North Carolina Zoo

Asheboro

Before you go: Paid admission. Expect extensive walking and hills. Pet dogs are not allowed in visitor areas. Review the Zoo’s accessibility information when planning mobility or sensory accommodations.

4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC

Visitor information: https://www.nczoo.org/visit

Wildlife, botanical gardens and outdoor art make this primarily outdoor outing. The Zoo opened to the public in August 1974 and welcomed its 30-millionth guest in 2024. Kidzone and Garden Friends Playground are included with admission, with nature play, fort building, a mud café, treetop trail and seasonal stream. Picnic facilities are outside the admission gates; check food and reentry rules.

Published senior 62+, college-student and military rates are $18 onsite or $16 online from March 15–November 15, and $13 onsite or $12 online from November 16–March 14. Online tickets require purchase at least one day ahead and are date-specific. Confirm accepted identification and military eligibility.

Eligible North Carolina EBT cardholders can buy up to four admissions, including themselves, at $5 each. The cardholder must attend with a physical NC EBT card and matching photo ID. Purchase onsite for same-day use; groups, optional attractions and special events are excluded. WIC, P-EBT/SUN Bucks, out-of-state cards and digital EBT IDs do not qualify.

Military Appreciation Week is announced November 7–13, 2026. Qualifying active-duty, reserve, veteran and retired personnel and military spouses receive free entry with up to three accompanying guests, maximum four entries per ID including its holder. Use the onsite Military Appreciation Table. Accepted proof includes military/veteran ID, DD-214 with photo ID, veteran-designated driver license, or VA/VFW/American Legion ID. Check current terms.

Eligible NC public/private K–12 classes can reserve free weekday visits in the published September 14, 2026–June 15, 2027 school window, with one teacher/staff entry per ten students. Reserve at least one week ahead; two visits per class per school year and blackout dates apply. Extra guests pay. Confirm the requested day with reservations, 336-879-7700, because the blackout information contains date inconsistencies.

Accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible buses/trams and limited first-come wheelchair/ECV rentals are listed. Hills remain; check vehicle ramp/lift limits and device compatibility. Guest Services at either entrance can provide private changing space for larger children or adults. Free sensory-bag and weighted-lap-pad loans require ID and are available at both entrances and KidZone. Quiet zones, a sensory map and KultureCity social story support planning; these do not establish recurring quiet hours. Wheelchair access is identified for Acacia Station Giraffe Deck, Kaleidoscope Butterfly Garden and the carousel’s swan bench; check seasonal operation and extra fees.

Group-event and picnic options cover birthdays, company outings and reunions. Rental fees, admission and catering require confirmation; the advertised 15–3,000 range covers multiple event options, not one shelter. Volunteering is program-specific: the general adult program starts at 16, family participation covers ages 12–15 with a parent, and teen summer programs have separate applications. Single-day service is listed September–June, weekdays 9 a.m.–noon, for roughly 3–15 adults or high-school/college participants. Submit the interest form for available trail, cleaning, painting or enrichment projects. Wildlife-rehabilitation animal-care recruitment is closed; other roles require their own current application checks.