Purchase Group Tickets in Advance
Purchase group zoo tickets in advance and receive complimentary admission for one group leader and one bus driver.
The Zoo also offers the opportunity to enhance your group's visit by adding catering and/or Educational Experiences. Our catering and educational options are available for visitors of all ages and group activities.
Read more about our Zoo Membership to learn how joining the North Carolina Zoo Society can benefit you, your family, and your business when visiting The Zoo.
Group Rates (15 Guests+) | Mar. 15-Nov. 15 | Nov. 16-Mar. 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $17 | $13 |
| Senior (Ages 62+)/College Student/Military | $15 | $11 |
| Child (Ages 3-12) | $13 | $9 |
| Children Under 3 | Free | Free |
Group Rates at the Admission Gates
Group Rates are available at the admission gate on the day of your visit as long as your group meets the following criteria:
- The group includes 15 or more paying guests (ages 3 and above).
- The group must use a single form of payment, which can be cash, credit, or debit.
- All members must enter the Zoo together as a group at the same time.
Please note that purchasing a group rate on the day of the visit does not include complimentary admissions for group leaders or bus drivers. To receive this benefit, please purchase in advance online or by calling 336.879.7700 or 1.800.488.0444, ext. 7700.
For large groups, consider acquiring our Corporate Zoo Memberships. This provides 25 to 600 one-day passes for FREE admission and discounted zoo prices at all society gift shops. All proceeds from the Corporate Zoo Membership help support Zoo operations.
Group discounts begin with a minimum of 15 paying guests. If you purchase your zoo tickets in advance, your group can receive free admission for one group leader and one bus driver. To qualify for a group rate at the admission gate on the day of your visit, you will need to pay for the group in one transaction with cash, credit or debit only.
Groups can purchase online or call 336.879.7700 or 1.800.488.0444, ext. 7700 for a group of 15 paying guests to receive a discounted zoo ticket price. In order to qualify for a group rate at the admission gate on the day of your visit, please pay for the group in one transaction with cash, credit or debit only.
Zoo tickets purchased online are valid for six months. You can find the valid dates printed on the tickets.
The pre-ticketed line is lane 5 at either the North America or Africa entrance.
The Zoo has picnic areas outside both the North America and Africa entrances where you can eat your lunch. The picnic areas are available to guests on a first-come, first-served basis. We do not allow coolers or lunches into the Zoo.
The Africa Region offers three different picnic sites. They feature ADA compliant restrooms that are located in close proximity to picnic tables.
The North America Region offers one picnic site. You can park your car closer to the picnic areas. Restrooms are ADA compliant and are located in close proximity to the picnic tables.
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages into the Zoo, subject to the following guidelines to ensure the safety of our animals, guests, and staff.
The following items are not permitted inside the Zoo:
- Glass containers
- Alcoholic beverages
- Large group or catered items, including party trays, bulk containers, or food service equipment such as slow cookers or chafing dishes
- Large coolers, rolling coolers, or wagons designed to transport food and beverages
Guests may bring small coolers or insulated bags, provided they are no larger than 24” x 15” x 18”. All bags and coolers are subject to search by Zoo staff.
We offer a variety of food at our restaurants and concession stands throughout the Zoo for guests who prefer to purchase meals and snacks during their visit.
Guests are also welcome to enjoy personal meals at one of our picnic areas located outside the Admissions gates or in the parking lots. If you choose to leave the Zoo to picnic during your visit, please see a member of the Admissions team to receive a hand stamp for same-day reentry.
Grilling is not permitted in picnic areas or parking lots.
We do have picnic rentals ranging from $100 for three hours to $1,250 for all day. Picnic rentals require using the Zoo’s catering company, SSA, for your event’s catering needs (this includes food, beverages and rental items such as tents, chairs and tables). For more information, please call the Reservations Help Line at 336.879.7700 or 1.800.488.0444, ext. 7700.
Buses can unload and park at North America in parking lot "A" or Solar Pointe. In Africa, the location is parking lot 1. For safety and traffic flow reasons buses are not permitted to drop off or pick up near the entrances.
Handicapped/special needs groups can unload in front of the entrances in the designated traffic circle for North America and/or Africa.
Please see a member of our Guests Services or Admissions team before you exit to have your hand stamped for same-day re-entry.
Yes, you must print and distribute your tickets to your group before coming to the gate for entry to the Zoo.
