If your family loves animals and a little bit of adventure, Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, NC is such a fun day trip. We’ve been twice—once in October and once in June—and both visits were completely different experiences (in a good way!).
Driving through while animals come right up to your car is something kids will talk about long after you leave—and honestly, adults love it just as much.
Plan Your Visit: Lazy 5 Ranch Quick Facts
Address: 15100 Mooresville Road, Mooresville, NC 28115
704.663.5100
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm, Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm
Make sure you arrive at least one hour before closing so you have enough time to go through the safari.
Admission and Feed
- Adults: $15
- Children (2–11): $11
- Seniors (60+): $11
- Feed buckets: $3 (64 oz)
Important: They only accept cash or NC check, so plan ahead—no cards here!
Wagon Rides
If you want a more hands-off driving experience, wagon rides are available and include admission:
- Adults: $21
- Children (2–11): $15
- Seniors (60+): $15
Reservations are required Monday–Friday, and weekends are first-come, first-served.
What It’s Really Like (From Our Visits)
We’ve gone in both warm and cooler months, and we definitely noticed that the animals were way more active and social in cooler weather. In October, they were constantly coming up to the car, while in June, some were a little more relaxed.
One thing we learned quickly—get the food buckets and don’t skimp. The animals expect snacks, and they are not shy about it! We made the mistake of running low too soon on our first visit and wished we had more.
You can feed animals both during the drive-through and in the walk-around area, so I always try to save some feed for the goats and sheep at the end.
Tips Before You Drive Through The Safari
Before you even enter the gates, take a minute to get everyone settled in the car. Trust me on this—once you’re in, things happen fast!
- We like to make sure the kids are positioned where they can easily reach the windows.
- You may want younger kids closer to the front (depending on your comfort level) so they can see and participate.
The animals are very used to cars, and they know exactly what’s going on. If your window is open, they will come right up and expect food immediately. If you’re not ready, just keep those windows up for a minute!
Also, pay attention to the signs—you cannot feed the zebras or longhorns.
After the Safari: Playground + Ice Cream
Once you finish the drive-through, there’s a small area to park and explore.
- Outdoor bathrooms are available (near the playground)
- A shaded wooden playground gives kids a chance to run around after sitting in the car
- And yes, there’s an ice cream shop, which is a perfect ending to the day
The playground being in the shade is a huge bonus, especially on warmer days.
Lazy 5 Ranch is definitely a memorable family outing. Between animals poking their heads into your car and kids laughing the whole time, it’s not your usual drive. Don’t forget, if you go, bring cash, grab extra feed, and consider cooler weather for the most active animals.
FAQ: Visiting Lazy 5 Ranch
Should we drive our own car or take the wagon ride?
Both are great, but it depends on your comfort level. Driving your own car is more flexible and lets you go at your own pace—but animals will come right up to your windows (and your car will get messy!). The wagon ride is more relaxed, guided, and a great option if you don’t want animals climbing all over your vehicle.
Will the animals damage my car?
They can! Animals may bump, lick, or rub against your car—especially if you have food. If you’re worried about scratches or slobber, you may want to take the wagon ride or avoid bringing a brand-new vehicle.
How many feed buckets should we buy?
More than you think! The animals are very eager, and feed goes quickly—especially if you have multiple kids helping. We recommend at least one bucket per person (and maybe an extra to share). You can also save a little for the walk-through area at the end.
Is Lazy 5 Ranch good for toddlers and young kids?
Yes—it’s very family-friendly! Kids love the close-up animal interactions. Just be prepared: animals can stick their heads into the car, which can surprise little ones. Keep a close eye on younger children and go at your own comfort level with windows.
How long does the safari take?
Most families spend about 1–2 hours total. The drive-through portion depends on how busy it is and how often you stop to feed animals. Be sure to arrive at least an hour before closing.
What kinds of animals will we see?
You’ll see a wide variety—giraffes, zebras, ostriches, camels, antelope, and more. The experience is different every time depending on weather and animal activity.
When is the best time to visit?
Cooler days are best! From our experience, animals are much more active in fall or mild weather. Mornings and weekdays can also mean smaller crowds and more interaction.
Can we feed and touch the animals?
Yes—feeding is a huge part of the experience! Many animals will come right up to your car. Just remember: not all animals can be fed (like zebras and longhorns), so watch for posted signs.
Do they take credit cards?
No—this is important! Lazy 5 Ranch only accepts cash or North Carolina checks, so come prepared.
Is it worth it?
If your kids love animals and hands-on experiences, absolutely. It’s not your typical zoo visit—it’s interactive, a little wild, and definitely memorable.
Have you taken your family to Lazy 5 Ranch?
We’d love to hear how it went—share your experience in the comments!
