The Western North Carolina (WNC) Nature Center is located near many of our Asheville vacation rentals. It is rated as one of the best things to do in Asheville for good reason! This 42-acre AZA-accredited zoo and nature center offers a range of family-friendly attractions and is one of the most popular things to do for all ages.
If you love animals and are bringing your family or a group, it’s the perfect day trip, and the prices are reasonable for groups of all sizes.
About The WNC Nature Center
The WNC Nature Center is one of the top kid-friendly activities in Asheville, NC, and it is open 361 days a year, seven days a week. So no matter when you’re in town, you will have the opportunity to spend some time at the center. Tens of thousands of visitors attend the zoo each year, and group and school field trips are common.
As of November 2022, prices for adult and youth visitors (ages 13-15) are $13.95, seniors are $12.95, and children are $9.95, with those two and younger having no admission charges. Groups over ten and residents of the City of Asheville are eligible for discounts.
Memberships give you free admission to the WNC Nature Center as well as discounted admissions to over 450+ nationally participating centers. The membership can be a great idea if you plan on visiting multiple times during the year and there are individual, double, or family and family plus two memberships, all within reasonable prices. Information on WNC Nature Center membership is available on the website, or you can visit the zoo to purchase the membership directly.
An adult must accompany guests under the age of 16, and reentry is allowed throughout the day if you want to take a break and visit a local restaurant or other attraction outside of the zoo. They also encourage online ticketing so you can easily get the tickets you need and skip the lines.
Animal Exhibits at the WNC Nature Center
With an impressive, diverse range of habitats and animal exhibits, you’ll get to see over 60 different species of wildlife, along with a fantastic education about each species. The collection showcases many local species, including endangered animals in conservation programs and rehabilitated animals that had been injured and cannot return to the wild.
Some of the fascinating animal exhibits include mammals like American red wolves, American river otters, American black bears, white-tailed deer, a bobcat, a cougar, skunks, foxes, and the more recently aquired red pandas, as well as reptiles and amphibians such as various snakes, turtles, lizards, a hellbender, frogs, and salamanders. The indoor reptile habitats are located in the same building as fish, insects, and arachnids. Outside, there is also an impressive collection of birds, including hawks, owls, and vultures. A fun barnyard area near the entrance houses donkeys, goats, sheep, and chickens.
You can get the latest list of animals on the WNC Nature Center website, along with other information about each of the species they currently exhibit. They even provide details on the story behind each animal, including the animal’s name, why the animal remains a resident (often because it is injured or endangered), and the types of behaviors you can expect from the animal when you visit the zoo.
It’s a great primer ahead of your visit! The staff at the WNC Nature Center also provides helpful information and background stories for the animal residents if you prefer to get the details in person.
Plan Your Visit
If you love animals, WNC is the perfect place for you to visit! Contact the team at Pete Key to find the perfect rental for your mountain getaway!
Activities
The WNC Nature Center is perfect for families as there are numerous activities available for younger kids, including natural play areas and exhibits offering kid-friendly explanations. Guides at the zoo can provide education about the local wildlife and the different species, their role in the local ecosystem, and how they are working to preserve and restore endangered or exotic species at the zoo.
Daily free animal programs are hosted by the Nature Center employees, including educational events or feedings. The WNC Nature Center lists upcoming events on its website for your convenience and to plan your trip. The Nature Play Areas at the center are designed for kids with safe outdoor exploration areas and equipment like a xylophone, wooden drums, balance beams, water painting areas, fort construction areas, and more.
Scavenger hunts and activity sheets are also available for families to download and print before they visit; they provide activity ideas for fun learning games and scavenger hunts that children can complete with their parents’ help.
Other events include an annual Halloween costume contest, educational events for groups, and families, visiting schools, a summer camp, teen programs, outreach education, otter feedings, donkey walks, and more. The center visits local schools and organizations and brings the animals there for education and engagement about their mission to preserve wildlife and protect the environment.
Of course, the main activity is visiting each exhibit, taking photos (without flash), and learning about the local wildlife in Asheville and why it’s critical to protect them and support conservation. The Nature Center does important work in providing education to all ages about the native wildlife in the Southern Appalachians.
Summer camps offer the opportunity for children to explore the local habitats and learn about wildlife. Whether you plan to visit just once or multiple times, you’re sure to find plentiful things to do in Asheville at the WNC Nature Center.
Hours & Parking
The WNC Nature Center is open for admissions from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm, and the park officially closes at 4:30 pm. As mentioned, it is open 361 days a year, so you’ll likely get the chance to explore it among other attractions in Asheville during your trip. The park is closed only on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Thanksgiving.
Getting to the zoo early in the day is recommended as parking can become difficult to find as the day progresses, especially on weekends. The zoo is open only for a few hours in the afternoon, so the morning can be the perfect time to arrive and enjoy most of the day.
Where To Stay
Our Asheville vacation rentals are the ideal place to stay while you explore the WNC Nature Center and all the other amazing Asheville attractions. If you’re toting the kids along, this is a must-visit destination because of how tailored it is for children. Still, adults will also enjoy the engaging exhibits, education on the local flora and fauna, and the attention to detail and care that the staff at the zoo provides. Check out our available vacation rentals in Asheville near the WNC Nature Center, or reach out today for more information on other fun things to do for your group. No matter how long your trip to Asheville is, there’s something fun to do for every age, from the Biltmore to local brewing companies, the North Carolina Arboretum, and of course, the WNC Nature Center!
