If you’re craving a wild adventure near Charlotte, I’ve found some fantastic places where you can get up close with animals and make a day of it. Whether you’re into giraffes, big cats, or birds of prey, these nearby zoos and parks are all just a short drive away—and totally worth it.
Highlights:
- I always recommend visiting the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. It’s only about 90 minutes from Charlotte, and you’ll love how it feels more like a safari than a traditional zoo—it's one of the largest natural habitat zoos in the world!
- If you’ve ever wanted to feed giraffes, you’ve got to check out Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, SC. I loved the scenic trails and gardens there—you’ll want to take your time and really explore.
- When I want something more hands-on, I head to Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville. You can actually drive through and feed animals like zebras and camels right from your car. It’s a blast, especially if you're going with friends or family.
- For something a bit more interactive, you might enjoy Zootastic Park in Troutman. I got to see big cats and lemurs up close, and there were plenty of opportunities to learn and engage with the animals.
- And if you’re into birds (like I am), don’t miss the Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville. You can take a quiet nature walk while checking out hawks, owls, and other birds of prey—it’s peaceful, educational, and super cool.
Best Zoos near Charlotte:
North Carolina Zoo - Explore massive natural habitats and see exotic animals on an exciting day trip.
Riverbanks Zoo - Visit lush gardens and spot wildlife on a fun, affordable adventure for all ages.
Carolina Raptor Center - Discover majestic birds of prey and walk scenic trails on an educational family outing.
Lazy 5 Ranch - Drive through open fields and feed animals up close on a unique weekend adventure.
Tiger World - Admire rescued big cats and learn their stories during an unusual wildlife experience.
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)