Explore the NC Zoo: A Family Guide With Visitor Tips

Inside: Real parent visitors bring a rundown of what you’ll see at the NC Zoo in Asheboro, NC, plus some tips to help you enjoy your visit.

Have you visited the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC?
The NC Zoo is a premier destination for families seeking a memorable wildlife experience. Spanning over 2,600 acres, it holds the distinction of being the largest natural habitat zoo in North America, making it a must-visit attraction for animal lovers of all ages. We visited recently and have lots to share about this fun zoo. Read on for our experience and some Kidding Around tips for visiting the NC Zoo.

About the NC Zoo

Location and Size: Situated in Asheboro, North Carolina, the NC Zoo is conveniently accessible from major cities like Raleigh and Charlotte. In fact, if you’re wondering “Is there a zoo in Charlotte, NC?” The answer is no, the NC Zoo is the closest large zoo to Charlotte, NC.

What You’ll See: A visit to the North Carolina Zoo promises encounters with a diverse array of wildlife. From elephants roaming the African Plains to playful otters, the zoo offers a chance to observe over 1,800 animals representing 250 species. Whether you’re marveling at giraffes or lions, each exhibit is designed to provide a glimpse into the natural behaviors of its inhabitants.

The zoo’s layout is thoughtfully designed, with extensive landscaping and numerous viewing areas surrounding large, naturalistic habitats. The addition of an exciting new Asia section is underway, promising even more experiences with animals native to that region in the near future.

Watch! Come Along on Our Visit

Our Favorite Animals: NC Zoo

We really love all the large habitats provided for the residents of the North Carolina Zoo. The animals have lots of space to roam and visitors can select from multiple viewing areas at the larger habitats to see the animals. Use this Zoo Map to check out all the animals you could see on your visit, however here are a few of our favorites:

Elephants: The elephants have a very large habitat with lots of viewing areas along the elephant walk. If you’re coming from the Gorilla exhibit and you don’t see the elephants at the first viewing area, keep going. You can view them at their watering hole if they are on that side of their habitat, you’ll also find some hands-on exhibits about tracking wild elephants here.

Gorillas: I think we enjoyed seeing the gorillas because they aren’t always common at zoos. The gorilla habitat is large and the animals were fun to watch interacting with each other and their enrichment toys and snacks.

Honey Bees: The honey bee hive is extensive, and we got to see the queen laying eggs thanks to the friendly volunteer who pointed her out. Beside the live hive, kids can enjoy a giant hive structure they can enter and explore.

Grizzly Bears: We watched one grizzly bear really enjoy gnawing on some elk antlers. It reminded me of a dog chewing a bone, which is not something I realized Grizzly Bears did. A volunteer was stationed at the exhibit answering questions about the Grizzly Bears, which was also nice.

Polar Bears: Not an animals we commonly see at zoos, so we enjoyed watching the polar bears for quite awhile.

Zoo Trekker

Speaking of asking questions, one thing I really thought was great about the NC Zoo was the abundance of Zoo Trekker Stations spread out throughout the trails and animal exhibits.

Here kids could interact with zoo staff who had artifacts like skulls, bones, pelts, and more to share. These stations created an abundance of fun learning opportunities for no additional cost.

If kids decide to complete the Zoo Trekker activity book, which includes finding different animals, plants and landmarks around the zoo, they can earn a Zoo Trekker pin for free.

More than Animals: Attractions at the NC Zoo

The size of the NC Zoo offers opportunities for quite a few added attractions, in addition to viewing animals. There are options for nearly all ages and fitness levels. Most require an additional fee, some are quite nominal, and others more expensive, and they are open seasonally.

Air Hike Ropes Course: Elevated ropes course near the lemur exhibit, $18, height and weight restrictions for participation
Treehouse Trek: Located next to Air Hike this is a new attraction with rope bridges, treehouses, and a play area, $3 and children under age 6 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Acacia Station Giraffe Deck: Access the treetop viewing deck for a close-up encounter with giraffes, $5 (Open depending on where the giraffes are in their habitat) There are 3 free viewing areas to see the giraffes, as well.
Zoo Carousel: Located in Junction Plaza, $3 per person
Canine Champions for Conservation: A free show starring dogs rescued from shelters. Look for them Tuesday- Friday at 11 am and 1 pm, with an additional 2:30 pm show on holidays and weekends, between the Junction and the gorilla habitat
Butterfly Garden: In the Junction, $3 per person

Free for Kids at the KC Zoo

The zoo offers a free Kids Zone play space with a stream, mud cake station, trails, and lots more. It’s near the North America entrance. Also, don’t miss the beautiful Garden Friends Playground near the Rocky Coast exhibits, which is also free.

Dining Options: Grab Something to Eat at the NC Zoo

During your exploration, you’ll find snack food options strategically placed throughout the zoo and several meal options like burgers, pizza, chicken and more in the center of the zoo, called the Junction. There is also a burger place near the North American entrance.

While convenient, some visitors may find the prices a wee bit steep. For instance, we spent $17 on an Icee and a cup of popcorn.

Can you bring food into the NC Zoo?

The zoo asks that you not bring outside food into the zoo, and instead purchase items at the zoo. However, small snacks, water bottles, baby food, formula, etc are allowed.

We carried our water bottles with us and the zoo had a couple of water bottle-filling stations near restrooms, which was very convenient. I also had a few small prepacked snacks in my bag, and was able to bring those into the zoo just fine.

If you wanted to bring a full lunch, you could leave the zoo, eat at your car, and return via the re-entry line. Remember that while the zoo is quite large, it is very easy to get on the tram and return to the entrance where you parked. You could, for example, walk through the North America section of the zoo, take the tram back to the entrance, have your lunch at the car, then hop back on the tram and go to the Africa section.

Become a member of the North Carolina Zoological Society

North Carolina Zoo Members get free admission to the North Carolina Zoo, as well as free or reduced admission to participating zoos and aquariums across the country. Have a different zoo membership? Check it out and see if you can visit the NC Zoo for free. Our family visited for free with our North Carolina Aquarium membership.

These memberships can save you lots of money, especially if you like to travel and visit other zoos. Take a look at the NC Zoo Membership Options.

Tips for the Best Day at the NC Zoo

Wear comfortable shoes, and bring a stroller for little ones. The zoo is spacious and beautiful which means a bit of walking. There are 5 miles of trails if you choose to explore them all.
Make use of the tram. They make it so much easier to get around the zoo quickly. The main stops are at each entrance and at the Junction, basically one at each end and one in the middle of the zoo.
Save money by bringing your own lunch and eating it in the car. Bring in your own water bottles and fill them at the water stations if you run out. Bring in small snacks to tide kids over until you get back to the car for lunch.
Bring a hat. While many of the zoo trails meander through the woods with abundant shade, there are quite a bit of sunny spots too, especially at viewing platforms and areas. Sunglasses, a hat, and maybe even some sunscreen will help!