The Virginia Zoo

Your children will be entertained and educated at Virginia's state zoo, on 53 acres adjacent to Norfolk's Lafayette Park and bordered by the Lafayette River. You can take them on a miniature train ride to scope it all out, then on a boardwalk safari and see rhinos, giraffes, and baboons in the noted African plains exhibit (lions are nearby but understandably are not allowed near the grazing animals, their natural prey). Tigers, monkeys, elephants, red pandas, reptiles, and colorful birds also are among the nearly 400 animals here. Be sure to ask in advance about the zoo's behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.