Let’s just call this the year of adventure and start planning some amazing things to do and places to staycation right here at home in North Carolina! We’ll start with a day trip that’s unlike any other you’ll find in the Tar Heel State: a unique destination with more than 750 exotic animals that love attention. You’re going to love visiting this wildlife park in North Carolina. Check it out below.
Who knew we could find such an exotic wildlife park just outside of Charlotte in the city of Mooresville? This small city in North Carolina is known for being homebase for many NASCAR drivers, but you don’t need a racecar to drive the 3.5 mile loop at this exotic animal safari.
TripAdvisor/michael m
TripAdvisor/wiseguys4jc
However… you MAY need some of that race car driving fearlessness to deal with the friendly animals you’ll encounter!
Facebook/Lazy 5 Ranch
Facebook/Lazy 5 Ranch
Oh, and you may need a whole container of those disinfectant wipes…
TripAdvisor/Miha C
“Say what?”
Facebook/Lazy 5 Ranch
At the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, you’ll encounter some of the most eager exotic animals you’ve ever seen. They’ll come right to your vehicle and eat out of your hand. They love attention — and food!
TripAdvisor/Utah-Indy
“Feed me!”
Facebook/Lazy 5 Ranch
If you find yourself wondering if you really want to risk your picture-perfect vehicle with a two-ton beast with giant horns, then not to worry… Lazy 5 Ranch has a horse-drawn wagon you ride on instead of bringing your own car.
TripAdvisor/management
Facebook/Lazy 5 Ranch
This African-like safari opened over 25 years ago just 25 miles north of Charlotte. The unique park is home to 750 animals from six different continents. Now that’s a day trip WAITING to happen!
Google Maps
Facebook/Lazy 5 Ranch One thing to know before you go: the ranch is cash only, no credit cards are accepted.Lazy 5 Ranch is located at 15100 Mooresville Rd., Mooresville, NC 28115. With the exception of a few holidays, they are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until one hour before sunset. Sunday hours vary by season. General admission is $11 for adults (12 and older) and $8 for children 2-11 and seniors 60+. Wagon rides are an additional fee and should be reserved in advance to guarantee your space. Learn more about the Lazy 5 Ranch (like how they got their name!) on their official website.
Have you ever embarked on one of these animal adventures in North Carolina? Share your experiences of this wildlife park in North Carolina with us in the comments below!
TripAdvisor/michael m
TripAdvisor/wiseguys4jc
Facebook/Lazy 5 Ranch
TripAdvisor/Miha C
TripAdvisor/Utah-Indy
TripAdvisor/management
Google Maps
One thing to know before you go: the ranch is cash only, no credit cards are accepted.Lazy 5 Ranch is located at 15100 Mooresville Rd., Mooresville, NC 28115. With the exception of a few holidays, they are open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until one hour before sunset. Sunday hours vary by season. General admission is $11 for adults (12 and older) and $8 for children 2-11 and seniors 60+. Wagon rides are an additional fee and should be reserved in advance to guarantee your space. Learn more about the Lazy 5 Ranch (like how they got their name!) on their official website.
For more adventures, check out these five day trips in North Carolina you can take by train.
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Address: 15100 Mooresville Rd, Mooresville, NC 28115, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
wildlife park in North Carolina January 14, 2020 Elisa Regulski What are the best family-friendly attractions in North Carolina? If you’re looking for family-friendly attractions in North Carolina, you can never go wrong at Riverside Log Cabins. This cozy destination is conveniently located near a slew of exciting destinations. Bring the kiddos to Mystery Hill and watch their imaginations run wild. There are also several scenic hiking trails that lead to majestic waterfalls and breathtaking overlooks. To learn more, read our feature article here. What are the best day trip destinations in North Carolina? The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo is one of the best day trips in North Carolina. The gorgeous botanical gardens and lovely statues will make you feel like you stepped inside a fairy tale. It’s perfect for visitors of all ages. For something a bit more adventurous, bring the family to ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure. This exciting place will make your adrenaline soar. To learn more about the best day trips in North Carolina, read our article here. What is the best zoo in North Carolina? The NC Zoo is home to some of the best animal adventures in North Carolina. In fact, not only is it the largest zoo in the state – it’s the largest natural habitat zoo in the entire world! This impressive destination spans 500 acres and houses hundreds of exotic animal species. In addition to the fascinating elephants and giraffes, the NC zoo has a wide variety of art installations and play areas. Bring the kiddos and enjoy the atmosphere. The NC zoo is one of the best family-friendly attractions in North Carolina. To learn more, read our feature article here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
wildlife park in North Carolina
January 14, 2020
Elisa Regulski
What are the best family-friendly attractions in North Carolina? If you’re looking for family-friendly attractions in North Carolina, you can never go wrong at Riverside Log Cabins. This cozy destination is conveniently located near a slew of exciting destinations. Bring the kiddos to Mystery Hill and watch their imaginations run wild. There are also several scenic hiking trails that lead to majestic waterfalls and breathtaking overlooks. To learn more, read our feature article here. What are the best day trip destinations in North Carolina? The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo is one of the best day trips in North Carolina. The gorgeous botanical gardens and lovely statues will make you feel like you stepped inside a fairy tale. It’s perfect for visitors of all ages. For something a bit more adventurous, bring the family to ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure. This exciting place will make your adrenaline soar. To learn more about the best day trips in North Carolina, read our article here. What is the best zoo in North Carolina? The NC Zoo is home to some of the best animal adventures in North Carolina. In fact, not only is it the largest zoo in the state – it’s the largest natural habitat zoo in the entire world! This impressive destination spans 500 acres and houses hundreds of exotic animal species. In addition to the fascinating elephants and giraffes, the NC zoo has a wide variety of art installations and play areas. Bring the kiddos and enjoy the atmosphere. The NC zoo is one of the best family-friendly attractions in North Carolina. To learn more, read our feature article here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you’re looking for family-friendly attractions in North Carolina, you can never go wrong at Riverside Log Cabins. This cozy destination is conveniently located near a slew of exciting destinations. Bring the kiddos to Mystery Hill and watch their imaginations run wild. There are also several scenic hiking trails that lead to majestic waterfalls and breathtaking overlooks. To learn more, read our feature article here.
What are the best day trip destinations in North Carolina?
The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo is one of the best day trips in North Carolina. The gorgeous botanical gardens and lovely statues will make you feel like you stepped inside a fairy tale. It’s perfect for visitors of all ages. For something a bit more adventurous, bring the family to ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure. This exciting place will make your adrenaline soar. To learn more about the best day trips in North Carolina, read our article here.
What is the best zoo in North Carolina?
The NC Zoo is home to some of the best animal adventures in North Carolina. In fact, not only is it the largest zoo in the state – it’s the largest natural habitat zoo in the entire world! This impressive destination spans 500 acres and houses hundreds of exotic animal species. In addition to the fascinating elephants and giraffes, the NC zoo has a wide variety of art installations and play areas. Bring the kiddos and enjoy the atmosphere. The NC zoo is one of the best family-friendly attractions in North Carolina. To learn more, read our feature article here.
