Any parent or grandparent knows that one surefire way to entertain a child is with live animals. Charlotte is home or near many places to take children of all ages to view live animals.
North Carolina Zoo
Featuring over 200 animal species, the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro sits between Charlotte and Raleigh and is located on over 500 acres in the rolling hills of North Carolina's Uwharrie Mountains. In April 2008, the NC Zoo opened its revamped Watani Grasslands Reserve, home to elephants, rhinos and antelope.4401 Zoo Parkway
Asheboro, NC 27205
1-800-488-0444
88 miles northeast of Charlotte
Riverbanks Zoo
Riverbanks Zoo
Riverbanks Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals that represent more than 350 species from around the world. Among the crowd-pleasers at this smaller, fully accessible zoo are the African elephants, giraffes which little ones can feed and the sea lions.
500 Wildlife Parkway
Columbia, SC 29210
803-779-8717
85 miles south of Charlotte
Lazy 5 Ranch
The Lazy 5 Ranch is the area's only ride-through display where visitors can view animals from the safety of your own car or by riding on our horse drawn wagons in a 3.5 mile safari through the gently sloping pasture lands of Piedmont, North Carolina. Animals that can be seen are giraffes, rhinos and ostrich.15100 Hwy 150 East
Mooresville, NC 28115
704-663-5100
34 miles north of Charlotte
Charlotte Nature Museum
The Charlotte Nature Museum is perfect for little eyes and hands to learn about the world around them and things they might find in their back yards. Explore the life of baby animals, from egg to chick, tadpole to frog, and womb to baby mouse. The Nature Museum also features a butterfly pavilion where you can stand and see some of nature's most colorful creatures fly around you.1658 Sterling Road
Charlotte, NC 28209
704-372-6261 ext. 605
Discovery Place
While Discovery Place is a full-fledged science museum it also features an aquarium filled with species found in North Carolina's Outer Banks area and an open ocean pool where a few species are available for touching.301 N. Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
704-372-6261
Carolina Raptor Center
The Carolina Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental education and the conservation of birds of prey through public education, the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned raptors, and research. At the center, visitors can view endangered bald eagles and many species of owls, hawks and vultures.6000 Sample Road
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-875-6521
13 miles northwest of Charlotte
Historic Latta Plantation
The Historic Latta Plantation is home to many farm animals perfect for viewing. The plantation features a burro, a devon cattle, guinea hogs, sheep, chickens, geese and many horses that are also available for riding at the Latta Plantation Equestrian Center.5225 Sample Road
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-875-2312
12 miles northwest of Charlotte
