There is something magical about holiday decorations and this time of the year. The twinkling lights, the smell of cookies baking, and the cozy feelings that come with the holidays. Not everyone wants to put up an elaborate display of their own though and going to visit a holiday light display is a great way to enjoy beautiful decorations without the stress.
A list of some of the holiday activities this year at Gaylord National. This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of them, and make a purchase I’ll receive a commission at no charge to you.
The Gaylord National is one of my favorite holiday displays to visit. Not only is the atrium always beautifully decorated and full of Christmas lights, but the hotel also, has many themed activities. Some of the holiday activities for purchase this year include the I Love Christmas Movies walk-through, holiday Build-A-Bear popup, Sweet Shoppe, Tree Lot bar, a rendition of the Christmas Story, and a holiday light show in the atrium (free).
I Love Christmas Movies Experience
Some of my favorite Christmas movie props
One of the new activities this year is the I Love Christmas Movies features a unique walk-through. This experience emerges the visitor in some of the classic Christmas Movies sets such as Year Without a Santa Clause, Christmas Vacation, Christmas Story, The Polar Express, and Elf. In the experience, one can walk into areas with backdrops and props from these movies. Santa’s workshop from Elf, the train from Polar Express, the house from Christmas Vacation, and the town from Year Without a Santa Clause were my favorites of the experience.
Outside the Snow Factory the Build-A-Bear popup shop has many holiday plush to choose from.
Outside the walk-through is a gift shop featuring many products from classic Christmas movies and the Snow Factory area which has many fun holiday-themed activities. Some of the activities this year include an ice hill for tubing, snowball fight games, a Build-A-Bear popup shop, Gingerbread house decorating, a scavenger hunt, and other activities like ice bumper cars. There is enough to keep young and young at heart entertained for the day.
Sweet Treats and Food Options
The Holiday Sweet Shoppe had Hot Cocoa and Eggnog plus the choice of additional alcohol for that extra kick and lots of yummy treats.
The hotel restaurant Old Hickory Steakhouse is a great option if you have time to sit down and enjoy a meal during your visit. I would suggest making reservations in advance if you want to dine there though. Other food options include a marketplace for quick service eats and a popup pizza place in the atrium. There are plenty of options for festive holiday drinks and treats as well in the atrium.
The Tree Lot bar had lots of choices for seasonal holiday drinks.
At the popup Holiday Sweet Shoppe, I tried eggnog with a choice of fireball for an extra kick. The Shoppe also, contained gingerbread houses, holiday treats, Yule log cakes, and desserts to tempt. There was a popup-themed Tree Lot bar in the atrium that had some delicious seasonal drink options as well. I tried the Home for the Holidays cocktail there featuring rum and clove. Both drinks and the macaroon cookies I had at these locations were delicious.
The light show inside the atrium is a must see!
Visiting Gaylord National kicks off our Christmas season and I can highly recommend going to the Gaylord National to celebrate the holiday season. We have made coming to Gaylord National part of our holiday traditions and our first Christmas activity each year. My favorite part of the night is grabbing a drink and watching the light show inside the atrium each year. If you’re local to the National Harbor area the Gaylord National is perfect for a day trip and if you’re a few hours away like me booking an overnight stay extends the fun of this wonderful holiday experience. This would be the perfect place to start a holiday tradition.
I have heard a lot about Great Wolf Lodge since it was built in Williamsburg, VA and it has been one of my places to visit for a while. As an adult in my mid-30s with no children, I kept looking over many reviews, comments, concerns, and complaints dealing with topics related exclusively to people with children. I was hesitant to book a stay at Great Wolf Lodge because of the lack of reviews about adult-only visits. I wasn’t sure if there would be enough for adults to do or if it would be too noisy for us.
Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia a break from adulting!
Make no mistake Great Wolf Lodge’s main focus is on children, but we found there was plenty to do to keep us (adults) entertained as well. I felt that a review of the lodge from an adult without children was due. I should mention we are kids at heart and love theme parks. From the time we arrived at Great Wolf Lodge, we honestly had a blast! For our first visit, we chose to go during Halloween. We figured a lot of people might take their children out and maybe not as many people would be vacationing. During our visit, we found the lodge to be busy, but not packed. (Note: The resort did have Halloween activities for children including trick or treating for Halloween.)
Outside the entrance of Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Va. Wolf ears hey why not!
Inside the lobby of Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, VirginiaOutside Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, VirginiaGreat Wolf Lodge is beautifully laid out and definitely has a rustic feel to it.
Upon arrival, I was shocked at the homey feel of the lodge and the lack of a smell of chlorine from the water park. In the lobby when we arrived was a group of children on the floor in front of the fireplace doing a staff-led craft. We used the mobile self-check-in on the app and when we arrived our room was ready for us. Upon check-in in we received an envelope with our wristbands for our stay. We opted to link our credit card to our wristbands putting a $100 hold on the account for charges. This is something to consider if you don’t want to lug around a credit card while you’re at the water park.
Lodging at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
Family Fireplace Suite at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Va
The wristband is also, your room key and will unlock the door outside the lodge going to the parking lot as well (this feature is not on the children’s bands). The lodge was busy, but it wasn’t overwhelming. We easily located our room. The family fireplace suite was spacious with 2 queen beds, a full-size bathroom with a shower/tub combo, a kitchen area with a microwave and mini fridge, a sofa, 2 TVs, and a fireplace which we especially. The lodge has many types of rooms including themed rooms too with cabin bunk areas for children.
Spring Breakout at Great Wolf Lodge Willamsburg, Virginia and a tour of the Majestic Bear Suite
Dining at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia
Food Options at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
There are several dining options at Great Wolf Lodge without having to leave the lodge. I liked being able to stay on the property and relax with some bar drinks, not having to worry about taking an Uber or taxi. The Loose Moose is off of the main lobby and is a buffet-style restaurant with a bar. They are open for breakfast and then close and reopen at 5 for dinner. We ate here twice during our stay for dinner and enjoyed our food and our bar drinks. Great Wolf Lodge has a frozen Jack and Coke that is good by the way!
The bar menu and some of the food options we tried while eating at the Loose Moose inside Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia. Themed food (like these for Halloween) are normally on the buffet.
I was most impressed at their concern for dietary restrictions. A staff member came out and went over items that didn’t contain any meat for me and addressed any concerns I had on vegetarian or vegan choices. The salad bar area was full of delicious fresh veggies, pasta salads, potato salad, and a variety of greens. They had a great selection of side dishes too including veggies and an area for main dishes/meats (fish was an option too). Everything we had here was flavorful and tasted fresh.
Other choices for food include pizza and take-and-go salads/sandwiches downstairs from the lobby called the Hungry as a Wolf. There is also, a walk-up restaurant in the water park area called Buckets, a waterpark bar, and an ice cream parlor beside Hungry as a Wolf. In addition, the resort has its own Dunkin’ Donuts in the lobby and we had donuts from there one morning. I enjoyed the ability to place an order on my phone from the resort dining and then pick up my food. It made it hassle-free even to order from our room by using the app.
Turkey and avocado sandwich with Cajun fries from Buckets. They also, have salads and snack options like Bavarian pretzels.Dunkin’ Donuts inside the lobby at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, VirginiaFresh fruit and Greek yogurt from Buckets
During our time inside the water park, we enjoyed food from Buckets as well as drinks from the bar inside. The bar also had the football games showing on two TVs on Sunday. Just outside the parking lot of Great Wolf Lodge is another food option in the form of a non-lodge restaurant called Sportsman’s Grill. The restaurant is within walking distance of Great Wolf Lodge and stays with the wilderness theme.
Frog legs at Sportsman’s Grill Williamsburg, Virginia Venison stew Sportsman’s Grill Williamsburg, VirginiaSteak and potato at Sportsman’s Grill Williamsburg, VirginiaTuna fish sandwich with fries Sportsman’s Grill Williamsburg, VirginiaThe menu at Sportsman’s Grill is unique with items such a frog legs and venison stew. They also, had generous cuts of beef and seafood options such as a tuna fish sandwich.
Sportsman’s Grill is similar to a game lodge and the walls are covered in taxidermy animal trophies. The menu is unique too with items such as frog legs, venison stew, and alligator gumbo. They also had a nice beer/wine list. We enjoyed having lunch there during our stay.
Things to do at Great Wolf Lodge (Paid Activities)
In addition to the water park, there are many fun activities to do at Great Wolf Lodge. Most are geared directly towards children like the MagiQuest game which has a spot to buy a wand and play an interactive game through the resort. However, as adults, we enjoyed several of the other activities. The lanes at Ten Paw Alley were shorter and it was similar to duckpin bowling with smaller balls and short pins. This bowling was a bit more challenging than normal bowling and we had fun playing.
Playing laser tag at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, VirginiaMy Mom bowling at Ten Paw Bowling inside Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, VirginiaHalloween at Build a Bear Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, VirginiaEnjoying some of the (paid) activities inside Great Wolf Lodge including Build a Bear, the Northern Light’s Arcade, Ten Paw Alley and Laser Tag during Halloween at Great Wolf Lodge.
We also visited the Build a Bear during our stay where I stuffed my wolf plush to take home. I’m already a Build-a-Bear fan and was excited about the exclusive options only offered at Great Wolf Lodge. We enjoyed playing a game of laser tag and even had the whole game to ourselves one night. For late-night fun, the Northern Lights arcade is open late, is adult friendly and has many fun traditional-style games that bring back nostalgic feelings.
The price of the tokens was typical of arcades and with $50 worth we enjoyed chasing each other on motorcycles, racing each other in cars, and playing skeetball and basketball against each other. Many of the arcade games give out tickets to redeem for prizes and several of the claw machines allow for play until a prize is won. I felt like a kid again playing some of the games all while enjoying drinks we had gotten from the Loose Moose bar.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Williamsburg, Virginia
Inside the water park at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
On our first day, we didn’t go into the water park until around 4. They were open from 9-7 the days we visited. On our first time inside we walked around and visually checked out the area. Though the water park was busy we didn’t feel overwhelmed by the foot traffic or by children enjoying the fun.
We opted to go to bar and get some tropical drinks and then go into the 21+ hot tub. The adults-only hot tub is huge and near a family hot tub for people who want to sit with their children. It’s a cozy area and we enjoyed relaxing and having a few drinks before going back to our room when the water park closed.
For those not staying at the lodge there were ample lockers to rent to store belongings, a small necessities shop for things one might have forgotten to bring, and showers/changing rooms. The layout of the park has multiple restrooms too and I never saw people having to wait.
Forget something or want to take home a souvenir? Visit Buckhorn Exchange gift shop inside Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, Virginia
On our full day at the water park, we rode all of the rides and enjoyed the Howlin’ Tornado the most. Though the rides are inside the water park doesn’t skimp on the size of the tubes and slides with many going outside of the building and looping back in. We liked that there were areas just for smaller children to play, areas geared towards teens/adults, and things families could ride or enjoy together like the wave pool all under the same roof. The Crooked Creek lazy river was one of our favorites and between it and visits to the hot tub, we felt relaxed. We enjoyed being able to ride things together in a double tube.
Review of Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia
We don’t live far from Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia so we didn’t venture out during our stay and are familiar with the area. However, for adults that haven’t been to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, or nearby Yorktown this could be the perfect hotel to use as a base. The lodge rooms can be accessed without going into the children’s areas or the water park for a quieter stay. The rooms are very spacious and clean. The location of the Great Wolf Lodge would make the lodge great for conferences.
I would highly recommend a trip to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Va. We are kids at heart and we can’t wait to go back!
Overall we enjoyed our stay at Great Wolf Lodge and would go again. If you’re looking for a quiet couples weekend this might not be the place for you, but if you love adventure and feeling like a kid again I would highly recommend a trip to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Va. I didn’t see anyone else visiting without children or grandchildren, but I don’t feel like people without children are excluded from the lodge. This was a perfect staycation for us as adults and we were glad we tried Great Wolf Lodge out. This trip was a good break from adulting and who couldn’t use more days like that?
Return Visits to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia
Valentine’s treats during a February visit to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia
New updated stage area for the children’s events at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia (2023)
Since first writing this blog we have returned to Great Wolf Lodge five times and even went to check out the holiday decorations for Snowland. I honestly like going in the off-season when the lodge is less crowded. During our most recent trips, I have noticed staffing issues have affected Great Wolf Lodge like many establishments. I have seen some ride and amenity closures like the bar running on limited hours or closing down some rides to alternate staff. Guests still get a quality experience but have to be patient with the staff of Great Wolf Lodge.
On our latest visit I liked how the entry to the lobby at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg had been updated. The lobby was always very crowded during the children’s event times with people checking in/being at the front desk and parents watching their children. Now a designated area with a stage has been made for the children’s programs in the lobby and it is not blocking the entryway to the resort. This lobby update was very much needed. I hope to see Great Wolf Lodge continue to improve and renovate the lodge.
Spring Breakout at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia
If you have any questions about my visits to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia drop me a comment.
Sponsored| In May 2021 I started a remodel on an almost 30-year-old Sunline Saturn. With lots of paint and patience the “Lilly Pad”, was finished and took its first journey to the OBX for Memorial Day weekend. In the first year, we went on a few trips and went on our first multi-state trip leaving Virginia and going to Gettysburg, Pa. There is so much to learn about camping and to figure out along the way. I am not an expert by any means, but have found things that help make camping easier I will share.
Grilling and enjoying a cold beverage in Virginia Beach’s Fort Story Campground
Types of Campgrounds: National Parks, HipCamp and Resorts
I think the most important thing to remember when looking at sites is finding a camping location that works for you and your family. Make sure to figure out first what you’re looking for in a site and then match your needs/wants to the amenities offered. In our first year of camping, we camped at a National Park in the OBX, a military MWR campground in Virginia Beach, a camping resort in Williamsburg, and a Hipcamp site outside Gettysburg, Pa. All of these sites were very different and each offered some unique pros and cons to them.
Oregon Inlet Campground, Nc National ParkHipcamping outside Gettysburg, PaFort Story Virginia Beach, VaAnvil Campground in Williamsburg, VaEach type of camping site offers their own unique pros and cons so be sure to do your research before you decided on booking.
Camping at a National Park offers the perks of direct access to nature, clean basic bath houses, park rangers if needed, typically a dumping station, and potable water. The cons to some might be limited amenities as National Parks are basic and don’t always offer resort-type amenities.
From beach locations to mountains you can always find somewhere to park your RV, travel trailer or pitch a tent. Shown above (left) camping outside Gettysburg, Pa and (right) Fort Story Beach in Virginia Beach, Va
Camping at a resort offers all the bells and whistles with beautifully manicured grounds, fire pits, BBQ areas, gravel sites, access to pools, recreational areas, games, cable TV, wifi, laundry, full hookups (water, sewage, and electricity) and much more. The con to this type of camping for some might be the higher prices or crowded areas during peak season.
Camping on a military base is similar to a resort in my opinion. Base camping is terrific if you have access to it and is VERY discounted/cost-effective compared to other resorts. The amenities at many bases are very nice. As a con, these campgrounds aren’t available to everyone.
Camping off the beaten path using Hipcamp
Camping using HipCamp is not your typical site and allows access to private land and individuals who choose to host outside their homes, or on their farmland or woods. Some HipCamp sites might solely give you access to a place to park or pitch a tent. The cons are there might not be any electricity, sewage, cable, or potable water on these sites.
Some HipCamp sites also, don’t allow fires or the use of generators so you’ll need propane or battery power. All details should be read thoroughly for HipCamp sites as each site and the host is different. If you’re confused about a listing contact the host. The perks of HipCamp include being cost-effective, camping in secluded areas, meeting new hosts, and going off the beaten path.
Basic campsites might only be a flat, cleared off spot in the woods. Do your research before hand and make sure you know what you’re getting. For me I am ok with the seclusion of basic wooded sites.
Some of the Hipcamp sites require dry camping. I think the key to camping in an RV or travel trailer without typical hookups is to first make sure you have enough potable water or water in your freshwater holding tank for showers etc. to last the amount of time you’re camping. When I was looking for a site on HipCamp it was important to me to locate a site this time with electric hook-up and potable water. This might not be a necessity for others, but we were looking at multiple days and I knew we wouldn’t have enough battery power for the whole trip.
Tips for a Great Camping Trip
Camping is an amazing way to relax, unwind and connect to nature!
We always make sure to have our fresh water holding tank full when we leave home. Our refrigerator and oven both run off propane so we also, make sure to have enough of it as well. If you use propane I suggest making sure to know where you can refill it if necessary when camping.
Laundromats like this can help you pack less and to quickly get everything washed so you can get back to your vacation or business.
Mapping out things like grocery stores and even hardware stores is also, something I find that helps our camping trips go smoothly. Depending on how many days we are going to be away I also, like to locate laundry services like using Madison Heights laundromatwhen camping. Planning to use a laundromat can ease the load of packing. The Clothes Spinis a great option for a way to clean your clothes while camping.
Get Outside and Go RVing
Inside my little beach house on wheels the Lilly Pad an almost 30 year old renovated Sunline Saturn.
Camping is an amazing way to relax, unwind, and connect to nature! Getting outside and away from the hustle and bustle of the world can be very liberating and relaxing. Each type of camping site mentioned offers its own set of pros and cons, so be sure to do your research before you decide on booking. Whatever you choose just get outside and go RVing!
Let’s go camping!
Know someone planning a camping trip please share my article with them ☺️ Check out my other fun Take A Walk in My Flip Flops travel articles too.
The saying, “You can’t make everyone happy; you’re not pizza,” resonates deeply, especially when planning a trip. Just like pizza, with its vast array of toppings, our travel preferences can vary significantly. Trying to create an itinerary that caters to everyone’s tastes and desires can quickly become overwhelming and often leads to frustration. It’s essential to recognize that while striving for universal satisfaction is admirable, it can sometimes feel impossible.
In my experience, the challenge of accommodating different tastes and perspectives can lead to stress and conflict among friends or family. When you’re tasked with planning a group trip, each person may have their unique must-see destinations, desired activities, and expectations. The reality is that you cannot please everyone all the time, and attempting to do so can often leave you feeling exhausted and unfulfilled.
To create a trip that feels rewarding for all, here are some tips to help you balance everyone’s desires and make the planning process smoother:
Involve Everyone in the Planning
Start by gathering input from all participants right at the beginning. A simple survey or a group discussion can help capture everyone’s interests and priorities. This ensures that everyone has a voice in the planning process, making it easier to find common ground.
Prioritize Key Activities
Identify a few non-negotiable activities or destinations that excite everyone in the group. These shared goals can serve as the foundation of your itinerary, helping to create a sense of shared purpose. By focusing on these highlights, you can build a framework that satisfies the group’s core interests.
Build a Flexible Itinerary
Structure your trip with a mix of group activities and individual free time. Include scheduled events but also allow for opportunities to explore independently. This way, everyone can enjoy what they love most without feeling constrained by the group.
Consider Everyone’s Preferences
Balance the itinerary by including a variety of activities. Some individuals may crave adventure while others prefer relaxation or cultural experiences. By incorporating different types of activities, you can cater to diverse interests within the group.
Communicate Clearly
Keep communication open throughout both the planning phase and the trip. Encourage group discussions where everyone can express their thoughts or suggest changes. Address any concerns promptly to maintain a harmonious atmosphere.
Be Ready to Compromise
Remember that not everyone will be able to get their way all the time. Be prepared to make compromises and adjust plans as needed. Sometimes the best moments come from unexpected detours or changes in plans that allow the group to discover new experiences together.
Celebrate Togetherness
Remind everyone that the primary goal of the trip is to enjoy each other’s company. Focusing on shared experiences, such as group meals or evenings around a campfire, can help strengthen bonds and create lasting memories, even if everyone doesn’t get their first choice of activities.
While planning a successful group trip requires patience and flexibility, the connections and experiences shared along the way are what truly matter. While you may never fully satisfy everyone, keeping lines of communication open, embracing compromises, and maintaining a focus on shared goals can create a win-win situation. By understanding that the journey is more about the relationships built and moments shared rather than the specific itinerary, you can foster deeper connections and unforgettable experiences for everyone involved. Ultimately, the joy of travel lies in the blend of diverse perspectives coming together, creating a richer tapestry of memories that everyone can cherish.
The Virginia Zoo offers a unique opportunity to see wild animals up close that most people would never get to experience otherwise. For many, a visit to the Virginia Zoo is a chance to get a firsthand look at exotic creatures from around the world that they have only read about or seen pictures of before.
Being able to observe these animals in person provides a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diversity of wildlife on our planet. At the Virginia Zoo, the animals live in enclosures designed to closely mimic their natural habitats, allowing visitors to see how they truly live in the wild. Watching the animals move, play, interact, and go about their daily activities is an unforgettable experience, especially for children.
One of the cheetahs inside their enclosure at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, Va.
Beyond seeing the animals themselves, the Virginia Zoo also provides educational opportunities through informative signs, exhibits, and presentations from zookeepers. People can learn about the behaviors, characteristics, and conservation needs of each species. Some zoos have unfortunately become infamous for animal treatment, but good ones like the Virginia Zoo, have programs for animal conservation, educational, and preservation efforts. Accredited zoos play an important role in protecting endangered species through breeding programs to maintain genetic diversity. A visit to the Virginia Zoo is a fun, exciting, and inspiring family activity.
Visiting the Virginia Zoo Norfolk is an exciting, educational adventure for the whole family. Tickets for the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, Va are sold in advance and at the gate. As you walk through the zoo’s winding pathways, you’ll encounter a diverse array of animals from all around the world. The zoo is divided into geographical regions, with animals from Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. Make your way through each section and observe the animals in habitats designed to mimic their natural environments.
Tiger Trail at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, Va
The zoo’s African exhibit features magnificent lions lounging on rocks and tall giraffes grazing on tree leaves. Over in the Asia exhibit, you’ll see majestic tigers pacing in their enclosures and red pandas climbing in trees. The reptile house has a vast collection of snakes, lizards, and crocodilians. Don’t miss the daily animal feedings, where zookeepers provide enrichment and interact with creatures like giraffes and parrots.
The petting zoo allows kids to get up close with gentle barnyard animals. With new baby animals being born each season, every visit offers something new to discover. The Virginia Zoo Norfolk provides an immersive glimpse into the amazing world of wildlife.
Giraffes at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, Va.
Going during the week I feel there were fewer people than during the weekend. This may be something you want to consider when planning a visit. The Virginia Zoo offers a wide variety of fun and educational activities for visitors of all ages. As soon as you arrive, be sure to pick up a map at the front entrance so you can easily navigate the different exhibits.
Food Options at the Zoo
Dining at the Virginia Zoo is a unique and exciting experience that allows guests to enjoy delicious food alongside incredible animal exhibits. Guests can sip coffee and nibble on pastries for breakfast while watching the zoo’s diurnal animals begin their day. For lunch, the grill offers burgers, sandwiches, salads, and cold drinks perfect for picnicking. Breathtaking views of zebras on the adjoining savanna make for a memorable meal.
Families appreciate the kid-friendly options, efficient service, and choices like chicken tenders and mac and cheese. There are plenty of snack options too. I enjoyed a gluten and dairy-free chocolate-covered banana which comes in plain, sprinkles, strawberry/vanilla, or cookies and cream flavors. Whether enjoying a casual lunch or a snack, the Virginia Zoo’s dining options allow guests to satisfy their appetites while surrounded by amazing wildlife.
Zoo Activities
After refueling, head over to the reptile house to see snakes, lizards, frogs, and more. Don’t miss the daily keeper chats where zoo staff provide insider info about different species. Be sure during your visit to take a ride on the zoo train for a quick overview of all the exhibits.
The train is an extra $2 per person and isn’t included with zoo admission. The train goes around the outside area of the animals and a few can be seen if they are in certain areas of their pens. Be sure to check online before you visit for special events happening at the zoo. With so many animals to visit and activities to enjoy, you’ll make lasting memories during a fun-filled day at the Virginia Zoo.
Be sure to visit the Virginia Zoo gift shop
The gift shop at the Virginia zoo is a fun place for guests to browse and purchase souvenirs to commemorate their visit. Upon entering, you are greeted with displays of stuffed animals modeled after zoo residents like tigers, giraffes, and monkeys. These plush toys come in all sizes, from tiny keychains to jumbo versions big enough to cuddle.
Along the back wall are racks of apparel including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats featuring the zoo’s logo and images of animals. Brightly-colored shirts with whimsical graphics of elephants, zebras, and lions make fun mementos for kids and adults alike. Postcard racks showcase scenic photos taken around the zoo so guests can send virtual postcards to friends and family.
The shop also sells reusable water bottles, backpacks, and other practical items branded with the zoo’s name and motifs. At the counter, you’ll also find packaged snacks. The gift shop is conveniently located near the exit so guests can browse for souvenirs on the way out after a memorable day at the zoo. With its wide selection of keepsakes, apparel, and novelties, the Virginia Zoo gift shop offers the perfect opportunity for visitors to take home a piece of their experience.
Flowers on display while riding the train at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk,Va
Overall this was a wonderful way to get outside on a beautiful day and to enjoy nature. I would highly recommend a trip to the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, VA if you live in Virginia or are visiting. My tip is to look at the zoo’s website to confirm what you want to see is open when planning your visit. I know I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the zoo!
The Virginia Hype Girl: Uncovering the Best of Virginia and Nearby Adventures! 
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