The centerpiece of attractions in Asheboro is the North Carolina Zoo, which with its five miles of pathway, is America’s largest public zoo. The grounds recreate habitats from an African grassland to an Arctic coast along 500 walkable acres. The facility’s kidZone play area, set to reopen in 2012, will include rope bridges and splashing streams. Zoo Snooze invites children ages seven to 12 for an overnight outing. Kids can choose from programs like Creatures of the Night, where they can spy on the nocturnal habits of bats and owls; or Safari Snooze, which gives them an up-close meeting with giraffes.
Asheboro Racquet & Swim Club offers summer camps for kids as young as four with its Pee Wee Tennis program. Beginner through advanced-intermediate tennis camps are available to members and non-members, including children up to age 14. The club’s swimming facilities include a water slide and a kiddy pool. The club can also host birthday pool parties. Asheboro also caters to horse-loving children with public stables and riding schools in the city and within a 30-minute drive. Autumn Sun Farm, located at 374 Abby Lane in Asheboro offers pony parties, young rider programs, jumping instruction and Western games.
About 45 miles from Asheboro, Kidzu Children’s Museum in Chapel Hill is a nonprofit hands-on learning center geared to children eight years old and younger. In 2011, Kidzu closed its doors temporarily while constructing an expanded facility in University Square -- during the transition its facilities are headquartered on Rosemary Street. The museum’s exhibits have included the Green Thumb Market, where kids follow the path of food from the farm to the table. There's also Build-a-Dream Construction Zone, where hard hats and oversized blocks encourage young builders to create their own structures and communities.
Children with a need for speed can enjoy a visit to the Caraway Speedway, which is a NASCAR-sanctioned track whose 2011 season runs from April through November. Along with a full card of races, Caraway hosts an on-track autograph session, where families can meet their favorite drivers. As of 2011, tickets for children age 7 to 14 cost $5; children six and under get in for free. Also in Asheboro, the North Carolina Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame beckons kids with full-size restored military aircraft, along with ham radio demonstrations, weapons and other artifacts.
