North Carolina Zoo

North Carolina Zoo is a zoo in Asheboro, Randolph County, in North Carolina's Triad. Admission: from $20. Hours: Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, rain or shine; March 15 – November 15: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry 4 p.m.); November 16 – March 14: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry 3 p.m.). Facts read from the official site on October 27, 2026.

• HoursSee hoursofficial hours below
• AdmissionFrom $20
• WhereAsheboroRandolph County, Triad
• DogsNot allowed

About North Carolina Zoo

A large natural-habitat zoo in the Uwharrie foothills where animals live in big outdoor habitats along walking trails, with a focus on wildlife conservation.

• Page calls it the world's largest natural habitat zoo
• About five miles of walking trails; animals seen mainly from the paths
• Endangered Species Carousel (March 15 – November 15)
• Acacia Station Giraffe Deck and Kaleidoscope Butterfly Garden
• Outside picnic areas by both entrance lots; only members may bring meals inside

Size and length: About five miles of walking trails (acreage not read)

North Carolina Zoo Hours

• Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, rain or shine.
• March 15 – November 15: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry 4 p.m.)
• November 16 – March 14: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry 3 p.m.)

Hours source: official site, read October 27, 2026.

Admission and Parking

• Peak season (Mar 15 – Nov 15), on-site / online: Adult $20 / $18; Senior 62+, college student, military $18 / $16; Child 3-12 $16 / $14; under 3 free.
• Low season (Nov 16 – Mar 14), on-site / online: Adult $15 / $14; Senior 62+, college student, military $13 / $12; Child 3-12 $11 / $10; under 3 free.
• Group (15+) peak: adult $17, senior/college/military $15, child $13; low season: adult $13, senior/college/military $11, child $9.
• NC EBT: $5 tickets, up to 4 admissions with the cardholder, in person same-day only (physical EBT card plus matching photo ID).
• Online tickets must be bought at least a day ahead; same-day online purchases cannot be processed. Tickets are good only for the date selected.

Parking: Parking is free. North America lot and entrance open year-round; Africa lot and entrance open March 15 – November 15. Accessible spaces at both entrances with plate or hang tag. Zoo may temporarily limit admission once parking reaches capacity on busy days.

Directions and Contact

• Address: 4401 Zoo Parkway
• Phone: 336-879-7001
• Map point: 35.63330,-79.78234, from the US Census geocoder on the official address. Directions in Google Maps
• Official site: nczoo.org

Dogs and Accessibility

• Dogs: Pets are NOT allowed in the Zoo; do not leave pets in cars or tethered in the lot (Zoo must call law enforcement). Service animals (dog or miniature horse per ADA) welcome; check in with Guest Services at Admissions. Emotional support animals not permitted.
• Accessibility: About five miles of tree-lined, sometimes hilly trails. Accessible trams and buses run between North America, Junction Plaza and Africa (wheelchair accessible). Wheelchairs, ECVs and strollers rent first-come at the gift shop inside the entrance. KultureCity sensory inclusive: free sensory bags and weighted lap pads (leave an ID), quiet zones and headphone zones. Carousel swan bench fits wheelchairs; Giraffe Deck and Butterfly Garden are wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking at both entrances.

Near North Carolina Zoo

What We Could Not Verify

• Total acreage of the park was not stated on the pages read.
• Asia continent is under construction; page warns of construction noise (no opening date read).
• Hours and prices change; check the official site the day you go.

Sources

1. North Carolina Zoo: hours (read 2026-10-27)
2. North Carolina Zoo: admission (read 2026-10-27)
3. North Carolina Zoo: official site (read 2026-10-27)
4. OpenStreetMap (map point)

Last checked October 27, 2026 by the It’s North Carolina editor. Spot something out of date? Tell us.