Are You Planning A Trip To One Of The NC Zoos & Aquariums?
Take a walk on the wild side of NC zoos & aquariums where a paw-some adventure awaits for animal enthusiasts of all ages.
Whether you’re a roaring fan of lions or a fin-tastic admirer of marine life, this ultimate guide has got you covered.
Enjoy a journey through diverse animal habitats and conservation efforts, with a special shout out to Asheboro’s colossal zoo – home to the world’s largest habitat zoo! From playful lemurs to majestic elephants, and a new Asia expansion that is currently under construction and set to open in 2026
Let’s not forget the sea turtle rescue that will warm your heart at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue in Topsail Island.
North Carolina’s animal kingdom is ready to steal the spotlight and your heart.
NC Zoos & Animal Rescues & Attractions
- NC Zoo, Asheboro
- Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue
- Carolina Tiger Rescue
- Greensboro Science Center
- Western NC Nature Center
- Sylvan Heights Bird Park
- Catawba Science Center
- Carolina Raptor Center
- Museum of Life Science
- Duke Lemur Center
- Aloha Safari Zoo
- Imagination Station Science Museum
- Rescue Ranch Statesville
- Zootastic Park
- Cherokee Bear Zoo and Exotic Animals
- Lynwood Park Zoo
- Animal Ed.Ventrues at Noah’s Landing
NC Aquariums
Ever wondered what’s swimming beneath the surface of North Carolina’s waters?
In North Carolina you’ll be able to explore the coolest underwater worlds at one of our many Aquariums.
Get ready for a fin-tastic adventure as you explore the incredible marine life that calls the Tar Heel State home. It’s gonna be a splash, so, go explore these aquarium wonders!
- NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Kure Beach *Advanced Reservations Required
- Appalachain Rivers Aquarium, Bryson City
- NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island, *Advanced Reservations are Required
- NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, * Advanced Reservations Required
- Team ECCO Aquarium & Shark Lab, Hendersonville (Closed Mid Dec.-Mid Feb.)
- Topsail EMA Touch Tank Aquarium
- Greensboro Science Center Aquarium
- Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue, Surf City