Advance registration is no longer required for general admission. Given the continued threat of COVID-19 and variants of the virus, face masks are required for indoor areas of the North Carolina Zoo. Face coverings are also required at the Acacia Station Giraffe Deck.
Here are some tips for planning your visit with us any time of the year!
Holiday Visit Tips
Holidays are some of our favorite days, and we love sharing them with our members and guests! The holidays listed below can also be our largest attendance days. So if you visit on a holiday, just know that we will be more crowded than normal, parking usually gets full by 1:00 p.m. and wait times will increase for admissions, attractions and dining. Plan to arrive early. From April - October the Zoo opens at 9:00 a.m. Last entry is at 4:00 p.m. and the park closes at 5:00 p.m. During November - March, the Zoo opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 4:00 p.m, with the last entry at 3:00 p.m.
Parking
Rentals
Enter and Exit as a Herd
Have a plan and stay in touch. If you are meeting others at the Zoo, have a designated meeting location and an alternative meeting location for entry and exit. Full parking lots and/or directed parking may change your meeting location.
If you entered at North America, take a bus or tram to the Africa (Akiba) tram stop. Explore Africa and you will end your visit at the North America Plaza, where you entered. This will save you steps and time, especially when you get ready to leave at the end of the day!
Transportation
Free trams and buses operate inside the Zoo to help you better navigate our large Park! Note that most animals are not visible from trams and buses.
Your feet are your best transportation! Our Zoo is a walking Zoo, so wear comfortable shoes.
We recommend that you utilize the trams and buses early in the day as lines and wait times will increase after 2 p.m.
Eat in a Safe Area
Public picnic areas are located at both the North America and Africa entrances. Please note that grilling is not allowed.
Check Your Pack!
Spring Visit Tips (April - May)
Parking and Park Entry
In the months of April and May, both North America and Africa parking lots and admission gates are open. Admissions/ticket sales for Park entry are open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day during the spring season. Please note the Zoo closes at 5:00 p.m.
If you are planning a spring trip to the Zoo, we suggest you come early in the week or arrive after lunch. A large number of school groups tend to visit Thursdays and Fridays.
Rentals
Rental strollers and wheelchairs are available at the Earth Explorer and Safari gift shops located just inside the North America and Africa entrance gates.
Transportation
Free transportation is available inside the Park between our North America, Junction Plaza and Africa tram stops throughout the fall season and run approximately every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on visitation. We also operate a shuttle service from parking lot to parking lot from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Strollers must be empty and folded prior to boarding the shuttle.
Seeing the Animals
Zoo animals tend to be more active in cooler temperatures. We are a walking Zoo with five miles of walking trails. The Zoo's transportation system takes you to each tram stop, but animals are not visible from the tram.
Experiences
All of the Zoo's seasonal attractions are open April and May, depending on weather. Kidzone, Garden Friends and Gorilla playgrounds are open year round.
Dress Appropriately
Dress for outdoor weather conditions and wear comfortable shoes.
Summer Visit Tips (June - August)
Parking and Park Entry
From June through August, both North America and Africa parking lots and admission gates are open. Admissions/ticket sales for Park entry are open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day during the summer season. Please note the Zoo closes at 5:00 p.m.
Rentals
Rental strollers and wheelchairs are available at the Earth Explorer and Safari gift shops located just inside the North America and Africa entrance gates.
Transportation
Free transportation is available inside the Park between our North America, Junction Plaza and Africa tram stops throughout the summer season and run approximately every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on visitation. We also operate a shuttle service from parking lot to parking lot from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Strollers must be empty and folded prior to boarding the shuttle.
Seeing the Animals
Our animals may seek shaded areas during extreme heat and may not be as visible to our guests during this time. We would suggest arriving early before temperatures rise. The Zoo's transportation system takes you to each tram stop, but most animals are not visible from the tram.
Experiences
All of the Zoo's seasonal attractions are open June through August, depending on weather. Kidzone, Garden Friends and Gorilla playgrounds are open year round.
Dress Appropriately
We are a walking Zoo, so remember to wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated! Bottled water is permitted inside the Zoo.
Keep Cool
Walk at an easy pace, rest often and drink plenty of water. Look for our misting stations throughout the park. Misting stations are available in four locations:
Water refill stations are available in four locations:
Fall Visit Tips (September - October)
Parking and Park Entry
In the months of September and October, both entrances and parking lots are open. Admissions/ticket sales for Park entry are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day during the fall season. Please note the Zoo closes at 5 p.m.
Rentals
Rental strollers and wheelchairs are available at the Earth Explorer and Safari gift shops located just inside the North America and Africa entrance gates.
Transportation
Free transportation is available inside the Park between our North America, Junction Plaza and Africa tram stops throughout the fall season and run approximately every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on visitation. We also operate a shuttle service from parking lot to parking lot from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Strollers must be empty and folded prior to boarding the shuttle.
Seeing the Animals
Zoo animals tend to be more active in cooler temperatures. We are a walking Zoo with five miles of walking trails. The Zoo's transportation system takes you to each tram stop, but most animals are not visible from the tram.
Experiences
All of the Zoo's seasonal attractions are open September through October, depending upon weather. Kidzone, Garden Friends and Gorilla playgrounds are open year round.
Dress Appropriately
Make sure you come prepared and dress appropriately for your visit with us in the fall. Temperatures can vary on a daily basis. We recommend you dress in layers and have comfortable footwear.
Winter Visit Tips (November - March)
Parking and Park Entry
From November-March, the Africa parking lots and admission gate are closed. On some weekends it may open if attendance is high. During these months, all guests should plan to park and enter/exit the Zoo through North America. The entire Zoo, including the Africa habitats, may be accessed through the North America entrance. Admissions/ticket sales for Park entry are open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day during the winter season. Please note the Zoo closes at 4 p.m. The Zoo is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Rentals
Rental strollers and wheelchairs are available at the Earth Explorer gift shop located just inside the North America entrance gates.
Transportation
Free transportation is available inside the Park between our North America, Junction Plaza and Africa tram stops throughout the winter. The heated 17 passenger buses run approximately every 15 to 20 minutes for your convenience.
Seeing the Animals
When the temperatures are below 45 degrees, many of the African animal species are allowed access to their indoor heated quarters for their comfort. We recommend in the winter months that you start your visit by exploring North America before moving to the Africa side of the Park. As temperatures rise in the afternoon, more of the African animals may come out and be visible to guests. The Desert (North America) and the Aviary (Africa) are beautiful indoor heated spaces to visit along the way.
Experiences
All of the Zoo's seasonal attractions are closed and will reopen in April. Kidzone, Garden Friends and Gorilla playgrounds are open year round.
Dress Appropriately
Make sure you come prepared and dress appropriately for your visit with us in the winter. We recommend you dress in layers and have comfortable and warm footwear.