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 long-awaited Asia Continent—a 12.5-acre expansion featuring tigers, Komodo dragons, white-cheeked gibbons, and more—is fully constructed and animals are settling into their habitats. An opening date is expected to be announced soon; check nczoo.org for the latest news.
Watch! Come Along on Our Visit
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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.
- Treehouse Trek: Located next to Air Hike this is a new attraction with rope bridges, treehouses, and a play area, it is free with admission, 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
- Butterfly Garden: In the Junction, $3 per person
Free for Kids at the NC 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?
Good news for families: the NC Zoo allows guests to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks inside. Just leave glass, alcohol, and coolers larger than 24 x 15 x 18 inches at home. Packed lunches, snacks, water bottles, baby food, and formula are all welcome.
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.
The zoo has shaded picnic areas near both the North America and Africa entrances, each with picnic tables overlooking a beautiful lake—a great spot to refuel mid-visit. If you’d prefer to eat at your car, re-entry is easy: hop on the tram back to the entrance, have your meal, then return. It is very easy to get around the large park this way.
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.
NC Zoo Admission Prices (2026)
The NC Zoo uses two pricing seasons. Buying tickets online saves a couple of dollars per ticket; online purchases must be made at least one day in advance of your visit.
Peak Season (March 15–November 15)
| Ticket Type | On-Site | Online | Group (15+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $20 | $18 | $17 |
| Senior (62+) / College Student / Military | $18 | $16 | $15 |
| Child (Ages 3–12) | $16 | $14 | $13 |
| Children Under 3 | Free | Free | Free |
| NC EBT (up to 4 admissions with cardholder) | $5 | — | — |
Low Season (November 16–March 14)
| Ticket Type | On-Site | Online | Group (15+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $15 | $14 | $13 |
| Senior (62+) / College Student / Military | $13 | $12 | $11 |
| Child (Ages 3–12) | $11 | $10 | $9 |
| Children Under 3 | Free | Free | Free |
| NC EBT (up to 4 admissions with cardholder) | $5 | — | — |
Prices verified at nczoo.org/visit/tickets, July 2026. Don’t forget to check whether your existing zoo or aquarium membership gets you in for free!
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 packing your own food—the NC Zoo allows guests to bring lunches and snacks inside (no glass or alcohol). Picnic areas near both entrances are a great spot for a mid-visit break. Bring refillable water bottles and top them off at the water stations throughout the park.
- 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!
Visit the Asheboro, NC Zoo
| Address | 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205 |
| Hours — Peak Season (Mar 15–Nov 15) | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (last entry 4 p.m.) |
| Hours — Low Season (Nov 16–Mar 14) | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (last entry 3 p.m.) |
| Closures | Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day |
| Peak Admission (Mar 15–Nov 15) | Adults: $20 on-site / $18 online; Children (3–12): $16 on-site / $14 online; Under 3: Free |
| Low Season Admission (Nov 16–Mar 14) | Adults: $15 on-site / $14 online; Children (3–12): $11 on-site / $10 online; Under 3: Free |
| Website | nczoo.org |
For families seeking a blend of education and adventure, the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro offers an unparalleled experience.
Its expansive grounds, thoughtful exhibits, and the soon-to-open Asia Continent make it a destination worth visiting time and again.
Address: North Carolina Zoo, 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205
Peak Season Hours (Mar 15–Nov 15): 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily (last entry 4 p.m.)
Low Season Hours (Nov 16–Mar 14): 9 a.m.–4 p.m. daily (last entry 3 p.m.)
Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Open rain or shine.
NC Zoo FAQs
How much does NC Zoo admission cost?
During peak season (March 15–November 15), adult tickets are $20 on-site or $18 online; children ages 3–12 are $16 on-site or $14 online; children under 3 are free. During low season (November 16–March 14), adult tickets drop to $15 on-site / $14 online and children to $11 on-site / $10 online. Buy tickets at nczoo.org/visit/tickets.
What time does the NC Zoo open and close?
The NC Zoo is open year-round, rain or shine. Peak season (March 15–November 15): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., last entry at 4 p.m. Low season (November 16–March 14): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., last entry at 3 p.m. The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
When will the NC Zoo Asia Continent open?
The 12.5-acre Asia Continent—featuring tigers, Komodo dragons, white-cheeked gibbons, and more—is fully constructed with animals already in zookeeper care. As of July 2026, North Carolina’s state budget was signed, funding 54 new staff positions needed to operate the exhibit. No specific opening date has been announced yet; check nczoo.org for the latest updates.
Can you bring food into the NC Zoo?
Yes! The NC Zoo allows guests to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Just leave glass, alcohol, and coolers larger than 24 x 15 x 18 inches at home. Shaded picnic areas with lake views are located near both the North America and Africa entrances.
Is the NC Zoo the closest zoo to Charlotte?
Yes—Charlotte does not have its own large zoo. The NC Zoo in Asheboro is approximately 1.5 hours from Charlotte, making it the closest major zoo for Charlotte families and a popular day trip destination.
Check out more amazing Day Trips from Charlotte, NC
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