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Aloha Safari Park

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    Courtney's Drop In Kids Care

    Courtney's Drop In Kids Care

    6118 Farrington Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
    Courtney’s Drop In Kids Care provides flexible, reliable childcare for children from infancy through age 12. Families can use convenient hourly care, date night childcare, infant care, and after-school programs without memberships, enrollment fees, or advance reservations. Highlights: Flexible drop-in childcare — no appointments or reservations required Care available for infants through 12 years old Hourly care for errands, appointments, or personal time Date night childcare with extended evening hours After-school care with flexible drop-off options and transportation available Family-owned and operated with a focus on safe, positive, and engaging play No membership fees or enrollment fees RaleighParent.com Special Offer (New Customers Only): Mention RaleighParent.com when you visit and receive 15% off your first month of After-School with Transportation New customers can also receive 10% off any package purchase (one-time offer) when they mention they found us through RaleighParent.com
    ⭐️ 4.5 • 355.2 mi
    Cottontails Preschool

    Cottontails Preschool

    4020 Mitchell Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
    Cottontails Preschool in Raleigh provides a nurturing early learning environment for infants through preschoolers, helping children develop confidence, curiosity, and independence. Through a state-approved curriculum, bilingual language exposure, multicultural experiences, and hands-on outdoor play, Cottontails supports each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. Highlights: Early learning programs for infants through preschoolers State-approved curriculum focused on whole-child development Bilingual language learning and multicultural experiences Nature-based playground for outdoor exploration and creativity Diverse and inclusive learning environment Multicultural food program introducing children to different cultures 24/7 security camera monitoring for added peace of mind A welcoming preschool community where children can explore, learn, and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
    ⭐️ 4.6 • 373.2 mi

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Aloha Safari Park

4.6
3306 reviews
Website
call
Location
159 Mini Lane, Cameron, NC, 28326 (384.8 mi)
About

Journey through Aloha Safari Park, where rescue meets education. This 60-acre sanctuary, opened in 2010, houses up to 450 animals including tigers, zebras, monkeys, and lemurs. Under the dedicated care of Lee Crutchfield and family, this working zoo provides a peaceful refuge for exotic and native species alike.

What We Offer

Category

Zoos & Farms & Animals
Day & Weekend Trips
REVIEWS
Madelyn Arion
May 16, 2025

A Hidden NC Gem for Families

We had the most amazing time at Aloha Zoo in Cameron this week — it felt like we had the entire place to ourselves! From the moment we arrived, our toddlers were wide-eyed with excitement, and the fun didn’t stop. We explored exhibits featuring monkeys, hyenas, tigers, crocodiles, giraffes, and so many other animals — each one more fascinating than the last.

A highlight for our little ones (and us!) was getting to feed the animals — it’s such an interactive, up-close experience that they’ll be talking about for a long time. But hands down, the most unforgettable part was the drive-through safari. Where else can a camel stick its head through your car window and nearly steal your taco bowl?

This zoo is a perfect, family-friendly adventure with a personal, welcoming feel. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fun, memorable day trip. We’ll definitely be back!

Ромм Александра
May 22, 2025

It's a wonderful place. Both kids and adults will definitely enjoy their time here. Lots of different animals, clean and well maintained, special activities for the holidays. Safari is so cool! I would only recommend to go on it by car, which you are not afraid to scratch, or rent there. The animals are not aggressive at all, but they can scratch your car with their horns accidentally

Lost Memories
May 21, 2025

What a wonderful experience for all ages. We did the petting and the walking tours. Worth seeing both.

For both of us, we had one bucket of food. Was more then enough. There so many diffrent kinds of animals.

The walking tour, the ground was mostly flat but has some areas that are tough if have stroller like near the giraffe. But most part good.

They even have a nice size playground area for the kids to play.

Can't wait to come back with my niece.

Champis Michael
Apr 8, 2025

Amazing place tmfor you and your kids. Its a great gateaway for families and friends just 1h away from Raleigh. The experience is incredible, lots of animals and many oportunities to interact with them and feed them. The zoo has plenty of animals to see including tigers and kangaroos. The safari drive is great with lots of animal species around, zebras, ostriches, deers, bisons, deers, llamas, emus, antelopes, donkeys, camels etc. The price is great, 15$ entrance including the drive and the zoo itself. Worth it, much better than the actual North Carolina Zoo. Reccomended!

Suhas Kalathil
May 26, 2025

Aloha Safari Zoo in North Carolina offers a decent family outing, especially if you’re looking for a quick adventure with kids. The highlight of the visit was definitely the safari ride, which was both entertaining and educational. However, beyond the safari, there isn’t much to keep adult visitors engaged for long. The zoo lacks proper shaded areas or gazebos, which can make summer visits uncomfortable. The star entertainer was the gibbon monkey.Overall, it’s a one-time watch that kids may enjoy, but it could use some improvements in facilities and attractions.Giving a generous rating.

The best upcoming events you won’t want to miss

Jaipur Literature Festival
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Jaipur Literature Festival

3800 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607
The third edition of JLF North Carolina, an international edition of the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival, comes to Raleigh September 11–13, 2026, bringing the spirit of one of the world's leading literary festivals to the Triangle. Celebrating the many arts, stories, and histories of Raleigh—the “City of Oaks”—JLF North Carolina will feature thought-provoking conversations, compelling performances, author sessions, and cultural experiences exploring literature, ideas, history, society, and the world around us. The festival will take place at Meredith College and NC State’s Institute for Emerging Issues. The program will bring together acclaimed authors, artists, thinkers, journalists, and cultural leaders from North Carolina and around the world. The 2026 lineup includes Belle Boggs, Jeff Tiberii, Karan Mahajan, Bob Crawford, and many more. The Jaipur Literature Festival takes place annually in Jaipur, India, and is internationally celebrated as the “greatest literary show on Earth.” Its spirit now travels through international editions across the US, UK, Canada, Spain, the Maldives, and Australia, bringing together diverse literary traditions and the unique culture of each host region. JLF North Carolina offers readers, families, students, educators, writers, and curious minds an opportunity to discover new perspectives, hear remarkable stories, and experience the power of books and ideas right here in Raleigh.
371.3 mi $12.07–$56.84 per ticket, including fees & taxes
Lakeside Retreats Family Fest
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Lakeside Retreats Family Fest

4521 Mial Plantation Rd
FREE Family Fest in Raleigh — Saturday, September 12! Looking for a full day of family fun, creativity, connection, and outdoor adventure? Join us for the 3rd Annual Family Fest at Lakeside Retreats! Optional overnight Camping 📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026 ⏰ 8:00 AM–9:00 PM 📍 4521 Mial Plantation Road, Raleigh, NC 27610 🎟️ FREE admission Enjoy a day filled with: 🔥 Fire show 🎨 Art activities 🥋 Martial arts class 🫧 Bubbles 🧘 Yoga and sound bath 🌲 Forest bathing 🏕️ S’mores and optional overnight camping 🍴 Food trucks and vendors 💛 Sensory yurt 🎤 Guest speakers 🏆 Tug of war …and so much more!
383.4 mi Free
Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day
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Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day

Abbotts Creek Community Center, 9950 Durant Road, Raleigh, NC 27614
Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day is a free community event presented by PR Home Care for older adults, family caregivers, and families who want to plan ahead and connect with trusted local resources before a crisis occurs. Meet local professionals and learn about fall prevention, aging in place and home safety, dementia and caregiver support, planning, medication safety, home organization, and other resources that can support safer, more independent living. Aging in Place North Carolina will provide a featured presentation, “How to Safely and Comfortably Age in the Home You Love.” The event will also include community resources, giveaways, and complimentary light refreshments while supplies last. Free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome.
369.6 mi Free

Upcoming events

All upcoming events happening in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill and elsewhere in the Triangle.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
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Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

301 Pogue St, Raleigh, NC 27607
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star is an interactive children’s theatre piece for very young audiences, performed by two Star Keepers named Glimmer and Sparkle. It’s time for the night sky to fill with stars, but one important star — Little Star, the wishing star — is missing because Sparkle rushed through putting the stars away the previous morning and muddled everything up. What follows is a search-and-rescue adventure as the two star keepers (and the audience) hunt for Little Star, discovering along the way that all the other stars have been put in the wrong places too and need to be moved to their proper place. Audience members help the Star Keepers find and re-organize the sky just in time for nightfall so that everyone can make a wish on their favorite star. Twinkle, Twinkle explores the ideas that mistakes happen, feelings are valid, and no one has to face hard things alone – all wrapped up in a genuinely joyful romp about stars. By Ernie Nolan Produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences Dialogue complexity: conversations are short but use more vocabulary than some other shows; performers also use physical actions, props, music, and songs to tell the story. What is Theatre for the Very Young? Theatre for the Very Young (TVY) is theatre designed for ages zero through five to support their cognitive development. The purpose of TVY is to support our youngest audience members in engaging with creative play, introducing them to narrative storytelling, and exploring social and emotional learning in a fun and approachable way. TVY is designed to be sensory friendly and an open space for movement, vocalization, and exploration! Pre-show activities! Audiences are invited to arrive 30 minutes prior to each showtime (when the “house” opens) to participate in a free pre-show activity, coordinated by RLT’s education department.
372.4 mi $0-12
Board Game Night
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Board Game Night

at Bottle Theory, Apex,
Unwind and connect with your community at Bottle Theory in Apex during our weekly Board Game Night. Every Monday evening from 6 to 9 p.m., we invite enthusiasts of all skill levels to gather for a relaxing session filled with strategic challenges, social interaction, and great company. Whether you are a seasoned tabletop veteran or simply looking for a fun way to start your week, our event provides the perfect atmosphere to enjoy your favorite classic games or discover something entirely new. Our venue offers an exceptional selection of craft beverages to accompany your gameplay, ensuring you stay refreshed while you compete or collaborate with neighbors. This event is completely free to attend and serves as a fantastic opportunity to meet new friends while enjoying a welcoming environment. Bring your competitive spirit, invite your friends, and make Monday nights a highlight of your week. Check our full event calendar to see what other gatherings are happening at Bottle Theory. We look forward to seeing you at the table soon for an evening of gaming excellence.
365.2 mi FREE
The Kehlani World Tour

The Kehlani World Tour

at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, South Raleigh
The Kehlani World Tour is a live concert series featuring the two-time Grammy-nominated multi-platinum artist. This event showcases the songstress performing her catalog of hits and new music for fans across global venues. Attendees can expect a high-energy performance featuring tracks from albums like It Was Good Until It Wasnt and blue water road. Kehlani brings her signature blend of R&B and soul to the stage, supported by professional production and immersive sound. Her career includes collaborations with artists like Cardi B and Justin Bieber, ensuring a polished and dynamic live set that highlights her vocal range and songwriting prowess. This event is perfect for fans of modern R&B and live music enthusiasts looking for an engaging performance. The atmosphere is centered on connection, artistry, and musical storytelling. Secure your tickets now to catch one of the most acclaimed performers in the industry live. Join Kehlani as she brings her latest musical evolution to the stage for a memorable experience.
377.9 mi $60+
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