If you’re planning a visit to the North Carolina Zoo, prepare to walk…a lot.
Quick Answer
Short on time? Here’s the quick answer.
Do not, I mean do not wear uncomfortable footwear! Tevas save my feet in the summer and on cooler months when we visit I wear my Brooks with insoles. And don’t forget to pack a hat!
Before We Dive In…
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent more time worrying about sore feet, uncomfortable gear, or whether you’re packed well enough than actually enjoying time outside with your kids.
I’ve learned through plenty of North Carolina trails, splash pads, playgrounds, and family adventures that the right gear doesn’t have to be expensive—it just has to work.
Why You Can Trust My Recommendations
Hi! I’m Sara, a North Carolina mom of three boys who spends weekends exploring trails, parks, splash pads, and outdoor adventures with my family.
After dealing with postpartum foot pain myself, I became determined to find outdoor gear that actually keeps moms comfortable while chasing kids.
Everything I recommend is something I’ve personally used, thoroughly researched, or would confidently recommend to my own friends and family.
Visiting the Zoo
Several years, our family will get the annual membership to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, and it’s one of our favorite day trips in North Carolina. My boys never seem to get tired of watching the polar bear swim, looking at the giraffes, or racing to the gorilla exhibit.
But if you’ve never visited before, there’s one thing every mom should know before packing the snacks and loading the stroller:
You’re going to walk miles.
In fact, the North Carolina Zoo is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, and that means the animals have huge, natural habitats that spread across hundreds of acres. It’s incredible for the animals—and amazing for visitors—but it also means your feet are definitely going to get a workout.
By the end of most visits, my watch shows somewhere around 15,000 steps, even when we use the trams between sections. If you explore most of the zoo’s walking paths, you’ll cover close to five miles during the day.
Why Comfortable Shoes Matter More Than You Think
A few years ago, I wouldn’t have been excited about all those steps.
After having my third son, I developed plantar fasciitis and ongoing foot pain that lingered far longer than I expected. Family outings that should have been fun often ended with aching feet before lunchtime.
I remember standing in front of the giraffes, trying to enjoy watching my boys, while quietly wishing I could sit down because every step hurt.
If you’ve dealt with postpartum foot pain, plantar fasciitis, or simply don’t have supportive shoes, a full day at the zoo can quickly become uncomfortable.
That’s one of the reasons I started paying much more attention to the shoes I wear for outdoor adventures.
My Top Picks
Best Shoes
Comfortable shoes for walking the zoo, they go with everything, last years and can go from wet to dry easily.
Why I love these: I can wear them all day, walking miles at the zoo, and my feet feel fine at the end of the day. The best sandals for zoo walking.
Best Hat
This hat is not only ADORABLE but has great sun protection for your shoulders and neck.
Why I recommend it: Thinking about what to wear to the North Carolina Zoo I used to not even think about a hat, and while there are lots of shady areas, I’m so grateful to not have to squint when I’m standing in a sunny spot seeing animals. The gorilla and monkey areas are not very shaded and my kids tend to linger by those animals.
Best Shopping Source
A few years ago I discovered ThredUp – the EASIEST way to consign clothes online. Literally stuff a bag or box of stuff you aren’t wearing anymore and send. They sort, price, and sell. You then have a credit to use toward clothes you need. Or you can simply shop their site. I’ve found some of my favorite outdoor wardrobe staples this way, including athletic tops, lightweight layers, and even supportive walking sandals. If you’re planning a day at the North Carolina Zoo, it’s a great place to look for comfortable clothing and trusted brands like Teva, Brooks, Columbia, Patagonia, and Athleta—often at a fraction of retail prices.
What I Wear to the Zoo
After many visits, I’ve settled into a simple routine, one that prioritizes comfortable shoes for walking the zoo.
Cooler Months
When temperatures are cooler, I wear my Brooks running shoes paired with my Super Feet inserts. The extra support makes a huge difference when we’re covering several miles on an outdoor adventure.
Summer Visits
During North Carolina’s hot summers, I almost always reach for my Teva sandals.
They’re supportive enough for long walks while still keeping my feet cool in the heat. Since many zoo paths alternate between sunny stretches and shaded forests, breathable footwear makes the day much more comfortable.
These have become my go-to sandals for most of our outdoor adventures and the zoo is no different. The zoo has a few water areas and misting stations and they dry easily so that is key!
Don’t Forget Sun Protection
One thing I appreciate about the North Carolina Zoo is the mix of shady wooded trails and open sunny areas.
Even though you’ll find plenty of shade, there are long stretches where the North Carolina sun can be intense—especially during summer.
I usually wear:
- A lightweight tank top
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- My favorite wide-brim Eppie Hat
The wide brim helps shade my face, neck, and shoulders while still feeling comfortable enough to wear all day.
If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you already know this hat comes with me on almost every outdoor adventure.
Helpful Planning Resources
If this is your first visit, I highly recommend checking out the excellent planning guide from NC Tripping. They have great tips about the North Carolina Zoo for families. It covers everything from parking and tram routes to what food is offered and what animals live in which section. From their guide they state that the NC Zoo has: “1,800 animals and 200-plus species”!
Final Thoughts
The North Carolina Zoo is one of my favorite places to spend a day with my kids. We have explored it in different seasons and watched our boys grow from stroller rides to walking the entire zoo themselves.
Yes, you’ll probably hit 15,000 steps before you head home.
But when you’re wearing supportive shoes, staying cool, and protecting yourself from the sun, those miles become part of the adventure instead of something you’re dreading.
If you’re planning a visit to the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, pack comfortable footwear, grab a wide-brim hat, and enjoy one of North Carolina’s best family attractions. Your feet will thank you by the end of the day.
Before You Head Outside…
💜 I hope this guide helps make your next adventure just a little easier.
Whether you’re heading to a neighborhood park, the North Carolina zoo, or your favorite splash pad, I hope you spend less time worrying about gear and more time making memories.
See you outside!
— Sara
Affiliate Disclosure
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe are worth your money and that I’d recommend to my own friends and family.
