1 / 2North Carolina Zoo
📍 Asheboro, NC
AZA-accredited zoo spanning vast natural habitats with a giraffe feeding deck, Garden Friends Playground, carousel, Kidzone, Treehouse Trek, and seasonal Meet the Keeper programs. Extensive walking across large open grounds.
One of my favorite thing to do in nc! Now we only live about 30 minutes away!! Can’t wait to take the kids before it gets to be fore it gets to hot!! A good tip go in the morning also if you receive food stamps your tickets are only $5.00! So don’t be embarrassed pull that card out and save you some money!!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with kids ages 3 and up who can handle significant walking — the natural habitat scale means long distances between exhibits. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Go early in the morning to catch active animals before midday heat. The giraffe deck and carousel are top hits for younger children.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →26,147 Google reviews
Leigh Telford
“One of my favorite thing to do in nc! Now we only live about 30 minutes away!! Can’t wait to take the kids before it gets to be fore it gets to hot!! A good tip go in the morning also if you receive food stamps your tickets are only $5.00! So don’t be embarrassed pull that card out and save you some money!!”
Emily Hamke
“Went with my daughter & grandkids for preschool field trip. My daughter has WIC card because she doesn't have a lot of money. They wouldn't let her use the card because she didn't have license with her. She did have a picture of license on phone. Still wasn't good enough. Even talked to manager which was no help. I ended up paying for all our tickets. The zoo looked dirty, lots of animal exhibits closed and food was outrageous. $9 for a small soda, $10 for a dippindots. Tried to call no answer just says go to website. Definitely a disappointment. Did get my exercise in walking to see empty exhibits.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
North Carolina Zoo bills itself as the world's largest natural habitat zoo, with animals housed in expansive environments rather than traditional enclosures. The Acacia Station Giraffe Deck offers weather-permitting feeding sessions. On-site attractions include a carousel open daily, a Garden Friends Playground, Treehouse Trek, and Kidzone. The Meet the Keeper program runs on a published schedule for up-close animal education. Summer seasonal job and camp programming is available.
