Zoos, petting zoos & safari parks near Raleigh

4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC, 27455

The Greensboro Science Center offers an engaging blend of an aquarium, museum, and zoo, where visitors can interact with zookeepers, watch live performances, and attend educational programs. From animal encounters to immersive exhibits, it’s a place where science and fun collide.

🚘 Distance: 315.7 miles away

15100 Mooresville Rd., Mooresville, NC, 28115

The Lazy 5 Ranch offers a safari-style adventure featuring over 750 animals from six continents. Visitors can tour by wagon or car, enjoying up-close encounters with exotic species. The ranch also hosts seasonal events and supports conservation efforts for endangered animals.

🚘 Distance: 324.6 miles away

676 E. Hughes Mill Road, Burlington, NC, 27217

Discover the Animal Park at the Conservators Center, where wildlife education comes alive. Journey along a three-quarter-mile guided path to meet over 20 species of animals. Offering public tours, private experiences, and educational programs, this wild retreat provides intimate wildlife encounters through knowledgeable guides and seasonal events.

🚘 Distance: 325.2 miles away

6800 Bringle Ferry Road, Salisbury, NC, 28146

Explore Dan Nicholas Park, a 330-acre recreational haven established in 1968. This family-friendly destination offers diverse attractions including a scenic campground, peaceful lake, classic carousel, train rides, gem mining, nature center with aquarium, and animal habitats. Enjoy free admission to many park features, making it perfect for memorable family outings.

🚘 Distance: 332.1 miles away

4400 Cook Road, Rockwell, NC, 28138

Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve promotes conservation through education. Tiger World, a nonprofit animal conservation and educational center, is committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and preservation of exotic animals. Our mission extends beyond safeguarding these creatures to fostering a profound dedication to the conservation and education of all threatened and endangered species. We are open to the public for educational guided tours and walkabout self-guided tours in Rockwell, NC. Our educational tours personally guide visitors throughout the preserve, learning about each animal and providing an individual hands-on experience. You will see the animals in a natural setting and have the opportunity to observe them running, playing, swimming, eating, sleeping, and interacting with their handlers.

🚘 Distance: 334.2 miles away

4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC, 27205

The North Carolina Zoo spans 500 acres and features natural habitat enclosures for animals like zebras, giraffes, and more. Located in Asheboro, it is one of the largest zoos of its kind in the United States.

🚘 Distance: 347.5 miles away

433 W. Murray Avenue, Durham, NC, 27704

The Museum of Life and Science in Durham, NC, features interactive science exhibits, a butterfly conservatory, live animal habitats, and attractions like the Dinosaur Trail and Ellerbe Creek Railway on its 84-acre campus.

🚘 Distance: 351.6 miles away

1310 N Mineral Springs Rd, Durham, NC

Jireh Family Farm is a family-owned farm in Durham offering immersive agricultural experiences for children and families. Beyond raising pasture-raised meats and fresh eggs, the farm provides educational programs, hands-on camps, guided farm tours, seasonal events, and workshops designed to help kids and adults connect with farming, food, animals, and nature. Highlights 🌞 Summer Farm Camp (Ages 5-12) featuring hands-on animal care, gardening, harvesting, swimming, nature hikes, arts & crafts, field games, and outdoor adventures in a screen-free environment. 🚜 Guided Farm Tours where families can collect eggs, feed goats and pigs, meet farm animals, and explore a working farm. Reservations required. 🌱 Farm Classes & Workshops covering topics such as gardening, livestock care, herbal medicine, sourdough baking, food preservation, soil health, and family wellness throughout the year. 🥕 Seasonal Farm-to-Table Events including community breakfasts, educational herb walks, dinners, and other family-friendly farm experiences. 🎉 Private Events & Celebrations with a barn venue available for birthday parties, family gatherings, school groups, corporate events, and church functions, with optional farm tours and other add-ons. 🛍️ Farm Store open on weekends offering locally raised meats, fresh eggs, herbal teas, and farm products for visitors.

🚘 Distance: 356.5 miles away

8913 NC Highway 751 South, Durham, NC, 27713

This family-friendly farm offers educational experiences, summer camps, and a scenic venue for events.

🚘 Distance: 359.1 miles away

12936 Ghoston Rd, Wake Forest, NC, 27587

Discover the charm of Winterpast Farm, a delightful 10-acre sanctuary near Falls Lake where diverse farm animals coexist in harmony. Once home to tobacco, Christmas trees, and horses, our transformed space now welcomes visitors to interact with an enchanting array of animals including goats, sheep, emu, mini donkeys, ducklings, peacocks, geese, pigs, bunnies, guinea pigs, and chickens. Perfect for educational field trips, scout groups, and family outings, our spacious grounds accommodate everything from casual visits to organized group activities. Schedule your visit through our website to experience this unique animal paradise.

🚘 Distance: 361.4 miles away

313 Cedar Creek Road, Franklinton, NC, 27525

Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Two Dachshund Fiber and Lavender Farm, a 17-acre agricultural oasis in Franklin County, NC. Our unique agritourism destination offers guided educational tours showcasing our diverse family of fiber-producing animals including alpacas, sheep, llamas, Angora goats, and Angora rabbits. Meet our working farm animals from vigilant donkeys to free-range chickens and Guineas. Discover the art of fiber processing and lavender cultivation while browsing our well-curated farm store featuring local artisan crafts. Visit year-round by appointment to experience the magic of sustainable farming.

🚘 Distance: 365.4 miles away

3620 Rosinburg Rd., Zebulon, NC, 27597

Your kids can enjoy a hands-on farm experience this summer! Caring for animals, tending to the garden, and taking part in themed weekly activities will create lasting memories. Camps are available for children ages 6-12, with flexible day or week-long options.

🚘 Distance: 381.0 miles away

159 Mini Lane, Cameron, NC, 28326

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.

🚘 Distance: 384.9 miles away

6016 US 401 North, Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526

Create unforgettable memories at Naylor Family Farm, where children can experience the joy of interacting with friendly farm animals up close. Our personally-tended menagerie includes gentle goats, sociable pigs, and playful calves, all eager to meet and be fed by visitors. Our experienced staff provides fascinating insights about each animal, creating an educational and entertaining experience for all ages. Animal feed is available for just $1.00, making this an affordable and enriching outdoor adventure.

🚘 Distance: 385.0 miles away

4313 NC Hwy 42 West, Macclesfield, NC, 27852

It’s A Zoo Life in Macclesfield, NC, offers a hands-on experience with exotic animals like zebras, lemurs, and kangaroos. Perfect for families, this unique destination allows visitors to interact with animals in their habitats, creating unforgettable memories while learning about wildlife.

🚘 Distance: 409.2 miles away