Visit

On sunny weekends, the Zoo may experience high attendance. For your safety and guest experience, the Zoo may need to limit parking once the lots are full. We typically reopen the parking lots once guests start leaving and spaces open.

Please note: Large crowds may mean longer wait times and a loud environment. Here are some tips to plan your Zoo visit.

Know Before You Go Tips for Sunny Weekends:

Arrive early to secure a parking spot. Zoo Admission opens at 9 a.m.

Consider visiting later in the day. Parking spaces may open after early guests begin to leave after 1 p.m. The last admission is 1 hour before closing.

Carpool with friends and family.

Consider planning your visit on a lower attendance day. Mondays and Tuesdays are typically less busy days. Sunny, warm days also attract larger crowds.

Explore other parts of Randolph County: If parking is full, consider visiting these nearby areas until parking opens: https://www.heartofnorthcarolina.com/things-to-do/Parks-and-Recreation

Welcome Y'all

We are excited to welcome you to the Zoo!  The North Carolina Zoo serves and welcomes everyone, and it is our promise to value equity, respect, inclusivity, and kindness. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the gate on the day of your visit.

Hours 

The Zoo is open year round, closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. 

April - October 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

November - March 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Last entry is one hour before closing.

Prices

North Carolina Zoo Members: Free.

Become a member today and visit all year.   

General Admission:  Tickets are available for purchase online, or pay for admission at the gate the day of your visit.  Online tickets are valid for one visit within 30 days of the purchase date. We do not offer rain checks, refunds or exchanges for weather or animal visibility. 

Adults (ages 13 - 61): $15

Seniors (ages 62+): $13

Military (with ID):  $13

Children (ages 2 - 12): $11

Under 2: Free

NC EBT Rate:  Individuals and families enrolled in North Carolina Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) are eligible for up to six $5.00 general admissions by presenting an NC EBT card and matching photo ID. This discount is only available for in-person, same-day purchases. Not valid for group visits, attractions, or any Zoo special events. Pandemic-EBT cards are not accepted.

AZA Reciprocity Discounts: Reciprocal memberships for participating Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) organizations will be accepted provided the member follows the following guidelines:
• You must have your membership card with you.
• The membership card must be in your name.
• You must present a photo ID.
• The expiration date on the membership card must be valid.

Current list of participating organizations

Getting to the Zoo

Located seven miles south of Asheboro in the heart of North Carolina and open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, the Zoo is easily driveable from many areas of the state.

Address & Directions

The North Carolina Zoo
4401 Zoo Pkwy
Asheboro, NC
27205

Driving Directions

From Charlotte:

Approx. 105 mins

From Greensboro / Winston-Salem:

Approx. 45 mins

From Raleigh/Durham

Approx. 90 mins

Questions

Have questions about your upcoming visit?

Online:

Online inquiries

Phone: 

1.800.488.0444

Parking & Zoo Entrances

Parking is Free

The North America Parking Lot and Entrance is open year-round.

The Africa Parking Lot and Entrance is open April - October.

The entire Zoo is accessible from both entrances.

View Current Zoo Map for reference.

Getting Around the Zoo

Just a reminder… this is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo. With roughly 5 miles of walking trails to navigate, make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a refillable water bottle.  Animals are only visible from the walking paths.

Tram Service is available daily between the North America Entrance, Junction Plaza (the center of the Zoo) and Africa Entrance.  Parking Lot shuttles with transportation between the North America and Africa parking lots is available April - October starting at 11am daily.

Strollers, Manual Wheelchairs and Electric Convenience vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent from the Gift Shop at the entrance. 

Golf Cart Tours of the Zoo and Behind the Scenes Experiences are available by reservation only.  

Notice of Photography and Filming

On occasion the Zoo or production companies authorized by the Zoo will photograph or video Zoo guests for the Zoo’s educational or promotional use or for use in programming about the Zoo. Guest entry into the Zoo grants the Zoo and authorized production companies permission to use these images for these uses throughout the world in all media in perpetuity.