Day Trip Idea: Zootastic Park
Looking for a fun day trip to entertain and educate the kids? Whether you want to go this summer or later in the year, the entire family will love visiting Zootastic Park any time!
My daughter and I absolutely loved visiting Zootastic Park. It was very interactive and much more close encounter than a typical zoo experience. My daughter’s favorite part was feeding the giraffe crackers and getting ‘kisses’ from him while doing so! We both really enjoyed the wagon ride, which is included in admission price, where riders get to go in the animals habitat spend some one-on-one time with them. Cheeky was the hit of the ride, with him constantly jumping right in the back of the wagon to get food from new friends!
It’s an easy drive from the Triad and makes for the perfect outing. Located in Troutman, it’s not too far from Lake Norman State Park which can make for a great add-on for a full day. Don’t miss stopping at Randy’s BBQ for lunch.
For those taking advantage of visiting during summer break, you will get to meet Maggie, their new spider monkey. She just became a part of their encounter program and is so sweet and outgoing.
If you have a child between the ages of 6 and 16, consider sending them to Zootastic’s summer camp, Jr. Zookeeper Camp, for an unforgettable experience. Campers join the park’s zookeepers to learn how to handle baby animals and learn all about animals. I had the chance to talk to the owner, Scottie Brown, while I was there. He said it isn’t all fun and games, though. He said each day the campers also do hard work, just like their zookeepers. They learn that animals are not just cute and cuddly, but also require a lot of work and sometimes it gets smelly! Kids have been having a great time so far and parents are happy to see their kids spending more time outside and less time inside on devices.
Zootastic Park also prides itself on giving back to the community and promoting animal education. Teachers get in free every day at Zootastic Park and they also have Teacher Appreciation Day annually where teachers bring their families to the zoo at no charge. On Labor Day, the park invites police, firefighters, and EMTs to bring their families to the zoo as well.
Can’t make it this summer, or just want to visit this amazing place again later in the year? Don’t worry they will have their annual fall festival again this year. Parents will love that the event is included with regular admission. In addition to all the normal wonderful things to see at Zootastic, fall festival includes a bounce house, balloon animals, face painting, and character appearances.
My daughter and I haven’t been to the lights show they host at the end of the year yet, but plan on going this year! Did you know Zootastic Park actually has the largest Christmas light show in North or South Carolina? It consists of a 2 mile drive through the park where you can see almost 4 million lights! After you drive through you can go into part of the zoo that is lit up. Santa is at the zoo from the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve and you can take a picture with him and a baby animal! There are also other additional activities like tiger feeding, giraffe feeding, s’mores, pony rides, and a petting zoo!
Lastly, for educators or groups that want to bring the zoo to them, Zootastic makes that a possibility. They have a Zoo 2 Go program which is a hour long program where they bring the zoo to you! One of their zookeepers brings a variety of animals and provides an educational and hands-on presentation. This is great for summer camps, day cares, and even birthday parties! For pricing call the office at (704) 245-6446.
Important Details!
Website: zootasticpark.com Hours and Rates can be found here.
Facebook Page: facebook.com/zootasticpark
Address: 385 Ostwalt Amity Rd., Troutman, NC 28115
Phone Number: (704) 245-6446
Email Address: info@zootasticpark.com
View our Travel Section with more trip ideas here!
By Guest Blogger Suzy Fielders
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