You know it’s going to be a good day when the lions are showing off, the rhinos are snacking, and the grandbabies are trying to wrestle a giant anaconda … well, a fake one, thankfully. That’s exactly how our latest Life in Motion adventure kicked off at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, Virginia.
Nicole and I wanted to get the grandbabies out of the house, moving, and – most importantly – away from screens. The Virginia Zoo was the perfect choice. Sitting right next to Lafayette Park and along the Lafayette River, this 53-acre zoo has been part of Norfolk’s story for more than a century. Lafayette Park started collecting animals in 1900, and by 1901 it was officially the Lafayette Zoological Park. Today, it’s an animal-lover’s playground and a photographer’s dream.
Anaconda Wrestling (Sort Of)
Our first stop was the replica anaconda in the kids’ play area. The grandbabies climbed, posed, and laughed like they were wrestling a snake in the Amazon. In reality, it was a safe, brightly painted sculpture – but try telling that to them. Fun fact: real green anacondas are the heaviest snakes in the world, sometimes tipping the scales at over 500 pounds. Our plastic friend? Harmless and happily motionless.
Goat Spa Day
Next came the petting zoo, where the kids got up close with goats and gave them a good brush-down. These goats were in full spa mode – eyes half-closed, enjoying the attention. And in case you didn’t know, goats have rectangular pupils, which give them a crazy-wide field of vision. Handy in the wild, slightly creepy up close.
All Aboard the Safari Train
Nicole, the kids, and I hopped on the zoo’s train for a relaxing ride. It’s not just for the little ones – it’s a great way to see the zoo without logging 10,000 steps. Zoo trains became popular in the 1950s for exactly this reason: they make you feel like you’re on a safari, minus the actual lions chasing you.
Tiger Territory
We couldn’t resist the Bengal tiger statue by the water fountain. The kids gave their fiercest roars, which mostly came out giggly. In the wild, Bengal tigers can leap up to 10 meters in a single bound – thankfully, this one was bronze and firmly planted.
Otterly Adorable
Next was the otter cut-out face board, which is basically a requirement for any family day out. Real otters hold hands when they sleep so they don’t drift apart – easily one of the most aww facts in the animal kingdom.
The Queen of the Rock
And then … the lions. Mama lion sat high on her rocky perch, looking like she was surveying her kingdom. She had that regal I own this place energy. Fun reminder: in the wild, lionesses do most of the hunting while the males … well … do a lot of lounging.
The Prehistoric Tanks
We also spent time with the rhinos. These massive, prehistoric-looking creatures can weigh over 5,000 pounds yet still run at 30 miles per hour. That’s a lot of power in one animal – definitely not something you’d want charging your way.
Cheetah in Action
One of the highlights of the day was watching a cheetah eat. There’s something mesmerizing about seeing such a sleek, fast animal in a still, focused moment. Cheetahs can hit 70 mph in short bursts, making them the sprinters of the animal world … and, in my case, the spirit animal of my attention span.
A Moment to Slow Down
We wrapped up our day in the wildflower garden by the elephant statue art piece. The kids played, flowers swayed in the breeze, and we all just … slowed down. And that’s what I love most about trips like this: the perfect balance of excitement and peace.
From snakes and goats to lions and cheetahs, the Virginia Zoo gave us a day full of laughs, learning, and memories we’ll talk about for years. If you’re looking for a mix of animal encounters, history, and a great family day out, this Norfolk gem should be on your list.
