Sylvan Heights Bird Park — Attraction in Whitakers

Our family of four (kids 6 & 9) had an unforgettable day at Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck, NC. Tucked away in the countryside, this 18-acre park is beautifully designed with continentally themed aviaries, wetlands, and gardens showcasing over 2,500 birds from around the world — from vibrant parrots and toucans to elegant cranes, owls, and flamingos.

The biggest highlight was the Landing Zone, an interactive aviary where for just $2 you can feed colorful budgies. Within seconds, they were perched on our hands, shoulders, and even the kids’ heads — pure laughter and joy!

As adults, we were equally captivated — the crowned pigeon’s size and beauty amazed us, and a curious blue jay gave us a few laughs and wanted me to pet it.

The park is perfect for families: a mostly shaded mile-long walking path. Kids enjoyed the fossil mining park as well.

We spent about three hours here, moving at a relaxed pace. Snacks are available at the Duck Landing Café, but we recommend packing a picnic since dining options nearby are limited.

It’s about a 30-minute drive from I-95, but the peaceful countryside makes the trip enjoyable, and the admission ($14 adults, $10 kids) is well worth it for the hands-on fun, educational value, and serene setting.

If you’re anywhere near North Carolina — or just passing through — put Sylvan Heights Bird Park on your list. It’s a rare blend of learning, adventure, and nature that leaves you smiling long after you leave. We’re already planning...

Excellent Visit- We spent our 28th anniversary here today and it was lovely.

As we proceeded through the exhibits, I really enjoyed the scenery of the well-kept aviaries throughout this park. Employees are all educated and helpful.

The parakeets in the Landing were very active, but if they don’t come to you right away, don’t be afraid to scoop one up to encourage it to interact and/or eat the millet stick, per my husband & not me because I am afraid of birds swooping like that haha (Buy the seed sticks at ticket counter before going into park)

My favorites: The kookaburra laughed for me and the cassowary ran back and forth like a Dino raptor and it was the highlight of my day!

We both have mobility issues, so I wanted to provide the following info: This park is laid out in a loop with many inclines, rocky pathways, & root growth under pavement making for treacherous rolling. Using a wheelchair with small front wheels proved challenging to say the least. (large wheels are recommended) That being said, I CAN walk a bit and had to to maneuver the wheelchair through some of the trails.

Also, there are many benches and picnic areas to rest along the trails, but we still had carried a fold up stool for my husband but he only had to use it once.

There is a golf cart rental= 5 people for $100 I think. So that will be what we do next time likely, because this park is worth...

So we stopped by this little GEM of a place on our way up the coastline. It is an amazing place! The amount of birds in this one location... all the different species and colors of the birds, ducks, flamingos, eagles, emu, peacock, turtles even a few fish, were just so amazing, beautiful!!! I have been to many zoos but never a bird park, can not wait to go back! Bring a lunch and enjoy every square inch of the place! Awesome that you could walk into the birds homes through a gate system to be in side with them! The staff there on Friday April 28th we're amazing, so kind... With great information about the park (she made sure to offer us food for the birds, so fun) an area! Spend a few hours if your in the area, the prices are VERY REASONABLE....and so worth every dime! It was just my husband and I and we actual stayed the night through harvest host. It was our first time trying this, that too was amazing!! The sound of the birds and especially the whippoor-will bird brought back so many memories of when I was a kid with my grandparents on the Potomac River, back when you used to sleep in a screen porch or with your house windows open. Lol I'm just 58... Not that long ago.. Highly recommend Sylvan Heights Bird Park for ALL ages!!...