Inside: Parents share some of the best places to see animals in Charlotte, NC, including sea creatures, raptors, tigers, and a fabulous day-trip zoo.
Where can you see animals near Charlotte, NC? Are you looking for a ROAR-ing good time at zoos and aquariums in Charlotte, NC? If you’re ready to see all kinds of animals, you’ve come to the right spot. We have a list of places to see animals for you to explore and it includes some really unique options!
Quick Summary: Aquariums & Zoos Near Charlotte, NC
🐅 Lions, tigers & SEA turtles—oh my!
From drive-thru safaris to raptor shows and aquariums, Charlotte families have so many ways to get wild with animal adventures. 🐾
🌿 Tiger World (Rockwell)
🦒 Zootastic Park (Troutman)
🐘 NC Zoo (Asheboro)
🦈 SEA LIFE Aquarium (Concord)
🦅 Carolina Raptor Center (Huntersville)
🐐 Rowan Wildlife Adventures (Salisbury)
There’s something for every little animal lover—and plenty of cool spots to explore this weekend! 🦙
The NC Zoo
You can explore over 2600 acres of animals at the NC Zoo in Asheboro, NC. You’ll see bears, elephants, cougars, and more! The Zoo calls itself the world’s largest natural habitat zoo!
Read our Kidding Around Review of the NC Zoo.
Here’s what to expect:
- They are open from March 15 to November 15 from 9 am to 5 pm and open from November 16 to March 14 from 9 am to 4 pm. Last entry is one hour before closing. They are open daily except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
- Ticket prices depend on the season and how you buy (on-site, online, or group of 15+). During peak season (March 15 to November 15), adult admission is $17-$20 and children’s admission (ages 3-12) is $13-$16. During low season (November 16 to March 14), adult admission is $13-$15 and children’s admission is $9-$11. Children under 3 are free. Online tickets must be bought at least a day ahead, so check the NC Zoo ticket page before you go.
- They offer group rates, birthday parties, feeding tours, and more!
- You can enjoy extra activities, special animal encounters, hiking trails, and more at this zoo!
The NC Zoo
4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205
The NC Zoo Website
Tiger World
You can see tigers, leopards, lions, snakes, and more at Tiger World. Here is what you need to know:
- They are open year-round 9 am to 5 pm.
- They are closed on Wednesdays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
- Check the hours and tour info on their website before visiting.
- Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for children (ages 2-17), $12 for seniors (ages 62+).
- They offer group discounts, homeschool group discounts, and season passes.
- Tiger World offers birthday parties, and special events, and has a reciprocal zoo program with several zoos in America.
Tiger World
4400 Cook Road Rockwell, NC 28138
Tiger World Website
Zootastic Park
They offer several exotic animals including lions, tigers, monkeys, giraffes, and more! Here is what you can expect:
- They are open Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm and Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.
- Admission is $17 for adults and $15 for children (ages 2-11). Ticket admission includes the walk-around part of the zoo and the drive-thru part.
- The park takes about 2 hours to view.
- They offer animal encounters which you can reserve on their website.
Zootastic Park
448 Pilch Road Troutman, NC 28166
Zootastic Park Website
Sea Life Charlotte Aquarium at Concord Mills
SEA LIFE Aquarium is adjacent to Concord Mills and offers 10 interactive zones to explore.
While this aquarium is smaller than some of the other aquariums in the area, it still offers plenty to explore. Plan on 45 minutes to an hour for your visit. At the end, there is a play space (and fortunately plenty of parent seating) where smaller kids can get some energy out. Here’s what to expect:
- Tickets start at $19 per person. It is best to buy the tickets online to be sure you will get access to the aquarium if they are busy.
- They are open most days from 10 am to 6 pm but hours can change so check their website before visiting
Check out our review of the Sea Life Aquarium in our list of Concord, NC things to do with kids.
Sea Life Charlotte
8111 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027
Concord Mills-Entry 7
Sea Life Charlotte Website
Carolina Raptor Center
Experience and learn about amazing raptors at the Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville, NC. Here’s what to expect:
- They are open 7 days a week from 10 am to 4 pm. They have some closure dates throughout the year, so check the upcoming closures listed on their website before visiting.
- Adult admission (ages 23-64) is $16, ages 13-22 are $14, and Children (ages 3-12) are $12. Seniors (65+), military, teachers, and students are $14. Kids under age 3 are free. Prices do not include NC sales tax or online fees.
- You can meet a raptor Wednesday through Friday at 1 pm, Saturdays at 11 am and 1 pm, and Sundays at 11 am. Programs change seasonally, so check their daily programs schedule.
- They offer several weekly programs to enjoy!
Check out the Kidding Around Review of the Carolina Raptor Center. We have visited several times and always learn something new!
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
Carolina Raptor Center Website
Rowan Wild
Their facility includes a nature center, the T.M Stanback Barnyard, and Wildlife Adventures all located inside of Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury, NC. They have various reptiles, mammals, fish, and more!
- They are only open seasonally from March to October. Hours vary by month so be sure to check their website before visiting.
- The nature center is free to all, but the building is currently closed to visitors for maintenance. Wildlife Adventures admission is $2.00 for all ages. The T.M Stanback Barnyard is $0.50 for all ages. Infants (under 1) are free.
- They offer summer camps for kids each summer.
Rowan Wildlife Adventures
6800 Bringle Ferry Road, Salisbury, NC 28146
Rowan Wildlife Adventures Website
Greensboro Science Center
Part museum, part aquarium, and part zoo, the Greensboro Science Center has A LOT to offer families. We visited recently and have the full story with tips for your visit and details on what you can expect to see and do!
4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC 27455
Check out our visit to the Greensboro Science Center
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FAQ: Zoos and Aquariums Near Charlotte, NC
How much does the NC Zoo cost?
It depends on the season and how you buy. From March 15 to November 15, adults are $17-$20 and kids ages 3-12 are $13-$16. From November 16 to March 14, adults are $13-$15 and kids are $9-$11. Children under 3 are free. Buying online (at least a day ahead) costs less than buying on-site.
Is there an aquarium near Charlotte?
Yes! SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord is at Entrance 7 of Concord Mills (8111 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord). Tickets start at $19 per person, and buying online guarantees your admission on busy days.
Which of these animal spots are seasonal?
Rowan Wild at Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury is open March through October and closed November through February. The NC Zoo and Tiger World are open year-round (both close on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and Tiger World is also closed every Wednesday).
What is the most budget-friendly place to see animals near Charlotte?
Rowan Wild at Dan Nicholas Park is hard to beat: Wildlife Adventures is $2.00 per person and the T.M. Stanback Barnyard is $0.50 per person, with infants under 1 free.
Can I buy Zootastic Park tickets online?
No. Zootastic Park in Troutman sells tickets at the park only. They accept cash and cards, with a 4% fee on non-cash payments. Admission covers both the walk-around and drive-thru parts of the zoo.
Where do you love to visit and see amazing animals?
More! See Animals at Farms and Petting Zoos Near Charlotte
We have a list of Petting Zoos near Charlotte, NC where you can see and visit with more animals!
- Darby Acres Farm & Darby Acres Safari
- Lazy 5 Ranch: Drive-thru Safari
- Two By Two Petting Zoo
- Sweetwater Farms
- Circle M Livestock Safari Park
- Hunter Farm
- Serenity Alpacas
Head out of town: More animals
If you’re looking for a few more options and you’re ready for an epic day trip or a weekend getaway, check out these zoos, aquariums, and places to see animals!
Here’s a list of zoos and aquariums on our sister site out of Greenville, SC. It’s full of zoos and aquariums across the Carolinas and beyond.
Travel to Atlanta and explore the massive Georgia Aquarium.
Check out Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC, for a full day of fun with the animals and the beautiful botanical gardens and splashpads.
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