Looking for an original family-friendly adventure near Salisbury? Lazy 5 Ranch offers an unforgettable safari-style experience where visitors can drive through rolling Piedmont pasturelands and encounter more than 750 animals from six continents. From giraffes and zebras to kangaroos, camels, and exotic birds, the ranch combines hands-on animal encounters, conservation, and education for a one-of-a-kind adventure perfect for family trips, weekend getaways, and group outings.
What is Lazy 5 Ranch?
Lazy 5 Ranch is a privately owned exotic animal safari park partially located within Rowan County. Since opening in 1993, the ranch has become one of the area’s most popular family attractions, offering visitors a rare opportunity to get remarkably close to animals from around the world through its drive-thru safari and wagon ride experiences.
The ranch features a 3.5-mile safari route that winds through open pastureland where animals roam freely.
Visitors can either:
- Drive their own vehicle through the safari
- Ride on a guided wagon tour for a more immersive experience
Unlike a traditional zoo, Lazy 5 Ranch focuses on creating a more natural environment for its animals while allowing visitors to experience wildlife up close in an entertaining and educational setting.
What Animals Can You See at Lazy 5 Ranch?
One of the biggest highlights of visiting Lazy 5 Ranch is the incredible variety of animals throughout the safari.
Popular animals include:
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Kangaroos
- Camels
- Bison
- Antelope
- Watusi cattle
- Exotic birds
- Llamas
- Deer and elk
- Sheep and goats
- Potbellied pigs
- Ostriches and other ratites
Animal lovers will especially appreciate the ranch’s conservation efforts involving endangered species, including:
- Grevy’s Zebra
- Scimitar-Horned Oryx
- Ring-Tailed Lemur
The ranch works to educate visitors about wildlife preservation while helping support breeding and recovery efforts for rare species.
Drive-Thru Safari vs. Wagon Ride: Which Experience is Best?
Visitors to Lazy 5 Ranch can choose between two safari experiences.
Drive-Thru Safari
The drive-thru safari allows guests to take their own vehicle along the 3.5-mile route at their own pace.
Why visitors love it:
- Flexible experience for families
- Great for younger children
- Animals often approach vehicles for feeding
- You control your own pace
Feed buckets are available for purchase, and many animals will come directly to your windows for an unforgettable up-close interaction.
Drive-Thru Pricing
- Adults: $15
- Children (2–11): $11
- Seniors (60+): $11
- Feed buckets: $3
Wagon Ride Experience
The wagon ride offers a guided safari tour through the ranch.
Why visitors love it:
- More interactive and immersive
- Hands-free experience
- Great for first-time visitors
- Educational commentary throughout the ride
Wagon Ride Pricing
- Adults: $21
- Children (2–11): $15
- Seniors (60+): $15
Reservations are required Monday through Friday by calling the ranch directly. Weekend wagon rides are first come, first served.
Lazy 5 Ranch Hours & Important Visitor Information
Before visiting Lazy 5 Ranch, there are a few important details to know.
Hours of Operation
- Monday–Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon – 5 p.m.
Visitors should plan to arrive at least one hour before closing to fully enjoy the safari experience.
Payment Information
Lazy 5 Ranch accepts:
- Cash
- North Carolina checks
*Debit and credit cards are not accepted, so plan ahead before arriving.
Location
15100 Mooresville Rd.
Mooresville, NC 28115
Phone Number
704-663-5100
The ranch is generally open year-round, weather permitting, including winter months.
Seasonal Events at Lazy 5 Ranch
In addition to daily safari tours, Lazy 5 Ranch hosts several popular seasonal events throughout the year.
Easter Eggstravaganza
The ranch’s annual Easter celebration features family-friendly activities and even a helicopter egg drop, making it one of the area’s most unique spring events.
Fall Festival
During the fall season, visitors can enjoy:
- Pumpkin picking
- Pumpkin slingshots
- Corn boxes
- Straw play areas
- Seasonal family activities
These events are especially popular during weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
The History Behind Lazy 5 Ranch
Lazy 5 Ranch officially opened on May 22, 1993, after years of planning by founder Henry Hampton.
Before opening to the public, Hampton often welcomed school groups and curious visitors who wanted to catch glimpses of his growing exotic animal collection. Over time, that passion evolved into a full safari-style attraction designed to educate and entertain visitors of all ages.
The name “Lazy 5 Ranch” came from the Hampton family itself. At the time, the family jokingly referred to themselves as five “lazy” people - and the name stuck.
Today, the ranch remains family-owned and operated and continues its mission of animal education, conservation, and hands-on experiences.
Why Families Love Visiting Lazy 5 Ranch
Families across North Carolina continue returning to Lazy 5 Ranch because it offers a blend of:
- Outdoor adventure
- Educational experiences
- Animal encounters
- Family-friendly activities
- Unique photo opportunities
The ability to feed animals directly from your vehicle creates a memorable experience that children and adults rarely forget.
Because the ranch combines entertainment with conservation and education, it’s also a favorite destination for:
- School field trips
- Homeschool groups
- Birthday parties
- Group outings
- Weekend family trips
Tips for Visiting Lazy 5 Ranch
To make the most of your trip, keep these tips in mind:
- Bring cash or a North Carolina check for admission and feed buckets
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and during seasonal events
- Keep vehicle windows partially open when feeding animals
- Follow all safari safety rules provided by the ranch
- Dress comfortably for outdoor weather conditions
- Bring a camera - there are countless photo opportunities