Have kids who love animals? If you're looking for animals near you in Union County we have the list! From zoo animals to farm animals, and from the furry to the scaly, we have all the animals you'll need to please your little animal lover.
Here's where to find animals in Union County (or within a few hour drive!):
Wise Acres
4701 Hartis Road, Indian Trail
Whether you are there to pick berries, munch on delicious pizza and visit with the pigs and chickens - your kids will have a blast!
The Hunter Farm
13624 Providence Road | Weddington, NC
Visit with goats, pigs, cows and horses - The Hunter Farm has a full menagerie!
Hall Family Farm
445 W Rebound Rd | Lancaster, SC
Check out the new piggies, goats, chickens and roosters at one of our favorite local farms.
A Zoo 2 You
5727 South Rocky River Rd | Monroe, NC
If you've dreamed it, they have it - from Llamas to Emus (do you know the difference?), giraffes, turtles, donkeys, horses and rare birds - this local petting zoo will also come to you!
Two By Two ~ Why Not an American Ark
3224 Medlin Road | Monroe, NC
Ride horses or visit the petting zoo, Why not An American Ark is a treasure trove of amazing animals in Monroe.
Anne Springs Close Greenway
2573 Lake Haigler Drive | Fort Mill, SC
Explore the greenway and make sure to stop at the stables. You'll meet Billy - this sweet calf! Or you can go for a horseback ride. It's such a beauty and we're lucky its so close.
Historic Brattonsville
1444 Brattonsville Road | McConnells, SC
Historic Brattonsville is home to an award-winning Heritage Farm Program. Demonstrations of historical farming techniques and day-to-day activities are presented by costumed interpreters throughout the year on the Bratton Plantation. The farm maintains representative numbers of livestock to interpret the important role they played in the life ways of historic peoples in the region. The farm currently keeps a flock of sheep, small numbers of poultry, cattle ang pigs.
 Leung Cho Pan via Canva |
Worth the drive from Union County
If you're up for a little road trip, here are additional spots worth the drive from Union County to see animals:
The North Carolina Zoo
4401 Zoo Parkway | Asheboro, NC
Sprawling through Asheboro, this zoo has so many great animals - it's almost impossible to list them all. It's really large and has lots of shade, which is helpful on hot summer days.
Riverbanks Zoo
500 Wildlife Parkway | Columbia, SC
This zoo is one of our favorites. It's easily walkable and has all the favorites PLUS a splash pad for those super hot days. Bring a suit and a towel. I'd also bring a stroller for littles!
Lazy 5 Ranch
15100 Mooresville Road | Mooresville, NC
Get up close and personal with long-horns, giraffes and gazelles. Literally - you'll be driving among the animals - either in your car or on an open wagon! You can buy buckets of feed and feed them as you go. Plan to get a carwash if you take your own car!
Carolina Raptor Center
6000 Sample Road | Huntersville,NC
This habitat for rehabilitated birds is really incredible. Check out some of the most incredible flying friends - including rare birds and those that are indigenous to the Carolinas!
SeaLife
8111 Concord Mills Blvd | Concord, NC
This little for-profit aquarium is a favorite in our house. Lots of gorgeous fish and a fun "underwater" tunnel to explore.
Discovery Place Nature
1658 Sterling | Charlotte, NC
Like snakes? Reptiles? You'll be in heaven here!
Discovery Place Science
301 N. Tryon | Charlotte, NC
Check out the aquarium on the first floor. There are starfish you can touch and other sea creatures in tanks! This is one of my kids' favorites!
The MacTabby Cafe
3204 N Davidson St | Charlotte, NC
Sprawling through Asheboro, this zoo has so many great animals - it's almost impossible to list them all. It's really large and has lots of shade, which is helpful on hot summer days.
 John Natoli via Canva |
