The Triangle area is a great place to live for many reasons. One of them being its location. It’s centrally located in North Carolina making it easy to get to the beach and the mountains. There are some really cool places to visit. Places that are educational and exciting all at the same time. Many of them can be turned into a fun day trip. So you don’t have to worry about packing up luggage and staying overnight anywhere. Instead, fill up the gas tank, pack up some snacks maybe even lunch and hit the road.
The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is the perfect getaway for the day. Everyone loves the zoo! From the very young to the young at heart. It is located just 75 miles west of Raleigh. That’s roughly an hour and a half to get there, give or take. That’s not a bad drive at all. The drive is also nice and quiet once you get on the other side of Cary heading in that direction. There is food there at the zoo, but another option is to pack lunches. Picnic tables are located just outside the entrance/ticket booths so there you can enjoy lunch and then head back in for the rest of your time at the zoo. Be sure to get your hand stamp so you can re-enter after your picnic lunch. If not, definitely keep hold of your admission receipt. There are two parts of the zoo – North America and Africa. Both offer a host of attractions and all kinds of animals – giraffes, lions, lemurs, elephants, rhinos, wolves, bears and many more! This is sure to be a trip to remember for everyone who goes.
Heading in the opposite direction to eastern North Carolina is Sylvan Heights Bird Park located in Scotland Neck. That is also only about an hour and a half away from Raleigh. Of course it could be a little shorter or a little longer depending on the day and traffic. Either way, it’s a great spot for a new adventure as you embark on a day trip. At Sylvan Heights Bird Park individuals can explore a wide range of birds from all around the world. In fact, there are over 2,000 to see. The facility is rather large, 18 acres, and is open Tuesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays. Be sure to mark this on the calendar so you don’t miss out on all its magnificent birds and surrounding natural beauty.
Greensboro Science Center is 76 miles west of Raleigh and there is so much to do and see! There is an aquarium, museum, and zoo all in one place. General admission includes access to all three. There are shows playing throughout the week and weekend in the OmniSphere Theater and also live Adventure Theater Shows weekends. You’ll have a chance to interact with some of the animals if you choose to take part in penguin feedings, shark and fish feeding, and feeding the animals in the Friendly Farm. Visit and experience everything the Greensboro Science Center has to offer.