If you’re looking for a weekend adventure that’s just a short drive from Wilmington, Asheboro, North Carolina is such a special place for families. Home to the North Carolina Zoo: the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, this small town delivers big on charm, local eats, and outdoor fun. Here’s everything you need to know before you go, including my best zoo day tips and family-friendly spots around town.
Why Visit Asheboro?
Asheboro is tucked right in the heart of North Carolina and makes the perfect weekend escape with kids. It’s home to the North Carolina Zoo, the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, Millstone Creek Orchards, the closest apple orchard to the coast (Ramsuer), and plenty of cozy local restaurants where you can skip the chains and eat like a local. The drive from Wilmington takes about 3-3.5 hours, making it totally doable for a quick family road trip.
While a day trip is doable, we made a weekend of it and stayed at the Hampton Inn Asheboro, which is centrally located on East Dixie Drive, an easy hop between downtown, the zoo, and the orchard.
Tips for Visiting the North Carolina Zoo
*Please check the website for accurate date and times as they may change*
1. Buy Tickets Ahead + Arrive Early
Tickets can be purchased online to skip the lines. The zoo opens at 9 AM, and it’s worth arriving early before the crowds (and the animals) get sleepy in the afternoon sun.
Pro Tip: Did you know you can save money by purchasing an NC Zoo Annual Membership (family passes start around $100) or a North Carolina Aquariums Membership (around $90 for families)? These memberships give you unlimited visits all year to NC zoos and aquariums — plus discounted or free admission to a long list of partner zoos and aquariums nationwide!
2. Plan for Walking and LOTS of It or…
This zoo is massive — over 500 acres of walking paths! Be sure to bring a stroller or wagon if you have young kids and wear comfortable shoes (see the suggested itinerary below to make the most of your day).
You can also rent a plastic stroller at the gift shop for around $13/day, or upgrade your experience with the Zoo’s “Ride-and-a-Guide” program.
This special tour lets you explore the zoo aboard a golf cart led by a professional guide from the North Carolina Zoo Society. It’s a fun, educational, and relaxing way for families to see the animals, learn about conservation, and enjoy quality time together — without all the walking.
Tip: Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance, and tours are available year-round, Monday through Friday. Details here
3. Divide and Conquer: North America vs. Africa
The zoo is split into two main sections:
- North America: Polar bears, bison, pelicans, alligators, and black bears +
- Africa: Elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos +
- **Asia: Coming in 2026**
If you only have a few hours, choose one and do it well. The tram runs between entrances and is a lifesaver for tired legs. I recommend entering through North America, but go directly to the tram and start in Africa then finish the day in North America.
4. Pack Snacks + Water
You can bring your own food, and there are shaded picnic areas throughout the park. Refill water bottles at hydration stations to save time and money or pack a cooler to tote along in the bottom of your stroller. They also have food and water around the zoo.
We decided to grab a bit from the main food hub. They have a few options and we decided on splitting a chicken tender (3) meal with fries and a kids hot dog meal at Junction Springs Cafe.
5. Check Out the Kids’ Play Areas
The Garden Friends Playground is a must-stop for kids to climb, slide, and run around. The Kidzone has swinging bridges, a mud kitchen and a rock maze. Kaleidoscope Butterfly Garden (seasonal) is another quiet, magical spot for little ones to slow down.
6. Use the Map to Find Restrooms (and Shade)
Restrooms are conveniently placed, but spaced out, so note them as you go. Bonus is they do have changing tables and diaper (just in case). There are also plenty of shady spots, perfect for breaks or snack time.
7. Don’t Miss the Giraffe Deck + Carousel
Feed a giraffe for $5, it’s worth every penny for the photo op and experience! Then let the kids ride the hand-painted carousel ($2) near the Africa entrance before heading towards North America.
8. Watch “Secrets at the Zoo”
See the NC Zoo on TV before you see it for yourself and watch the series “Secrets of the Zoo” free with your Disney + Subscription or you can watch mini episodes for free on YouTube. You get behind the scenes knowledge and get to know the animals and trainers a bit better.
9. Feeding Times
Check out the website for Animal Feeding times (usually on the weekends) which could give you a better opportunity to see the animals up close.
10. Other Zoo Experiences like the Zoofari
Did you know they offer Behind-the-Scenes tours like a Zoofari in the Africa to get a VIP up close and personal opportunity and its ONLY $25 per person? We had the opportunity and it was special to see so many animals that are usually out in the distance up close and personal. We had a private tour guide who told us all sorts of fun facts and allowed us to ask questions along the way.
The NC Zoo also has day camps for K – 5th graders each season, Birthday Parties and even overnight camps!
PRO TIP! If you plan to get tickets to the ZOOFARI, you need to go direction to Junction Plaza and get those tickets in person or you can book a private tour online ahead of time. They only sell a limited number each day and will likely sell out. (I recommend starting in Africa anyway and you will walk past the ticket office when you exit the tram.)
Bonus: Visit Millstone Creek Orchards
If you’re staying the weekend, make sure to visit Millstone Creek Orchards (about 25 minutes away in Ramseur). It’s family-owned, offers apple, pumpkin, pecans picking in season, hayrides, Apple Cider donuts and slushes and lunches at The Cider House.
Check out their website ahead of time to see if they have any events or what crops are in season. We missed the apple picking experience, but there were still a ton of fresh apples (that we enjoyed), hayrides and tasty treats. We were able to attend a Cow Cuddles event and took advance of their fishing pond.
Family-Friendly Eats in Asheboro
We enjoyed going downtown Asheboro. Note that some restaurants aren’t open late or are closed on certain days. It’s a quiet spot with some good local spots. Here is where we went and what we recommend:
- Positano Italian Restaurant: Amazing homemade bread and delicious pasta dishes. We were impress and the girls approved of the kids spaghetti. (you may make reservations)
- The Table: A cozy café downtown with fresh pastries, soups, and sandwiches. (closed Sunday and Mondays) – Just across the street from Positano Italian.
- The Taco Loco: Open air Mexican with modern flare and so many good options!
Our Weekend Itinerary
Friday – Asheboro Adventure
6:00 AM – Departed Wilmington
9:30 AM – Arrived at the North Carolina Zoo (Tip: take the tram to the Africa section and grab Zoofari tickets early!)
10:00 AM – Coffee in hand, time to explore!
11:45 AM – Stopped by the Giraffe Feeding Deck — a must-do!
12:00 PM – Lunch break at Junction Plaza Café
12:45 PM – Off on our Zoofari Tour — such a fun and relaxing way to see the animals and learn from our guide
2:00 PM – Explored North America — found the polar bear lounging by the glass
4:00 PM – Ice cream treat, then off to check in
4:15 PM – Checked into the hotel and got cozy for the evening
5:30 PM – Dinner at Positano Italian Restaurant
6:30 PM – Dessert, coffee, and hot chocolate across the street at The Table — the perfect way to end the day!
Saturday – Fall Fun & Farm Day
8:00 AM – Started the morning with breakfast at the hotel (can’t beat those waffles!)
10:00 AM – Headed to Millstone Creek Orchard for a full day of fall fun — grabbed hot apple cider donuts as soon as we arrived
11:00 AM – Enjoyed a scenic hayride through the orchard, surrounded by colorful leaves and crisp Carolina air
12:00 PM – Tried our luck fishing by the pond — a peaceful break between adventures
1:00 PM – Lunch at the orchard
3:00 PM – Back to the hotel to relax and refresh before heading out again
5:30 PM – Evening stroll through downtown Asheboro, followed by dinner at The Taco Loco
6:30 PM – Wrapped up the day with a splash in the indoor pool at the hotel
8:00 PM – Cozy pajamas, lights out, and sweet dreams after a perfect fall weekend
Sunday – Home Sweet Home
8:00 AM – Enjoyed one last hotel breakfast before hitting the road
9:00 AM – Packed up, said goodbye to Asheboro, and started our drive home
11:30 AM – Back in Wilmington — hearts (and camera rolls) full
Final Tips
- Check the weather – Asheboro can get toasty in the summer and definitely cooler than Wilmington in the fall and winter. We prefer going in the fall and wear layers.
- Bring ponchos if rain is in the forecast. The zoo stays open, and animals can be surprisingly active during light rain.
This was one of those weekend getaways that our kids will remember for the rest of their lives. As a born-and-raised North Carolinian who grew up taking school field trips and day trips to the NC Zoo, it was so special to return — this time with my own children — and make new memories together in beautiful Asheboro, NC.
A heartfelt thank-you to the NC Zoo and the Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau for hosting our family and making this experience possible. Their generosity helped bring this post (and these unforgettable moments) to life.
If you have any questions about planning your own trip, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to help!
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