With 100 counties and so much land mass to cover, it stands to reason that someone could spend a lifetime here and still not discover all the goodness this state has to offer. But most people have at least heard of the North Carolina Zoo, even if they haven't actually gone (yet). What most people may not realize is that the North Carolina Zoo is not only the largest walk-through zoo, but also the largest natural habitat zoo in the world. So what are you waiting for? You'll love exploring the largest zoo in North Carolina.

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Located just outside of Asheboro, the NC Zoo was the first zoo in the country to establish natural habitats for their residents.

A whopping 500 acres of the zoo alone are dedicated to natural habitat enclosures, meaning the residents live a cage-free life.

Instead of being in a tiny fenced-in enclosure as with other zoos, many of the residents live in beautiful habitats designed to feel like home.

Just because the animals are in big open enclosures doesn't mean you have trouble spotting them, either.

And it doesn't mean some of them don't like up close (friendly) encounters. Go for it! And then prepare for more discovery, because there is so much more to see and do at the zoo...

With the purchase of an add-on ticket you can board the Zoofari Tour (available April through October), a specially outfitted open-air vehicle that takes you to part of the zoo where you'll get exclusive up close views of some of the animals. What fun!

The zoo's Endangered Species Carousel is also fun for both the young and the young at heart.

The carousel is open April to October and requires an additional fee for children; accompanying adults ride for free.

The zoo is comprised of 2,000 acres and is connected with more than five miles of walking paths. Trams and buses are also available.

The two main areas of the zoo, North America and Africa, are on opposite ends of the property. There is an entrance at both ends, so you can decide which continent on which to begin your visit.

Along the way, you'll find interesting installations, play areas and comfortable, shady spots to rest a while.

Whatever you do, be sure to bring backup battery power for your phone...

...because there are going to be so many moments you'll want to keep forever!

It's easy to see why this is one of the best family trips in North Carolina!

Gather up all your loved ones and take a day trip to the North Carolina zoo. With so much to see and do, you'll have a thrilling day of non-stop fun.

The North Carolina Zoo is open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. November - March, and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. April - October.

Current pricing for general admission tickets is as follows: Adults $15, Seniors 62+ $13, Children 2-12 $11, and Children under 2 are free.

Address: 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205. Learn more on their official website. Buy tickets in advance here.

When is the last time you visited the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro? What are your other favorite attractions in North Carolina? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Looking for more cute and fascinating animals? Here are 17 photos of North Carolina wildlife that will drop your jaw.