Petting zoos with barnyard favorites such as sheep and rabbits are fun, but what if you could get up close and personal with emus, ostriches and wallabies? Parkton Animal Oasis offers a chance to meet these critters and more at their Summer Fest.
On Saturday, Aug. 1, families can enjoy a day full of outdoor action featuring yard games and exotic animal experiences. The Summer Fest will run from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1585 Armory Road in Parkton. No need to fill up on food beforehand; food trucks will abound to present a range of tasty options, including Muddled and Fresh Beverage Co., Pazzo’s Italian Cuisine, Queen’s Seafood and The Chill Zone Ice Cream and Coffee.
Admission is $10 for each person, with free admittance for kids 2 and under. Families with a valid military ID receive a $2 discount on each ticket. For an additional $5, children get unlimited access to a dual water slide. Buy your tickets at the gate or secure them ahead of time at https://www.parkton-animal-oasis.com/event-details/summer-fest-2026.
The petting zoo is the crown jewel of this summer festival. Some of the animals that kids and parents will be able to see include a fun-loving baby camel named Dune, a sociable capybara named Dexter and adorable fennec foxes who are full of energy. Specially approved animal feed is available in the gift shop for $2 per bag.
For a truly unique time, families can add on another $10 per person for access to the park’s exclusive petting zoo featuring a baby ring-tailed lemur and baby spider monkey. This meet-and-greet allows visitors to take pictures with both animals for an unforgettable memory.
Not quite wild enough for you? Guests can visit the gift shop for an opportunity to hold the park’s therapy python, Zara. She’s a small, fully trained ball python and has previously participated in hundreds of educational encounters with kids.
Games like cornhole, inflatable axe-throwing, XL four-in-a-row and XL tic-tac-toe will be available for kids and families to play. Stop by the vendor stalls throughout the park to buy souvenirs for the ride back home; the Summer Fest offers a diverse variety of artisans, specialty food vendors and crafters selling unique items. Some vendors include Critters N Crystals LLC, Crafty Oma and Grandma Ada’s Sweets Bakery.
Don’t forget to take your child by the free face-painting booth and watch them transform into a fierce, grinning tiger or colorful butterfly.
A free watermelon eating contest will also be held for those who want to test their speed and endurance and try for the chance to come out on top.
The wildlife center enforces several protective measures for everyone’s safety and peace of mind during events and animal encounters. Guests will not enter the enclosures during the Summer Fest; there are designated interaction and viewing areas within the park. Staff members supervise each enclosure to ensure safe interactions. The park itself operates under North Carolina wildlife permits and is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture, undergoing regular inspections to ensure the facilities satisfy federal standards.
As for the animals, they live comfortably in USDA-compliant enclosures or climate-controlled environments as needed for their physiologies, and they receive regular veterinary care, including preventive care and examinations.
For any questions about the Summer Fest or the park’s operations, contact Parkton Animal Oasis at ParktonAnimalOasis@gmail.com or 910-635-6621.

(Visitors to Parkton Animal Oasis can pet a capybara, among other creatures. Photo courtesy of Parkton Animal Oasis)