1 / 6
Location
What you should know
Visitor tip
Don't miss the back section of Desert Dome, which transitions into a cave-like environment with bats and owls. This immersive space is distinctly different from the front exhibit and creates a memorable experience worth exploring thoroughly.
Visitor tip
Attend Meet the Keeper programs (variable schedules) to gain deeper insights about the animals—reviewers specifically requested more educational information about animal origins, habitats, and whether they're captive-bred or rescue animals.
Visitor tip
The Desert Dome is stroller-friendly and spacious, making it ideal for families with young children. Plan to visit Kidzone (open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) and explore connected attractions like Acacia Station Giraffe Deck (10 a.m. - 2 p.m., weather permitting) for a full family experience.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Location
- Asheboro, NC
- Notable Feature
- World's largest natural habitat zoo
- Interactive Activities
- Giraffe feeding, Meet the Keeper programs, playgrounds, treehouse trek
What visitors say
I've never been to the NC zoo and I'm now convinced I'd like a membership. We had a wonderful drive met with a beautiful day and saw the most amazing animals. I'd love a bit more facts and educational reads about the animals, the lands…
I love this dome! It's fun to see birds flying around and searching ro find the various reptiles and creatures. I also love the air conditioning vents on the floor lol. They are awesome on those hot summer days for cooling off. This…
The Desert Dome is easily one of my favorite places in the entire zoo and a spot we never skip. As soon as you step inside, the temperature change hits you. It is *hot*. So hot that you forget it’s winter outside. I was actively…
From 882 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Desert Dome features an immersive climate-controlled environment maintained at desert heat levels, creating a unique sensory experience where visitors actively feel the temperature change upon entry, enhancing the educational habitat simulation
- The Desert Dome celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the North Carolina Zoo's history
- The exhibit features freely flying birds throughout the dome's interior space, creating a dynamic interactive element where visitors can observe avian behavior in a naturalistic setting
Other Zoos in Asheboro
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
Own this venue? Stand out from the competition.
Zoos listings that are Featured get seen first by thousands of families every month.
- Priority placement in search
- Photo gallery showcase
- Insider tips from visitors
- Highlighted in dedicated featured section