Facilities/Rentals

So many spectacular venues: one is perfect for you.

Come tour the Zoo with us and see for yourself. With 53 lush acres, the options are endless -- and quite welcoming.

Large Open-Air Tent
In the heart of the Zoo, the versatility of our open-air 60'x 120' tent makes a delightful staging area for grand-scale events. The paver flooring is perfect for elegant seated dinners, dancing or live entertainment. With full access to power and water, you can enjoy all the amenities of an indoor venue, but with a fresh perspective. The Large Open-Air tent can accommodate up to 500 seated guests.

Event Field
Adjacent to the Large Open-Air Tent, this spacious field provides additional space for amusements, activities or even additional tents to support your event. Access to power and water is available.

Standard Tent
Make a big splash in a comfortable 20' x 40' festival tent that serves up ample hospitality for small company picnics, family reunions and birthday parties. The Standard Tent can accommodate up to 50 seated guests and has access to power.

Africa Boardwalk
Big event? Make Africa your dramatic backdrop. You can actually stage your event on our Boardwalk, an elevated pathway with two covered overlooks that winds through animal habitats some 17 feet above the lush grounds below. The Boardwalk is available for after-hours events only and accommodates up to 50 seated guests. Rental includes free admission for 50 guests.

Flora Point
Nestled in a secluded area of the Zoo, this "secret garden" overlooks the Lafayette River, creating a private paradise of lovely gardens with a magnificent vista. Flora Point, with its stone marquee, can accommodate up to 50 seated guests. Rental includes free admission for up to 50 guests.

Compass Rose Plaza
The breathtaking gateway to the Zoo welcomes your guests with Roman fountains and the amazing Kugel Ball. Add a splash of lighting to the Plaza, mix generously with the Victorian-style Education and Visitor Center, and you've got an amazing showplace for your event. The Compass Rose Plaza is available outside of operating hours only. Rental includes free admission for up to 50 guests.

Africa Interpretive Center
Embedded within the Africa exhibit, this out-of-the-ordinary round building is an innovative hot spot for small events or meetings. The Center can accommodate up to 45 seated guests. Rental includes free admission for up to 45 guests.

The Virginia Zoo - all of it!
Make the entire Zoo your playground for a private after-hours party. The place is all yours from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and we'll keep the animals on exhibit until 7:30 p.m. Zoo rental includes admission for 500 guests, large tent rental and security. Africa Restaurant is available upon request. After-hours is available June 1 through August 31 only.

Classrooms and Conference Rooms

We also offer a variety of special rooms for meetings, classes, retreats, training sessions, lectures and conferences.

• Education Classroom in the Education and Visitor Center can accommodate up to 50 seated guests. Rental includes free admission for up to 50 guests.
  
  
• Education Center near the Zoo's Barnyard exhibit is an amphitheater-style room that includes small stage and podium. Bleacher-style seating accommodates up to 75 guests. Rental includes free admission for up to 75 guests.
  
  
• Visitor Center Large Conference Room includes a small white board and projection screen. Conference table and chairs can accommodate up to 20 guests. Rental includes free admission for up to 20 guests.
  
  
• Visitor Center Small Conference Room features conference table and chairs that accommodate 7 guests. Rental includes admission for up to 7 guests.

For assistance, call Special Events at (757) 441-2374, ext. 253.