Animal Encounters

At Maymont's Virginia Wildlife Trail, families can book a close-up encounter with rescued native animals, including a porcupine, coyote, or black bear. These special reserved experiences happen on weekend days, giving kids a chance to learn about and observe wildlife in a more intimate way than a typical zoo visit. It's a wonderful opportunity for animal lovers of all ages to connect with nature and understand these creatures better. Maymont itself is a beautiful 100-acre property in Richmond with plenty to explore beyond the animal encounters. The grounds feature walking trails, gardens, a petting farm, and the Wildlife Trail with natural habitats for rescued animals. Best of all, admission to Maymont is completely free, so you can spend the day enjoying the historic estate and James River views. Just note that specific encounter times vary by animal, so check the Virginia Wildlife Trail details when you're ready to book your preferred experience.