras, cheetahs, lemurs, wallabies, and colorful birds.
The zoo specializes in hands-on encounters where you can interact with baby capybaras and kangaroo joeys alongside experienced zookeepers. You can also purchase special encounter tickets for up-close experiences with various animals.
What makes NOVA Wild special is the drive-through safari where you stay in your own car and feed animals like Asian water buffalo and Watusis. The zoo also offers pony rides, wagon rides, and has a food truck on-site when you get hungry.
NOVA Wild focuses on education, conservation, and animal welfare with science-based care from veterinarians and wildlife experts. They host birthday parties and educational field trips for groups wanting to learn about wildlife conservation.
Rating: 4.2 (2,832 reviews)
Location: 1228 Hunter Mill Rd, Vienna, VA 22182
Contact: (703) 757-9453
Website: Visit Website
6. Bluebird Gap Farm
Bluebird Gap Farm in Hampton offers one of the most diverse petting zoo experiences in Virginia. You’ll find around 100 domestic and wild animals spread across 60 acres of beautiful farmland.
The farm houses typical farm animals like horses, cows, pigs, goats, and chickens that you can interact with. You’ll also discover more unique residents including alpacas, peacocks, tortoises, and birds of prey. The large duck pond adds another fun element where you can watch waterfowl up close.
Your kids will love the interactive animal feeding experience available through the feed machine in the barn. You can even exchange five pieces of litter for a free bag of animal feed when the program is running. The farm also features a large playground and the scenic Azalea Trail along Newmarket Creek.
The best part about visiting Bluebird Gap Farm is that admission is completely free. You can spend the whole day exploring the animals, enjoying picnic areas with grills, and letting kids play in the Nature Play Area without spending money on entry fees.
Rating: 4.7 (2,421 reviews)
Location: 60 Pine Chapel Rd, Hampton, VA 23669
Contact: (757) 825-4750
Website: Visit Website
7. Little Critters Traveling Petting Zoo LLC
Little Critters Traveling Petting Zoo brings the farm experience directly to you. This mobile petting zoo visits children’s parties and events throughout Virginia. You can meet traditional farm animals without traveling to a distant location.
The zoo features sheep, miniature horses, miniature donkeys, chickens, and rabbits. You’ll also find pygmy goats, llamas, and alpacas. These animals give children hands-on learning opportunities they rarely get in everyday life.
Your kids can see, touch, and learn about each animal during the visit. The experience combines education with entertainment. Many parents book this service for birthday parties because it creates lasting memories.
The company focuses on making animal interactions safe and fun for children. You can contact them by email to schedule visits. They serve locations across Virginia and bring all the animals to your chosen venue.
Rating: 4.8 (20 reviews)
Location: 344 Country View Dr, Troutville, VA 24175
Contact: (540) 354-8490
Website: Visit Website
8. Natural Bridge Zoo
Natural Bridge Zoo offers you a unique petting zoo experience with hands-on animal interactions. You can feed various animals and enjoy close encounters through their interactive programs.
The zoo has operated as a privately-owned facility since 1972. They focus on breeding threatened and endangered species, giving you the chance to see rare animals up close.
You’ll find elephant rides available along with traditional petting zoo activities. The zoo houses a mix of exotic animals, birds, and reptiles that you might not encounter elsewhere.
Their mission centers on education and conservation. You can learn about wildlife while supporting their breeding programs for endangered species.
Rating: 3.4 (1,943 reviews)
Location: 5784 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578
Contact: (540) 291-2420
Website: Visit Website
9. Virginia Zoo
The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk offers you a chance to see more than 700 animals from over 150 species. This sprawling park provides live animal presentations where you can meet keepers and get up-close with animal ambassadors.
You’ll find themed gardens throughout the grounds along with behind-the-scenes tours. The zoo hosts field trips and educational programs that make learning about wildlife exciting for visitors of all ages.
The facility offers volunteer opportunities if you want to get more involved. You can also book the space for special events like corporate picnics or weddings.
The Virginia Zoo has its own mobile app to help you navigate your visit. Staff members regularly give presentations and educational talks throughout the day.
Rating: 4.5 (7,284 reviews)
Location: 3500 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23504
Contact: (757) 441-2374
Website: Visit Website
10. Fort Chiswell Animal Park
Fort Chiswell Animal Park offers you a unique safari experience along the I-81/I-77 corridor in Virginia. You’ll get up-close encounters with animals from around the world while enjoying views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Your ticket includes a guided safari bus tour and access to the walk-through petting zoo. You can also use the picnic tables and free parking during your visit. The safari bus tour is the main attraction where you’ll see various animals in a more natural setting.
You can purchase zoo chow for $5 per bag or roasted peanuts for $4 per bag to feed the animals. This makes the experience more interactive and fun for kids and adults alike.
The park operates seasonally with different schedules throughout the year. During peak season from May through Labor Day, you can visit daily with weekend hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekday hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Remember that the last safari bus leaves one hour before closing time.
Rating: 4.7 (788 reviews)
Location: 569 Red Hollow Rd, Max Meadows, VA 24360
Contact: (276) 637-6754
Website: Visit Website
