Looking for a fun day trip to entertain and educate the kids? Whether you’re planning a summer outing or a festive winter adventure, Zootastic Park in Troutman, NC is the perfect destination for families. From close animal encounters to seasonal events, there’s something magical happening year-round. This interactive zoo is a favorite for families in NC and beyond — and it’s easy to see why!

Zootastic Park Animals: Get Up Close and Personal

Zootastic Park is home to many exotic animals, making it a must-visit for wildlife lovers. From the roar of lions to the bouncy charm of kangaroos, the variety is both impressive and family-friendly. During your visit, you’ll see zebras, lemurs, tigers, monkeys, camels, giraffes, and more. What sets Zootastic apart from traditional zoos is how interactive the experience can be. Don’t forget your camera—there are plenty of animal selfie moments waiting!

Zootastic Hours and Location

Zootastic Park is located at 385 Ostwalt Amity Rd., Troutman, NC 28115. It was a short drive from the Triad and just minutes from Lake Norman State Park. This makes it easy to turn your visit into a full-day adventure. The park is open year-round, but hours may vary by season, so it’s best to check their website at zootasticpark.com before planning your trip. They recommend allowing at least 2 hours to experience all they have to offer.

Zootastic Hours:

Monday	9 AM–5 PM
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	9 AM–5 PM
Thursday	9 AM–5 PM
Friday	9 AM–5 PM
Saturday	9 AM–5 PM
Sunday	12–5 PM

Contact Info:

Phone: (704) 245-6446
Email: info@zootasticpark.com
Facebook Page

Zootastic Park Tickets

Admission includes both the drive through and walk through portions of the park. Check their official website for up-to-date Zootastic Park prices and group rates. At the time this blog is posted Adults are $17 and children 2 – 11 are $15 per person.

Zootastic Park Membership

They also offer season passes for $60 for adults and $45 for kids and seniors. The Christmas wonderland lights are not included in the membership

Zootastic Animal Encounters: Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences

For those looking to take their zoo visit to the next level, Zootastic Park offers private animal encounters with some of their most fascinating residents. These hands-on sessions are unforgettable and perfect for birthdays, special gifts, or family adventures.

Animal Encounters (Includes zoo admission for up to 5 people)

Safari Encounter – $300
60 minutes of interaction with lemurs, a kangaroo, an armadillo, and a kinkajou.
Safari Plus – $400
60 minutes with the same animals as the Safari Encounter plus your choice of one:
Two-Toed Sloth, Otter, Tamandua, Penguins, Serval, Capuchin Monkey, or Spider Monkey.
Super Safari – $500
60 minutes with the same base animals plus your choice of two from the list above.

These are pre-booked experiences and include general admission.

15-Minute Animal Encounters (Booked at the zoo, first come first served — admission not included)

$50 – Armadillo
$75 – Kangaroo or Kinkajou
$125 – Ruffed Lemurs, Spider Monkey, Capuchin, or Otter
$150 – Two-Toed Sloth, Tamandua, or Serval
$200 – Penguins

Each encounter allows up to 5 people to spend quality time with the animal of their choice. These experiences are available day-of only at the General Store and are subject to availability and animal readiness.

Animals are subject to change without notice. Arrive early for the best chance to book.

Jr. Zookeeper Camp: A Wild Summer Experience

For kids ages 5 to 14, Zootastic’s Jr. Zookeeper Camp is a one-of-a-kind summer opportunity. It is a week long summer camp. They offer full days, half days, and even before and after care. Campers shadow zookeepers, care for baby animals, and learn how to take care of these wild animals — from the fun to the messy! According to owner Scottie Brown, the program is both educational and hard work, giving kids a newfound respect for animals and the effort it takes to care for them. You can register for Zootastic summer camp here.

Zootastic Lights: The Largest Christmas Light Display in the Carolinas

If you can’t make it this summer, don’t worry — Zootastic truly shines in winter! The annual Zootastic Lights display is the largest Christmas light show in North or South Carolina, featuring nearly 4 million lights. The drive-through event spans two miles and includes a walk-through area with festive decorations, Santa photo ops, and more.

$10 per person gives you access to the spectacular drive-through lights experience and entry into the zoo. $15 per person includes both the drive-through lights and our expanded safari trail, featuring an additional 2 miles of hoofstock animals—a magical twist on the holiday tradition!

Both options allow guests to go inside the zoo for even more festive fun.

From the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, families can enjoy visits with Santa, take photos with baby animals, and participate in extra holiday fun like:

Giraffe & tiger feeding
Pony rides
S’mores by the fire
Balloon animals and face painting

Don’t miss your chance to take a photo with Santa and a baby kangaroo for $20—a memory your kids won’t forget! Plus, there are additional kid-friendly activities inside the park for an extra cost.

Special Events and Community Appreciation Days

Zootastic Park is proud to support teachers, first responders, and the community. Teachers get free admission every day, and special Teacher Appreciation Days and Labor Day events offer free admission for teachers, police, firefighters, and EMTs — along with their families. It’s their way of giving back while encouraging education and connection with wildlife.

Zootastic Park FAQ

Do you need a reservation to visit Zootastic?
No, general admission is available without a reservation.

Can you purchase Zootastic tickets online?
No, tickets are only sold at the gate. Memberships can be purchased online.

Zootastic discounts
Teachers get in free daily with school ID. Military members pay the child rate. No EBT/SNAP discounts.

What forms of payment is accepted?
Cash and card (4% card fee applies).

Do you have an ATM?
Yes, inside the main admissions and concessions building.

Does Zootastic offer reciprocal membership from other zoos?
No, Zootastic Park is privately owned and does not participate in reciprocal programs.

If we exit Zootastic, are we able to re-enter the same day?
Yes, same-day re-entry is allowed.

Does Zootastic allow outside food and drink?
Yes, for personal use only. Do not feed any brought food to the animals.

Does Zootastic have wheelchairs and strollers available?
Manual wheelchairs rentals are available on a first-come basis. No motorized wheelchair or stroller rentals.

Does Zootastic park close for bad weather?
Zootastic is open rain or shine. Only extreme weather may cause closures. No rain checks are offered.

View our Travel Section with more trip ideas here!

Want to see more blogs like this and also get notifications on local events and happenings? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletters.