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The Family Vacation Guide

12 of the Best Drive Thru Zoos & Safaris in the US

posted by Charmaine Cortes on December 23, 2022 // last updated on June 12, 2023

To get a one-of-a-lifetime safari experience, you do not have to travel long distances or go overseas. There are plenty of drive-thru zoos in the US that enable you to encounter exotic species from the safety and comfort of your own car.

If you are an adventurer looking forward to experiencing wildlife, here are our recommendations for the best drive-thru zoos, safaris, and wildlife preserves to have an exciting road trip. 

African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton, Ohio

Wildlife safari in oregon, bearizona wildlife park in arizona, phoenix zoo in phoenix, pine mountain wild animal safari park in georgia, custer state park resort in south dakota, lion country safari in loxahatchee, florida, lee richardson zoo in garden city, kansas, natural bridge wildlife ranch in san antonio, texas, southwick’s zoo in madison, massachusetts, arbuckle wilderness park in davis, oklahoma, safari lake geneva in lake geneva, wisconsin.

From alpacas, emus, llamas, zebras, and giraffes to fallow deer, white bison, and a variety of wild birds, visiting the African Safari Wildlife Park can be an unforgettable experience. This drive-thru safari is home to a lot of unique species and puts animal safety and health as its top priority. 

Here, you will also come across many species of wildflowers and plants. The safari offers various activities, including a walk-thru safari in spring, giraffe encounters, a safari cafe, and gem mining. It provides an adventurous experience and enables visitors to get up close and personal with hundreds of animals from around the world. 

Website: www.africansafariwildlifepark.com

Cost: Ticket prices range from $14.95 to $29.95; free for children of 2 and under

Note: While the African Safari Wildlife is open the whole year around, there are certain animals you can only view during the warm months, which is something to consider when going. 

In the Wildlife Safari in Oregon, you can come across a variety of species, including Tibetan Yanks, camels, African elephants, hippopotamuses, and American alligators. The accredited safari has one of the most successful cheetah breeding programs in the US, which you can support with donations.

Hop on the safari tour vehicle and meet and feed one of the most adorable animals, like red pandas or get closer to the king of the jungle and head to the elephant barn to meet with these animals and take a photo. The Wildlife Safari in Oregon offers a lot of activities and safari events. 

The Safari includes bused or open-air adventures through the park’s drive-thru, which is very exciting, but you can also sign up for activities such as hippo encounters, tiger feed, walking with cheetahs, and more. 

Website: www.wildlifesafari.net

Cost: Drive-thru safari tickets range from $17.95 to $23.95 

Note: This is an excellent 60-90 minutes experience for families. The tour features diverse wildlife from the US, Africa, and Asia. 

The Bearizona Wildlife Park provides a natural, spacious environment. The visitors drive through the largest ponderosa pine forest and view various animals in their natural habitats from their own private vehicles. 

Jump on the Wild Ride bus with their tour guides and get familiar with each animal that you encounter along this 3-mile safari. During your drive, you can also get off the bus for a unique backstage experience and view the wolf training sessions.

On this journey, you can witness a broad range of animals, such as black bears, Alaskan tundra wolves, reindeer, arctic wolves, mule deer, and so much more. The mission of the zoo is to promote the preservation through educational encounters of North American wildlife. 

Website: www.bearizona.com

Cost: Ticket prices range from $20 to $50; free for children of 3 and under

Note: Aside from the exciting drive-thru, you can also scroll through the park, enjoy unique animal encounters and dine in their themed restaurant. 

The Phoenix Zoo cares for more than 3,000 animals, including endangered species. Their guided drive-thru tours cover a wide range of animals, which makes it a thrilling experience. There are also plenty of fun daily activities happening in the zoo, including camel rides, giraffe encounters, and others. 

During the tour, you will drive past the main areas of the zoo, including the Africa Trail, where there are rhinos and zebras, and the Tropics Trail, where you will witness elephants and tigers roaming around. 

The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation also features discovery tours, backstage and premium adventures, as well as custom guided tours. Among the animals you can come across at this zoo are Asian elephants, coyotes, Mexican grey wolves, white-faced Saki monkeys, cheetahs, flamingos, and more. 

Website: www.phoenixzoo.org

Cost: $65 per vehicle 

Note: The number of vehicles per day is limited, so make sure to get tickets on time. 

Among the best drive-thru zoos in the US is the Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari Park in Georgia. The safari park allows visitors to encounter more than 120 species of animals, including lizards, wolves, ostriches, parrots, lemurs, and many others.

You will travel down a 2.5-mile trail and view a wide variety of animals along the way. To experience the excitement of the safari, you can use your own vehicle, rent one or get into a bus for a guide. 

Aside from seeing the wild animals, this drive-thru zoo enables horse riding adventures and exclusive animal encounters that allow you to interact with some of them. This is an animal-friendly park for visitors of all ages, where you will have a chance to meet some of the zoo’s friendliest animals. 

Website: www.animalsafari.com/georgia-park-home-about-us/

Cost: Adult (ages 13-64) – $29.00; junior (ages 3-12) – $24.00; senior (age 65+) – $24.00

Note: You can feed the animals with only park-purchased food. 

Go through the park in an open-air jeep or your own vehicle to look for prairie dogs, buffalos, elks, and pronghorns. The guided tour takes around two hours and features guides that share historical and educational stories about the wildlife and the park. The tours depart from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. every day and offer breathtaking views of nature. 

Website: www.custerresorts.com

Cost: Adults – $68; Children (under 12) – $58

Note: You need to make a reservation to get a drive-thru experience.

Despite the name, the Lion Country Safari is home to more than 1,000 animals. During the 4-mile-long drive-through, you can view animals from six different countries, such as lions, zebras, giraffes, white rhinos, chimpanzees, and more.

All of the animals roam in naturalistic habitats. The Lion Country Safari was the very first drive-thru safari park in the United States, as it was established in 1967. After you finish the drive-thru, you can also enjoy activities like boat rides, carnival rides, and water attractions.

Website: www.lioncountrysafari.com

Cost: $34-$45

Note: The safari preserve is divided into seven natural habitats you can visit. 

The Lee Richardson Zoo offers visitors a drive-thru of the park to view wild animals. The zoo is home to over 300 hundred native and exotic animals, including lions, alpacas, Amur leopards, camels, bison, bobcats, elk, giraffes, jaguars, sloth bears, and much more. Each animal is an ambassador of its counterparts, promoting the conservation of wild animals. 

Website: www.leerichardsonzoo.org

Cost: $10 per vehicle, pedestrian entry for free

Note: The Lee Richardson Zoo is open the whole year around 

Start your adventure with the 450-acre safari drive-thru in San Antonio, Texas. Here visitors can interact with animals and look at picturesque views that resemble safari in Africa. You can view over 40 species of animals from the comfort of your own vehicle and roam around the trees and the hills within the ranch.

The safari covers 6 miles and provides 1-2 hours of an incredible experience. You can also get a guided tour from animal specialists and feed the animals. During the guided tours, the visitors can learn more about the animals and come across ostriches, giraffes, zebras, buffalos, and other animal species.

Website: www.wildliferanchtexas.com

Cost: Adults (12-64 years) – $28.99;  children (3-11 years) – $19.99;  seniors (65+years) – $25.99

Note: Check your map before the visit, as there are different routes to take.

Among the best drive-thru zoos in the US is Southwick’s Zoo which enables visitors to go on a self-driven tour of the 200-acre park. On such a 45-minute tour, you will come across various wild animals and download an audio tour as well. 

After the journey, the visitors can also order takeaway from the restaurant, go on rides and visit attractions, or book a giraffe, rhino, or sloth animal encounter. 

Website: www.southwickszoo.com

Cost: $60/car

Note: The guests should arrive 30 minutes before the selected tour time.

Go on a safari-like experience as you drive through 200 acres in the beautiful Arbuckle Mountains and come across hundreds of exotic animals roaming free. This park is also a home for reptiles and is filled with diverse creatures from over five continents.

Llamas, giraffes, donkeys, camels, deers, yaks, zebras, and more; you can enjoy feeding animals from the comfort of your own vehicle. The Arbuckle Wilderness Park provides an exciting adventure for guests of all ages. 

Website: www.arbucklewildernesspark.com

Cost: Adults – $16.99; kids (4-11) – $14.99; senior citizens – $14.99

Note: The drive-thru safari is open every day. 

The wildlife preserve known as Safari Lake Geneva is home to animals from all around the world. You can drive through this safari park as many times as you want and view the variety of animals that are free to roam. 

Moreover, you can also purchase a bowl of grain and feed the animals as you come close to them. Here you can drive your own vehicle or rent a Zebra van if desired. You can opt for a solo trip or bring your whole family for a unique safari adventure. 

Website: www.safarilakegeneva.com

Cost: Adult (ages 16+) – $21.95; children (ages 3-15) – $14.95; infants (ages 2 and under) – free

Note: The giraffes may not be visible during unpleasant weather.

If you are on a hunt for drive-thru zoos and safaris for an unforgettable experience, you can choose the one that appeals to you the most from our list. The zoos are home to a wide number of animals which we often see on TV, and they also offer many activities for their visitors, including special animal encounters. 

More about our TFVG Author

Charmaine Cortes

Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure: An Interactive Zoo Experience You Won’t Want To Miss

If you ever thought of going on a safari, here’s your chance— in NJ. The wildly popular Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure in Jackson opens the weekend of April 1 and is teeming with over 1,200 exotic animals from six continents ready to greet you and the whole family. Drive your car down a winding path where African elephants, reticulated giraffes, and red rhinos pass by your window (and maybe even stop traffic) in areas that mimic their natural habitats. Ready to go? Scroll down for all the details for going on a wild adventure at Six Flags Wild Safari—no passport needed. ( Feature Photo Credit: Six Flags Safari )

The zebras show off their stripes during the Six Flags in New Jersey. Photo Credit: Six Flags Safari

All the animals at Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru

Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure is unique because you never have to leave your car. The drive-thru is separated into 12 sections to show how animals live in distinct natural habitats. You’ll have the opportunity to watch a Roosevelt Elk run in The Americas, see an ostrich peck at your window in Afrikka, or view an African Lion at rest in Kingsland. As you wind around the loop, slow down by Baboon Village. This fan-favorite is where you can watch this rowdy troop jump all over a large metal piece in their exhibit (this metal piece is actually from “Lightning Loops,” a Six Flags Great Adventure rollercoaster that was deconstructed years ago). And not to worry, the baboons are no longer allowed to jump on your car like they were years ago ( whew ).

See animals in their natural habitat from the safety of your vehicle. Photo Credit: Six Flags Safari

Here’s what to know about the Drive-Thru before you go

The Six Flags Wild Safari Park is a total of 4.5 miles of paved road, and the drive-thru timing depends on the animals’ behavior (if they are out and about) and the traffic since you drive through super slowly—but expect it to take at least an hour. To make the experience even better, you can download a guide for all the details on the animals and facts. During the tour, you will see gates with signs that say “checkpost” to guide you to where you are and what you will see. Safari team members are available at many of the gates to help you with anything you might need during your adventure. And the animals can be temperamental (especially in crummy weather), so be prepared that you might not always see specific species. Whether you’re planning to go for the day or even just a quick visit, you’ll want to purchase tickets online and reserve a time and date to go. Tickets start at $24.99 for adults and $19.99 for seniors and children under 48″. 

Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru is only part of the park

If your family is still up for an adventure, New Jersey’s largest and most popular theme park, Six Flags Great Adventure , is right next door with rides, restaurants, and hours of entertainment. Six Flags Great Adventure’s main park has plenty of thrilling and tame rides for all ages and lots of special events planned for 2023. This Spring Break, visit Six Flags in New Jersey for Scream Break from April 8-15 for a frighteningly good time that includes some of the features from Fright Fest, like haunted houses, a scare zone, ghouls, and nighttime rides. If you’re thinking about going this summer, you’ll want to head over to Six Flag’s water park, Hurricane Harbor, and spend the rest of the day sliding and splashing on the lazy river and in the pools—a perfect ending to a day “on safari.” New this year, there will be lots of tamer options for younger kids, including a treehouse splash park and 7 new colorful slides that spin and whirl smaller riders. And good to know if you want to add this to your day— Six Flags Great Adventure and Hurricane Harbor require separate ticket purchases from the Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure.

Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure 1 Six Flags Boulevard Jackson, NJ 08527 (732) 928-2000

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About Author

Melanie Bodner has always had a love for writing, but now she has a new love…being a mom. Before having her kids, Melanie was no stranger to writing or working with children. She wrote for a local newspaper as a reporter and taught English and Dance in a public school. Now Melanie enjoys spending time with her kids, doing yoga, writing and decorating her home. Check out her Instagram @burlapbythebeach.

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THINGS TO DO

drive-thru safari park

Some road trips take you across the country, but ours will take you across continents., your safari adventure will be the wildest car ride yet..

Travel down gravel paths within our Drive-thru Safari Park and discover more than 150 native and exotic animals roaming freely. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of animals often only found around the world. Enjoy identifying species from as far away as the African savanna to others from the deciduous forests of North America, all from the comfort of your own car. (*Please note that your vehicle must have a top and that vehicles like convertibles or motorcycles are not allowed through the Drive-thru Safari.) ‍ Expanding across 170 acres of untouched scenic landscapes, our wildlife and safari park presents a unique opportunity to bring you up close and personal with wild animals such as giraffes, zebra, eland antelope, scimitar oryx, American bison, mouflon sheep, and more! As you travel down our four-mile “unbeaten path,” you and your family can enjoy an exploration just feet away from animals you normally only see on TV.

FUN TO BE HAD BEYOND YOUR DRIVE-THRU SAFARI.

The fun you’ll have isn’t confined to your car. Take your adventure to new heights and feed giraffes on our elevated giraffe feeding platform. (Talk about the perfect Facebook profile picture!) ‍ After you’ve had your “four-wheel-fun” inside our drive-through animal park, stretch those legs inside our Gator Park. Admission to our Gator Park is included in the price of our Drive-thru Safari Park tickets and allows your family to view more than 200 additional animals, as well as enjoy a variety of educational animal shows. Our drive-thru safari park is just a short drive from Orlando’s biggest attractions. Enjoy the scenic views of Florida’s natural beauty from the comfort of your car. It’s the perfect family-friendly activity for animal lovers of all ages.

know before you go

(All items served with your choice of 2 sides)

Chomp House Burger - Your choice of toppings

Chicken Tenders - Your choice of sauce

All Beef Hot Dog

The Wild One - 1/2 lb burger, pork, bacon, cheese & BBQ sauce

Pulled Pork Sandwich - Tender pulled BBQ pork on a bun

Philly Cheese Steak - Sliced sirloin, grilled onions & peppers and white American cheese

Grilled Chicken Sandwich - Your choice of toppings

Ham or Turkey Wrap - Soft wrap with lettuce, onion, tomato

Vegetarian Options:

(All items served with your choice of 1 side)

House Salad - Toppings cheese, tomato, cucumbers, croutons, *Add chicken

Veggie Burger - Blackbean patty with your choice of toppings

Platter Options:

(All items served with your choice of 2 sides & a piece of garlic toast)

Gator Platter - Fried gator nuggets served with aioli

Catfish Platter - Fried catfish fillets served with aioli

Swamp Platter - Fried catfish and gator served with aioli

Florida Platter - Fried gator, grouper, and shrimp served with aioli

Kids Menu Items:

(All items served with your choice of 1 side, 1 cookie, and 1 small drink)

2 Pulled Pork Sliders

Chicken Tenders

2 Beef Sliders

Baked Beans

Mac 'n' Cheese

French Fries

Premium Sides:

Onion Rings

Cheese Curds

Fried Pickle Chips

Coffee, Hot Tea, Hot Cocoa

*Ask about our daily chef specials

Family-Friendly Activities at Our Wildlife Park

Feed and learn more about baby animals at our petting zoo. Kids will love exploring our covered playground. Bird lovers will enjoy our Hawk Swamp, where owls often roost in the cypress tree-covered boardwalk.

Fun Facts About Our Drive-thru Safari

• We have more than 150 exotic animals and native wildlife
• You’ll see 170 acres of untouched, scenic landscapes
• You can drive your own car down a four-mile unbeaten path

Airboat Tour Times and Best Times to Ride

Our first airboat tour leaves at 9:00 a.m. and our last airboat tour leaves at 4:30 p.m. In the summer months, the best time to book your airboat tour is at 9:00 a.m. During winter, 12:00 p.m. is an ideal time to ride.

Gator Park and Airboat Tours

Continue your adventure at our Gator Park before or after your airboat ride. You can hold a baby alligator or experience any of our animal encounters. Admission is included with each airboat tour. Make sure you visit our gift shop to pick up your souvenirs.

Reservation Availability

We are available to make reservations Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The park is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Directions to Wild Florida coming from Disney:

• Go east on U.S. Highway 192 for about 20 miles to Saint Cloud.
• Take a Right on Vermont Avenue heading south for 12 miles. Vermont will become Canoe Creek Rd after a few miles.
• Turn Right on Lake Cypress Road heading west for 2 miles.

            OR

• Go east on Osceola Parkway to the Florida’s Turnpike and go south (right).
• Take the Turnpike to the next exit, #244 (Kissimmee-St. Cloud), for St. Cloud, and turn east on U.S. Highway 192 (left). Exit #240 is a SunPass Only exit and does not accept cash or credit cards.
• Stay on U.S. Highway 192 for 5 miles and turn south (right) on Vermont Avenue for 12 miles. Vermont will become Canoe Creek Road after a few miles.
• Turn right on Lake Cypress Road heading west for 2 miles.

Directions to Wild Florida coming from Orlando:

• Go South on the Florida Turnpike to exit #244 (Kissimmee-St. Cloud) for St. Cloud, and turn east on U.S. Highway 192 (left). Exit #240 is a SunPass Only exit and does not accept cash or credit cards.
• Stay on U.S. Highway 192 for 5 miles and go south (right) on Vermont Avenue for 12 miles.
• Vermont will become Canoe Creek Road after a few miles.

Directions to Wild Florida coming from Melbourne:

• Go west on U.S. Highway 192 for approximately 40 miles to Saint Cloud.
• Take a left on Vermont Avenue heading south for 12 miles. Vermont will become Canoe Creek Road after a few miles.

To ensure a hassle-free trip to and from Wild Florida, consider scheduling your ride with Uber. Using the Uber app, you can book your transportation in advance, allowing you to enjoy your visit without worrying about parking or navigating. This convenient option provides a reliable and stress-free way to manage your travel plans, making your experience at Wild Florida even more enjoyable.

Come early!

Our park opens at 9:00 a.m. and there’s a lot to see. When traveling with a group, we recommend arriving early so you can experience everything our gator park, drive-thru safari, animal shows and encounters have to offer.

Book your excursions ahead of time

Make your travel experience a good one by planning ahead! You can purchase tickets for each of our attractions online, in-person, or by phone prior to your arrival.

Plan meal times and regroup

Lunch is a great time to rest, refuel, and regroup. You can bring in your own picnic baskets or savor some of the best barbecue and food the swamp has to offer from the Chomp House Grill. Wash it down with our Swamp Slushy – a frozen blend of mango, orange and passion fruit and you’ve got what we like to call a well-balanced meal.

Savor the delight of a refreshing Wild Florida icy slushie or indulge in the creamy goodness of an ice cream cone.

What to Do After Visiting Our Gator Park

More adventure awaits! Once you’ve taken in all of the sights, sounds, and wildlife encounters at our alligator park, take a ride on one of our airboat tours. Our world-famous airboat rides take you through the Headwaters of the Everglades, giving you an unforgettably close encounter of Florida’s native wildlife.

If you’re hungry, check out the Chomp House Grill and fill up on anything from catfish and burgers, to fresh salads and veggies.

When you’re ready to head home, don’t forget to stop by our gift shop. You might even spot a baby alligator on your way out.

What to Do After Your Wild Drive

Take your adventure to new heights. Stop and hand feed giraffes on our elevated giraffe feeding platform. This activity is family-friendly and a guest favorite.

Admission to our Gator Park is included in the price of our Drive-thru Safari Park tickets. Your family will find more than 200 additional animals, as well as enjoy a variety of educational animal shows.

Safety Precautions

Safety at Wild Florida is our number one priority, and we are committed to the health, safety and well-being of our guests, staff and animals. No job is so important and no service is so urgent that we cannot take time to perform our work safely to prevent accidents or injuries to our guests and animals. Here are a few safety points and plans for our guests and animals.

We provide life jackets and ear protection for all guests. Children five and under are required to wear a life jacket. For guests six years old and over, life jackets are available along with ear protection, but they are not required.

• Wild Florida has a stellar reputation when it comes to our airboat tours. Our vessels are U.S. Coast Guard approved and inspected on an annual basis. On the vessels are life preservers for each guest, fire extinguishers, a flare gun and a throw ring if necessary.
• In case of an emergency, we have an accident plan.
• We have an incident report if needed.
• Our loading dock is ADA Compliant.
• There is always a way to communicate to home base and/or 911 anywhere on site or while out on an airboat tour.

Airboat Operations

• One of the many things that sets Wild Florida apart from other competitors is our beautiful Gator Park. You can get up close and personal with many different animals including alligators, zebras and exotic birds. Our park is inspected and approved by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) , United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) , and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) , which makes it a safe and enjoyable experience.
• In case of a snake bite, we have a snake bite protocol.
• Our animals are checked regularly by a veterinarian.
• We have a veterinarian on call at all times.
• We have an accident plan for emergencies.

See a side of Florida you won’t see at the parks. Experience untouched landscapes and acres of wildlife. Whether you’re an adventure travel enthusiast, a group of avid bird watches, or a family on their dream vacation, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories at Wild Florida.

At Wild Florida, we have an on-site restaurant where you can dine during your visit. If you’re curious to try a taste of the swamp, stop by the Chomp House Grill. Whether cooling off with our signature Swamp Slushy or chowing down on some of the best barbecue around, a visit to Wild Florida isn’t complete until you’ve had a treat from our restaurant.

Whether you are an adventurous carnivore who wants to try our Swamp Platter featuring gator and catfish or you enjoy lighter fare like salads and fresh veggies, the Chomp House Grill has something to please every palate. Can’t find anything on the menu to your liking? Talk to our Executive Chef, and she can whip something up for you.

Enjoy our great food in a rocking chair on our patio, in the air-conditioned comfort of the Cypress Ballroom or in our shaded Gator Pavillion along the shore of Lake Cypress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is your Gator Park located?

Our gator and wildlife park is near many of Central Florida’s most popular attractions. Most attractions are less than 1-hour away from us.

Can we feed the alligators?

If you’re looking to get even closer to our alligators, book one of our Gator Feeding Encounters.

How much are tickets for the Gator Park?

Tickets to our Gator Park are $15 for adults and $12 for children. Florida residents enjoy $8 admission for adults, and $6 admission for children.

Can you book an animal encounter with any animal?

We have a selection of animal encounters that you can choose from. You can get up close to albino gators, sloths, giraffes, reptiles and more.

Do I need my own car for the Safari?

Yes, you will need your own car for the Drive-thru Safari Park.

How much does the drive-thru safari cost?

For out-of-state visitors, each ticket is $34 for adults, and $24 per child. Florida residents can purchase tickets for $24 per adult and $19 per child.

Does the drive-thru safari include a guided tour?

Our drive-thru safari is self-guided and you’re able to drive at your own pace.

Can you feed the animals?

While you can’t find the animals on the drive-thru safari trail, you are able to hand feed giraffes on our elevated feeding platform. We encourage you to visit after your drive.

Are you nearby Central Florida attractions?

Wild Florida’s drive-thru safari is near many of Central Florida’s popular attractions, with most local attractions being a 30-minute to 1-hour drive away.

Are all of the wild animals from Florida?

You’ll find both exotic animals and native florida species on your drive-thru safari adventure.

What time does the park open?

The gates to our drive-thru safari will open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. with the last car allowed in at 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

What else is included in my drive-thru safari park ticket?

Admission to our Gator Park is included with each drive-thru safari park ticket. At our Gator Park, you can find even more exotic animals and you can even participate in one of our animal encounters.

Do you offer small group tours?

Our group rate is available to groups of at least 10 people.

Do you provide guided tours?

If you are interested in a guided tour, consider booking a VIP Safari Tour . There are also plenty of opportunities to learn from our wildlife specialists in our Gator Park. Attend one of our exotic animal shows to learn about exotic and native Florida animals.

How do I book a group tour?

Please contact us by filling out the form on this page to begin booking your group trip.

What amenities do group tours include?

Large groups can take advantage of several spaces throughout Wild Florida. Your group can have access to our 2,200-square-foot, air-conditioned Cypress Ballroom, 1,500-square-foot Gator Pavilion overlooking Lake Cypress or a collection of picnic tables on the shore of the lake.

Wild Florida offers group tours near Central Florida’s most popular attractions and we often meet visitors from all over the world who are visiting Florida on holiday or on business trips. You’ll find that we are just minutes away from Orlando’s popular resorts and parks.

Drive to your adventure

Book now to experience a journey through the wild side.

Additional Activities

GIRAFFE PAINTING EXPERIENCE

$145 Per Person – Suitable for all ages.

VIP SAFARI TOUR

$175 Per Person –   Ages 12 and up. Limited to 4 guests per booking.

FLORIDA RESIDENT DRIVE-THRU SAFARI PARK

Florida Residents – $24 per Adult / $19 per Child – Ages 13 and up are adults. Valid Florida ID required at check-in.

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Must check in 45 mins prior to tour departure time.

Reservations are required. Photos not included.

Florida Resident One-Hour Airboat Tour

Reservations are required. Proof of Florida residency required upon check-in.

One-Hour Airboat Tour

One-hour private tour, one-hour private evening airboat tour, drive-thru safari park.

Last entry is at 5:00 pm. Admission to our Gator Park is included in the price of our Drive-thru Safari Park.

‍ Last entry is at 5:00 pm. Admission to our Gator Park is included in the price of our Drive-thru Safari Park.

VIP Safari Tour

Start with an interactive experience feeding Wild Florida's tallest residents, Walter and Leroy. Afterward, you'll experience a 60-75 minute Drive-thru Safari tour, followed by a visit to our Gator Park to meet our ambassador alligator, Fluffy, and feed the alligators in our Gator Pond before concluding your journey with lunch and a signature slushy at our Chomp House Grill.

Reservations are required. Admission to the Drive-thru Safari and Gator Park is included. Your booking will be rescheduled for another date if you are late. Larger parties can be accommodated, call our Reservations Department for more information.

* All programs involving live animals are subject to change due to weather, availability, or unforeseen circumstances. Thank you for understanding.

Giraffe painting experience

During this encounter, you’ll be provided a blank canvas to paint with one of our giraffes on our giraffe feeding platform. You’ll also be given giraffe feed to further engagement by touching and feeding our giraffes while contributing to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation through a portion of your ticket price in this exclusive, limited, three-guest per encounter time.

Reservations are required. Admission to the Drive-thru Safari and Gator Park is included. Your booking will be rescheduled for another date if you are late. ‍

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Home » Best Safaris Near Me – Drive-through Safaris in the US

Best Safaris Near Me – Drive-through Safaris in the US

With so many finding respite in the presence of wildlife, many travelers may wonder “Where are the best safaris near me?” Across the country, there are opportunities everywhere to see animals—zoos, nature centers, national parks, and wildlife preserves.

While many safaris (or game drives) are self-driven, this post will also share destinations where visitors can enjoy a guided animal safari. All these places will offer something on par with an African safari but are hosted closer to home, right here in the United States.

Safaris in the USA

For those looking for a safari experience close to home, each region hosts a variety of great options. Additionally, each park offers a genuine safari adventure, complete with roaming animals, open lands, and some type of drive-through navigation.

SAFARIS NEAR ME

Select a region or scroll down to view all.

Pacific Southwest Rocky Mountain Midwest Northeast Southeast

Be aware that some safari experiences are for adults only, while others are more for families. It is important to note, that for the safety of the animals, each one has a strict no-pets allowed policy. Sorry, Benji, you must stay in the hotel room.

Safaris Near Me >> Pacific Coastal

Along the country’s Pacific coastline, travelers will find a variety of wildlife experiences—ranging from a safari featuring Africa’s most endangered creatures and a mock hot air balloon safari to a farm offering time with Zodiak bears.

Safari West – Santa Rosa, CA

Located 12 miles north of Santa Rosa, Safari West is a wildlife preserve offering conservation safaris and tented glamping. Over 900 animals from over 90 different species freely roam the 400-acre property—Safari West is about as close as you can get in the U.S. to a traditional African safari .

Climb aboard one of the custom safari vehicles to explore the Sonoma Serengeti where you can see zebras, giraffes, ostriches, antelope, and more. What’s special about Safari West is that the experience can be modified to fit the needs of both adult-only trips and families with children.

For example, if you book a private safari, wine, beer, and appetizers can be added to the tour for an extra cost. For families, the Cozy Cottage has sleeping capabilities for six, with a king bed and a double bunk bed.

To check prices or to make reservations, click here >> Safari West

B. Bryan Preserve – Point Arena, CA

In Point Arena, guests can appreciate a slice of Africa on the Mendocino Coast at B. Bryan Preserve , which focuses on the breeding and conservation of Africa’s most endangered species. These include very specific herds of zebra, antelope, and giraffe. A variety of tour options are available for booking, including self-guided car safaris, VIP tours, and guided tours.

Hand-feeding the giraffes is always a highlight on each visit. If a daytime visit just isn’t enough, the property hosts three cottages and one carriage house—each offering a full kitchen and a private hot tub.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park – San Diego, CA

Sister attraction to the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park allows visitors to choose from a number of different safari opportunities. Home to over 3,600 animals, some unique wildlife excursions are available, such as a Flightline safari and a tethered balloon safari. Take note, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is primarily a walk-through sanctuary. Safari tram tours are another option but are an additional cost.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park – Eatonville, WA

With a focus on wildlife from America’s Northwest, the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park offers three methods of exploration—walking paths, Wild Drives self-drives, and Keeper Adventure Jeep Tours. Photography safaris are another option.

The park’s free-roaming area comprises 435 acres for herds of elk, bison, moose, caribou, deer, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. There are no opportunities for 1:1 animal interactions, so no feeding or petting is allowed.

Wildlife Safari –  Winston, OR

Open year-round, Wildlife Safari is a fun-filled family attraction where you can observe over 500 animals roaming freely from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The park is over 600 acres and it takes about one to two hours to complete the 4.5-mile drive.

If you or a loved one has a favorite animal, Encounters allow you the opportunity to spend quality time with one! There are daily meet and greets with tigers, lions, red pandas, elephants, giraffes, bears, hippos, cheetahs, and more.

The Hampton Inn & Suites Roseburg is a comfortable option for nearby lodging.

Olympia Game Farm – Sequim, WA

If your family loves animals, then the Olympia Game Farm welcomes visitors with year-round game drive tours. The farm offers 84 acres of terrain full of wildlife, such as llamas, elk, zebra, deer, yaks, American bison, and Zodiak bears. The tour takes about an hour. Additionally, there are certain times when you can feed animals wheat bread that is supplied by the farm.

Safaris Near Me >> Southwest

If you find yourself in Texas looking for wildlife experiences, you’re in luck. The state offers an abundance of safari opportunities, everything from traditional hunting safaris to family-friendly self-driven tours.

Exotic Resort Zoo – Johnson City, TX

Geared toward children and family vacations, the Exotic Resort Zoo offers two options for a kid-friendly safari—a guided tractor ride or self-drive. If wildlife fuels your family’s travels, then consider a stay on one of the property’s safari cabins that feature two resort-style swimming pools. Overnight stays include complimentary zoo experiences.

Johnson City is also the home to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, Pedernales Falls State Park,  Lyndon B. Johnson’s Boyhood Home, and the Texas White House. Also, there are several nearby wineries to tour—making it the perfect place for an extended weekend or vacation. Pair up the Exotic Resort Zoo with a stay at the Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa for a relaxing retreat.

Cherokee Trace – Jacksonville, TX

This 300-acre animal reserve offers self-drive safaris and the chance to hand-feed dozens of endangered animals and 25 exotic species from around the world. It takes about 1-2 hours to tour Cherokee Trace , however, the admission price permits as many drives as time allows. The majority of the wildlife is hooved animals, mostly deer, zebra, and antelope.

Aggieland Safari – Bryan, TX

Deemed the “ Serengeti of the South ,” Aggieland Safari allows guests to get up close and personal with free-roaming wildlife in over 250 acres of grassy plain pastures. During a self-safari, visitors may interact with local residents including bison, ostrich, zebras, antelope, wildebeest, and more.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch – San Antonio, TX

Experience the essence of an African Safari—Texas style! The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch has over 700 animals and 45 species spread out over 450 acres of Texas Hill Country. The self-drive route lasts six scenic miles and passes over creek beds, rolling hills, and oak tree forests.

The drive takes about 1-2 hours but admission offers multiple trips if time allows. Feed is available for about $5 per bag. Guided safari tours are also available in a custom-built Safari Rover or Safari Shuttle and can be booked online.

Families may enjoy pairing up Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch with The Resort At Schlitterbahn , one of America’s most popular and largest waterparks.

Star S Ranch – Mason, TX

With the goal to create a true Texas safari, the 14,000-acre Star S Ranch is geared toward hunting African wildlife . In fact, the Star S Ranch hosts the largest herds of African wildlife, outside of Africa. With the Star S Ranch private airport, Hunter’s Lodge, and four casitas, this is as close as you’ll get to a traditional game safari, on this side of the world.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center – Glen Rose, TX

Dedicated to conservation, the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center considers the 1,800-acre property more of a sanctuary, rather than just another drive-through safari. The 7.2-mile route allows guests to interact with approximately 1,100 different roaming animals.

While there are a number of African Plains game , opportunities to see giraffes, cheetahs, and rhinos are visitor favorites. There are multiple visiting options available. These include self-driving tours, public guided tours, privately guided tours, twilight tours, photography tours, or behind-the-scenes guided tours.

Out of Africa – Camp Verde, AZ

Going beyond the concept of a basic drive-through park, Out of Africa strives to replicate a real African bush safari. Located in the beautiful Black Hills of Camp Verde, the wildlife preserve offers animal shows, specialty encounters, and organized feeds.

A 30-minute narrated African Bush Safari tour is included in the price and showcases herd-style animals that free roam including water buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and ostriches. An upgraded, longer tour aboard a SuperMog is another option.

To customize your visit, the preserve has a variety of different opportunities, including bundle packages, Zip lining, VIP tours, and more private experiences.

Bearizona Wildlife Park – Williams, AZ

Drive through the Arizona ponderosa pine forest to enjoy the local North American wildlife from the comfort of your own vehicle. Guests of Bearizona Wildlife Park are welcome to drive the 3-mile route at their own pace.

Featured animals include bears, wolves, bison, elk, and other hooved animals. Admission includes unlimited passes through the route however you cannot leave and return.

Bearizona is a popular stop for motorists as it is one of the best attractions along historic Route 66 . Also, it’s near Grand Canyon National Park , making the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel a perfect accommodation option.

Safaris Near Me >> Rocky Mountains

While most of the Rocky Mountain region is full of rugged landscapes, Nevada’s desert-like climate is the perfect destination for a camel safari.

Camel Safari – Bunkerville, NV

Located about an hour north of Las Vegas, Camel Safari offers two-hour desert safaris by camel, ATV, or by tram. Exotic enough to be seen on “ The Bachelorette ” those that can’t make the trip to Morocco may appreciate the next best thing.

Budget Tip : The Camel Safari – Safari Tram Ride and Zoo Tour from Las Vegas makes it easy and affordable to visit.

Yellowstone Bear World – Rexburg, ID

Idaho’s most popular wildlife attraction is Yellowstone Bear World . This wildlife safari is often visited by travelers from West Yellowstone and Jackson Hole. As you drive your own vehicle through the park, you’ll encounter the very best Rocky Mountain animals including, elk, bison, moose, mule deer, white-tailed deer, mountain goats, and of course, both American black bear and grizzly bear.

One nice characteristic about this particular safari is that large vehicles, such as RVs and motorhomes are welcome to drive the route. While there are more private wildlife experiences offered at an additional cost, general admission also includes the amusement rides, the petting zoo, and as many drives through the park that day as your time allows.

Safaris Near Me >> Midwest

Surprisingly, Ohio hosts some of the most authentic safari experiences that travelers can find in the USA. Just be aware, many parks and outfitters work seasonally.

The Wilds – Cumberland, OH

If you’re an American who will never be able to check an African safari off your bucket list, then this is the travel experience you’ve been looking for. The Wilds is probably one of the most authentic safari experiences available in the USA.

Knowledgeable guides take guests on a two-hour adventure through open habitats to see cheetahs, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and much more. The conservation center also has opportunities to make your safari complete, with overnight yurt stays, 3-course dinners, and specialty off-roading drives to scout for animals. For family vacations, there are cabins and a 12-person lodge is also available.

Other than hand-feeding the animals, most guests agree that the highlight is sitting around the campfire as night falls, watching the watering hole for wildlife enjoying a bottle of wine.

Generally, safaris operate from May through October, however, there are winter tours too. This would be an amazing honeymoon, engagement, or anniversary trip idea because overnight yurt stays are 21+ only.

African Safari Wildlife Park – Clinton, OH

With the warning of “not for those who like pristine vehicles,” the 100-acre African Safari Wildlife Park offers a chance to come face to face with various hoofed animals. Visitors can self-drive the route as many times as they’d like but the journey is expensive, so be sure to bring a heavy wallet.

Unfortunately, the park only provides one cup of animal feed per group (not per individual) and all other attractions or cups of feed are an additional charge. Visitors can’t help but notice the placement of the car vacuums at the exit for an additional fee of $2.00.

Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours – Custer, SD

One reason travelers decide to take a Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour is to give themselves a break from driving and let someone else play tour guide. Many families appreciate the opportunity to sit back, enjoy the ride, and listen to narration from a local guide.

On this 1.5 to 2-hour safari, guests set out in search of buffalo, deer, longhorn sheep, prairie dogs, elk, and pronghorn. Take note, going off-road seems to depend on where the animals are congregating. Therefore, off-roading is not a guarantee. If wildlife is along the main road, that’s where you’ll spend the majority of your time.

Budget Tip: Pair this safari with the Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Tour with Two Meals and a Music Variety Show tour. Stay at the Bavarian Inn , a European-inspired boutique mountain resort.

Eureka Springs Safari Park – Eagle Rock, MO

Offering a 4-mile drive-through safari and a petting zoo, Eureka Springs Safari Park is home to over 500 animals from all over the world, representing 56 species. Visitors can see camels, emus, kangaroos, deer, and buffalo. There are opportunities to hand-feed select animals. When seasonally available, VIP ATV tours are also an option. Eureka Springs Safari Park is the sister park to Branson’s Promised Land Zoo, both of which are faith-based attractions.

Branson’s Promised Land Zoo – Branson, MO

From the comfort of your own vehicle, families can set off on a 45-minute drive-through safari to feed a variety of farm and hooved animals. Many visitors take advantage of the VIP experience to enjoy a tram tour and 1:1 interactions with specialty animals such as baby kangaroos, lemurs, or spider monkeys. Affiliated with Eureka Springs Safari Park, Branson’s Promised Land Zoo is also a faith-based attraction.

After the safari, keep the outdoorsy feel going by staying at the Lodge of the Ozarks which captures the spirit and the beauty of the great outdoors.

Springfield Wild Animal Safari – Strafford, MO

This 5-mile drive drive-through safari allows guests to choose their own adventure, whether by private car, rented safari vehicle, or open bus. Set among 350 acres, visitors will note no cages, only free-roaming wildlife and beautiful scenic views.

Visitors of Springfield Wild Animal Safari love the opportunity to feed and interact with unique wildlife like zebras, emus, and llamas.

Budget Tip : Be sure to stay in the same room as Elvis Presley at the Best Western Route 66 Rail Haven .

Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari – Ashland, NE

The 440-acre drive-through Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Park allows visitors to explore several different animal lands. Considered a self-safari, the featured wildlife includes antelope, deer, sandhill cranes, and a large buffalo herd. A short walk takes guests to see the wolves’ woods exhibit. The Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Park is open from April through October.

Lee Richarson Zoo – Garden City, KS

Although technically not a safari, the Lee Richardson Zoo deserves a feature for being the only self-drive zoo in the country. Additionally, this is a great attraction option for those on a tight budget. Admission to the zoo is always free for pedestrians and the self-drive is only $10 per vehicle. Even further, throughout the year, the zoo offers Wild Wednesdays which is the drive-through that is also free for all guests.

Safaris Near Me >> Northeast

The Mid-Atlantic region has some great safari opportunities but all parks operate seasonally. Please be sure to check websites for hours of operation. Some parks offer both walking and driving wildlife encounters.

Keystone Safari – Grove City, PA

See over 100 grazing animals at the Keystone Safari , an interactive, 144-acre drive-through safari park. As all of the animals are considered non-dangerous, visitors are welcome to purchase animal feed to lure the animals right to their car windows. Standout animals include zebras, bison, and emus.

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park – Halifax, PA

Pennsylvania’s rolling hills are a great place to enjoy an American-style safari . Visitors can climb aboard an open-air cruiser with a knowledgeable guide to learn fun facts about wildlife. Many of the 150 acres simulate the animals’ natural habitats.

Each tour lasts about 45 minutes and guests are welcome to purchase special feed to lure the animals to the cruiser. Take note, in April and November guests are allowed to use their own vehicle to enjoy the safari.

Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari – Jackson, NJ

Using your own vehicle, visitors can see over 1,200 animals from six continents including tigers, lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes. There are 11 sections to explore, with each different land highlighting its native animals. Almost all animals roam freely with only the predators kept safely behind fences. The 5-mile route traverses 350 acres and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Catoctin Wildlife Preserve – Thurmont, MD

African zebras, camels, and American bison are some of the wildlife you’ll encounter at Catoctin Wildlife Preserve. Guests explore 25 wooded acres in an open-air safari cruiser with opportunities for photography and animal feeding. The safari lasts about 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the wildlife encounters.

Safaris Near Me >> Southeast

Maybe chalk it up to year-round visiting weather, but the Southeast region of the U.S. boasts some of the best safari experiences in the country.

Virginia Safari Park – Natural Bridge, VA

On a mission to allow guests to see animals in a more natural environment, the Virginia Safari Park hosts 180 acres of free-roaming animals. Safaris are self-driven and guests are welcome to stop and feed the animals at their leisure. Located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, this safari experience is consistently ranked as one of the best safari experiences in the country.

Some bonuses of this park include the freedom to drive through as many times as you’d like, a free guidebook , and the ability for guests to ride in the back of pick-up trucks. Pair this experience with the best historical sites in Virginia .

Pine Mountain Safari – Pine Mountain, GA

If you love exotic animals, then a day at Pine Mountain Safari is a walk on the wild side! From your own vehicle, guests can come face-to-face with 75 species of animals across a 250-acre park.

The route is 2.5 miles route is an opportunity to encounter zebras, emus, ostrich, American bison, watusi, and many other animals in a natural habitat. Feeding is permitted within the park with provided feed only.

Lion Country Safari – Loxahatchee, Florida

Offering Florida’s only drive-through safari experience, Lion Country Safari claims to be the first cageless zoo in the United States. The route is divided into seven habitats across 600 acres featuring hundreds of animals. The park also has the largest herds of zebra, rhino, and giraffes in the country. Boasting both a free audio guide and an online guidebook , it is easy to see why Lion Country consistently ranks as one of the best safari experiences in the United States.

Kilimanjaro Safaris (Disney) – Lake Buena Vista, FL

Located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom , Kilimanjaro Safaris simulates an 18-minute expedition through the lush African savannah. Thirty species of African wildlife roam freely through 110 acres, while an expert safari guide points out animals and shares fascinating facts.

The open-air safari is part of the experience at the Animal Kingdom. To check current prices or to make reservations, click here >> Animal Kingdom Lodge .

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Key Information

The Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure is once again a self-drive attraction at an extra charge (although free to Six Flags Members and Six Flags Great Adventure and Hurricane Harbor New Jersey pass holders). Drivers go on safari through the 350acre park with its 1,200 animals from six continents including elephants, rhinos, tigers, giraffes and lions.  The drive takes between 1 and 3 hours depending on the pace of the driver.

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Safari West

Top ways to experience Safari West and nearby attractions

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Safari West - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Wild Safari Drive-Thru to Open at Six Flags Great Adventure

While the theme park and waterpark remain closed, Six Flags Great Adventure is opening its Wild Safari Drive-Thru for guests to enjoy from the comfort of their own cars, complete with an advance reservation system.

The drive-thru safari is something I remember doing with my family when I was a kid, and it’s a great option for families looking for something to do, especially while we wait for things to return somewhat to normal.

Wild Safari Drive-Thru

From 1974 to 2012, the Safari experience at Six Flags Great Adventure was a self-guided tour that allowed guests to drive their own cars through exhibit after exhibit of animals. I can remember the thrill of seeing animals right through my window when I was a kid and even seeing baboons jump on top of cars!

In 2013, the safari was changed to the Safari Off Road Adventure. It became an attraction inside the theme park that guests rode through on an open-air truck with a tour guide, with a stop at Camp Aventura for up-close encounters and a zip line. Some of the animal exhibits, like the baboons, were fenced in for this experience.

Now, with the need for social-distancing, the drive-thru aspect is back, just using the same road and exhibits from the past 7 years. That means this new version of the Wild Safari Drive-Thru won’t have any baboons jumping on cars. That’s probably disappointing for kids and reassuring for the parents. Camp Aventura will not be open as part of the drive-thru safari., but should reopen when the attraction eventually goes back to being the Safari Off Road Adventure.

Wild Safari Drive-Thru Hours and Pricing

Starting May 30, 2020, the Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure will operate daily from 9am to 4pm (weather permitting). Reservations will need to be made in advance, and no guests will be allowed to enter without a reservation. The safari takes about an hour to experience and Six Flags says the safari will accommodate thousands of families per day.

Pricing for the Wild Safari Drive-Thru is $17.99 per person for single day tickets. Members and Season Pass Holders are free, plus one $9.99 Bring-A-Friend ticket. Kids aged 2 and under are also free. All guests, regardless of what type of ticket they have, need a reservation to enter.

The procedure will work like this: First, guests will purchase tickets for the Wild Safari Drive-Thru. Then, you’ll go to the reservation system to choose the date and time you want to attend. (You’ll need your ticket #, order #, or season pass/membership # to confirm you purchased tickets.) When your reservation is complete you’ll receive a confirmation. Print that, or show it on your device through your window when you arrive. Printed sheets will probably be easier to scan through the window.

Tickets are available for purchase now. Members and Pass Holders will be able to start making reservations on May 27, 2020.

A Self-Guided Tour

Your self-guided tour of the Wild Safari will slowly cruise along the 5-mile path as it winds through the 350-acre preserve. During the hour-long journey, you will have the opportunity to see 1,200 animals in simulated natural habitats. Some of these animals may cross the road, and at times you’ll have animals within a few feet of your vehicle. But rest assured that predators are fenced off from the road.

The one downside to the self-guided tour is that you won’t have a knowledgeable tour guide to point out the animals, give you facts about them, or answer any questions you may have. The tour guide was one of the highlights of my Safari Off Road Adventure experience at Six Flags Great Adventure last summer. You can brush up on the animals you’ll see and their habitats on the park’s website at  www.sixflags.com/safari . (a passenger could even have this open on a device to reference during your visit.)

Here is a list of some of the animals you can expect to see.

Wild Safari Drive-Thru Animal Guide

The americas.

• Fallow Deer
• Roosevelt Elk
• African Elephants
• White Rhino
• Grant’s Zebra
• Asian Water Buffalo
• Marabou Stork

Wild Plains

• Common Eland
• Ellipsis Waterbuck
• Dama Gazelle
• Scimitar Horned Oryx
• Reticulated Giraffe
• Red Ankole Cattle
• White Bearded Gnu
• Greater Kudu

Serengeti Grassland

• White Tailed Gnu
• African Lions

Black Bear Ridge

• American Black Bear
• European Brown Bear

Conservation Area

Set aside for native species to the NJ area such as birds, foxes, turtles and even the bald eagle.

Didgeradoo Pass

• Red Kangaroo

Tigris Asiana

• Bangal Tigers
• Siberian Tigers

Baboon Jungle

• Anubis Baboons

Safari Safety – Know Before You Go

To ensure the safety of guests, Six Flag team members, and animals, the Wild Safari Drive-Thru experience will be contact-free. All tickets will need to be purchased in advance via an online reservation system . Tickets will not be available at the gate, and guests without tickets will not be permitted to enter.

• SLOW – 5 mph speed limit
• Maintain space between your car and others
• Animals always have the right of way
• Remain in your vehicle and on paved roadway at all times
• Windows and sun roofs must remain completely closed
• Convertible tops must be closed
• No pets, including service animals, are permitted inside cars
• Do not feed or touch the animals
• No smoking or littering
• No parking or stopping, other than yielding to animals
• All vehicles will be screened by Six Flags Security prior to entering Wild Safari
• No items are permitted in pickup truck beds or in vehicles with open storage
• Cars, SUVs and consumer pickup trucks only permitted – no buses, RVs, box trucks, commercial vehicles, pickup trucks larger than a consumer pickup allowed
• Plan ahead – no restrooms, food, or gasoline available (only portable toilets at entrance and exit)
• Enter at your own risk

Personally, we’re looking forward to making the drive to the Wild Safari Drive-Thru. It will be great to take a little road trip. In addition to planning how to handle our food and restroom stops, we’re putting together some accessories to bring in the car to enhance the experience. Here are some of our ideas:

• printable animal guide (we’ll share ours once we finish it)
• scavenger hunt
• safari bingo
• booster seats to help little ones see
• camera to take photos
• safari coloring books

You can find more information on the Wild Safari Drive-Thru, including the answers to frequently asked questions, at https://www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/attractions/safari

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Drive Thru Safari Tickets

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Escape to our wild Drive Thru Safari!

60-90 minutes Arrive any time during our operating hours

Operating Hours

• March - September: 9am to 6pm ( last car admission at 6pm )
• October:  9am to 5pm ( last car admission at 5pm )
• November - March: 9am to 4pm ( last car admission at 4pm )
• We are open 363 days a year! Closed only on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. 

Children 2 and under are FREE admission

Escape on a wild safari drive thru adventure and get up close to eland, watutsi cattle, lions and zebra. Venture through the homes of hippos and the land of the scimitar horned oryx. Your Safari journey will take you through Southern Africa where the rhino and giraffe rule. Carry on to interpretive wetlands, cleaning the local waters in reaffirmation of our commitment to the soil before venturing into the land of bears, bison and elk within the sprawling canyon forests of North America.

Take a trip past the incredibly inspiring African elephants and prepare to enter the land of emu, yak and white-naped cranes as your tour of the incredibly diverse wildlife of planet Earth continues on in Asia. Dare yourself to end your journey with a trip through a carnivore loop featuring Wildlife Safari’s top cheetah breeding grounds and ferocious Sumatran Tigers. All from the comfort of your own vehicle, rain or shine, year round.

Safari Restrictions

• No Open Top Vehicles (Convertibles must have tops up at all times)
• No Motorcycles
• No pets are allowed in the Safari Drive Thru, nor in the Safari Village.  Services animals are allowed but have extra rules to follow. We do have a kennel area available for you to keep your pet in while visiting the park.
• User(s) of this ticket (“USER”) understand and assume all inherent risks of close interactions with unpredictable wildlife (“INHERENT RISKS”), and release Wildlife Safari from all claims, injuries, damages, personal injuries, or property damage, relating to all INHERENT RISKS and USER’s use of this ticket.
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Six Flags Great Adventure Drive Thru Safari Returns!

By: Author Jennifer Auer

Posted on Published: April 3, 2023  - Last updated: August 10, 2023

Growing up the Six Flags Great Adventure Drive Thru Safari was pretty epic. It was something every family wanted to try at least once. We all had our stories of what it was like.

Years later the Six Flags Great Adventure Drive Thru Safari would close and visitors enjoyed it as a perk with their Great Adventure admission ticket.

These last few weeks you may have been wondering what fun things you can do this spring in New Jersey. You may be thinking about what your summer may look like. Perhaps you’ve even reflected on the Six Flags Great Adventure Drive Thru Safari in New Jersey. Did you make it there last year?

Did you want more time to experience it?

Were you worried that maybe the safari would go back to normal and driving through it would no longer be an option?

You can!! Because the Six Flags Great Adventure Drive Thru Safari is back for 2023!

Six Flags Great Adventure has its Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure as open for 2023 on April 1, 2023, and operating daily beginning May 19, 2023 weather permitting. It’s also open daily for spring break from April 5, to April 16, 2023.

Six Flags Great Adventure Drive Thru Safari is OPEN Again!!

Six Flags Great Adventure has reopened its Safari adventure as a drive-through experience. This year there’s, even MORE, to see as the Animal Care Team looks forward to welcoming an array of adorable babies, and new animals.

About the Six Flags Great Adventure Drive Thru Safari

Six Flags Great Adventure’s Safari operated as a self-drive-through experience from 1974 through 2012. Since 2013, Great Adventure has offered guided truck tours of the Safari. Returning to a standalone, drive-through format enables guests to enjoy the Safari’s 1,200 exotic animals from the privacy and safety of their own vehicles while allowing for proper social distancing.

How do I get tickets to the Drive Thru Safari at Great Adventure?

Advance reservations are recommended, but not required at this time for the 2023 season.

Active Members, Season Pass Holders, and single-day ticket holders can make reservations NOW at www.sixflags.com.

How do I make a reservation to visit the safari?

Tickets are required. If you are an active Member or Season Pass holder, you do not require a separate ticket.

For those that need to buy a ticket, visit this Six Flags Great Adventure page on their site . Choose a date from the calendar that is available for your ticket type. Choose the ticket quantity. You will need 1 ticket for each person in the car. Then, enter your payment information and proceed.

When you have completed the registration, you will receive a confirmation. Please print this confirmation sheet if possible. A printed sheet is easier to scan through the car window than a phone screen. We want this experience to be as contact-free as possible.

Ticket sales are for individuals. No group sales are available.

When will it open? When will it be open?

The Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure will open March 19, 2022, and operate daily beginning May 5, 2022 weather permitting.

How much will it cost?

Each guest will need a ticket. The admission price for the Great Adventure drive thru safari is as follows:

• General Admission weekends, holidays, & spring break — $19.99 to $24.99
• General Admission weekdays — starts at $14.99
• Admission is free to Six Flags Members, Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor New Jersey Season Pass holders.

How long is the drive thru safari?

It’s a 350 acre safari with a 5 mile roadway. It will takes about 1.5 hours to 2 hours to drive through to see all the animals.

Can I stop to take pictures?

Stopping is not allowed. For the safety of all guests and animals the traffic flow needs to keep moving.

How can I take great photos and videos safely?

If you are driving through buy this dashboard cam with our Amazon affiliate link. With this dashboard camera and a memory card you can record video and take pictures throughout the drive thru safari and dinosaur experience SAFELY. You’ll never miss a moment or an animal as the Rove R2- 4K Dash Cam Built in WiFi GPS Car Dashboard Camera Recorder dashboard camera can catch everything.

This dashboard cam even allows you to livestream safely while recording. Take the grandparents with you on your drive thru adventures without them ever leaving home or show off to all your Instagram followers. You can also rotate the camera and do a little family caroake video.

Bonus… since we fully expect spring and summer and even Christmas drive thru events to continue, you’ll get so much use from your dashboard camera.

What kinds of animals are in the safari?

The Great Adventure safari has 1,200 animals from six continents including elephants, rhinos, tigers, giraffes and lions. They are separated into 10 areas. While most animals roam freely in the safari, predators are kept safely behind fences. All animals are clearly visible from car windows.

Guests can learn all about the animals and their habitats on the park’s website at www.sixflags.com/safari. During your drive through the safari, you can follow along the virtual tour on at www.sixflags.com/greatadventure to learn more about 11 sections of the safari, and the animals that reside in each section.

Safari Adventure Lands

• The Americas – Explore the inhabitants of the Americas featuring Rhea, Fallow Deer, Bison, Roosevelt Elk, Llama and Wild Turkey.
• Afrikka – A mix of exotic and endangered animals indigenous to Africa like Ostrich, African Elephant, White Rhinoceros, Asian Water Buffalo, Marabou Stork and Grant’s Zebra.
• Wild Plains – Wild Plains are home to a large variety of animals including the Common Eland, Ellipsis Waterbuck, Southern Ground Hornbill, Beisa Oryx, Peacock, Dama Gazella, Red Ankole Cattle, Scimitar Horned Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe and much, much, more.
• Serengeti Grassland – Take a trip through the Serengeti Grasslands and encounter Blackbuck, Addax, White Tailed Gnu and Aoudad.
• Kingsland – In the animal kingdom there is one mammal that reigns the title of king, and in Kingsland you will find your pride with plenty of Lions.
• Black Bear Ridge – Bear dens are plentiful in Black Bear Ridge, where you will find plenty of mamma bears and their cubs playing in the grass or relaxing in the water.
• Terra Urus – European Brown Bear cousins to the Grizzly Bears.
• Conservation Area – Travel through an untouched part of the safari left for NJ native species like birds, foxes, turtles and even the great bald eagle.
• Didgeradoo Pass – Drive through the outback where you can come face to face with Red Kangaroo, Emu and Black Swan.
• Tigris Asiana – There are plenty of tigers to be found in Tigris Asian and other animals to meet such as Nilgai, Yak, Bengal Tiger and Siberian Tiger
• Baboon Village – Guests will be able to visit the Baboon Jungle prior to exiting the safari.

What’s new at the Six Flags Great Adventure Drive Thru Safari?

Similar to 2022, there are new animals to see and new enhancements to the Six Flags Safari.

New animals at the Six Flags Great Adventure Drive Thru Safari

Here’s what guests visiting the drive thru safari this spring can expect to see.

Five Stunning Siberian Tiger Cubs  

• Five Siberian tiger cubs turn one-year old in May and will be introduced to an exhibit in a new area of the safari.

Young Animal Additions 

• Adorable European brown bear cubs under specialized care, a rare newborn bongo calf and a sable antelope calf all join the safari in 2023.

In 2022, these were the new Six Flags Safari animals.

Sawyer, the Southern White Rhinoceros  

• Six-year-old (now 7 years old) Sawyer joins three adult female rhinos in the Afrikka section of the safari. Although grey in color, the southern white rhinoceros is the largest living species of the five species of rhino, averaging 4,000 to 6,000 pounds. At 3,800 pounds and growing, Sawyer has a youthful bounce in his step and enjoys human touch like scratches from a bristle brush. With a diet of hay and grain, Sawyer and his fellow rhinos are one the world’s last remaining “mega-herbivores” – a large animal that eats mainly plants. He lives side-by-side with other animals native to Africa such as elephants, ostriches and zebras.

Three Reticulated Giraffe Calves  (now toddlers)

• Three adorable and graceful calves were born in the safari this winter and join the safari’s “tower” (group) of 13 giraffes. Native to Africa, giraffes are the tallest land mammal on Earth. They can stand up to 17 feet tall and weigh from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds. A giraffe’s long neck measures up to seven feet long, and despite its length, contains seven vertebrae just like humans. Due to habitat loss, poaching, and other human-wildlife interferences, giraffes are considered “vulnerable to extinction.”

Two sable antelope calves (now toddlers)

• This striking, horse-like antelope from Africa boasts a tufted tail, mane, and impressive, ringed horns that curve like a scimitar. Typically settling near water, the sable is an herbivore. In the wild, their beautiful horns are a highly prized trophy for hunters. Born in the safari, the pair of sable calves now reside in the Serengeti Grasslands section along with exotic hoof stock like addax, white-tailed gnu (black wildebeest), and aoudad.

Two red lechwe calves (now toddlers)

• Identifiable by their reddish fur, white-ringed eyes, and tall horns reaching up to three feet long, this type of antelope is usually found near aquatic areas in Zambia and Botswana and are considered a “near threatened species” in the wild. The safari’s red lechwe calves, born onsite this winter, reside in the Wilde Plains section with a vast array of African species such as giraffe, greater kudu, ankole cattle, dama gazelle, white-bearded gnu (blue/brindled wildebeest), bongo and more.

Two Asian water buffalo calves 

• Two adorable Asian water buffalo calves join the Afrikka section. While they bear some similarities to their African cousins, the Cape buffalo, these are domesticated animals. In the wild, they are commonly found on farms as beasts of burden. Their milk, which has more fat than that of domestic cattle, is used for making liquid butter in India. In the safari, they are true to their name and are often found submerged in ponds with only their heads visible above water.

Spring brings more baby animals to the Drive Thru Safari (now toddlers)

The Animal Care Team looks forward to welcoming an array of adorable babies including the exciting arrival of giraffe babies and scimitar calves.

Safety improvements at the Six Flags Great Adventure Drive Thru Safari Made in 2022

• Roadway Enhancements – Guests enjoy a smooth experience on an expanded, two-lane roadway with five newly paved miles of blacktop. The wider roadway helps to better accommodate guests who wish to enjoy the tour at their own pace and accommodates school buses for educational programs.

More Highlights for the 2023 Six Flags Great Adventure Drive Thru Safari

• Georgia the Giraffe  celebrates thirty-one years of life, likely one of the oldest giraffes under human care and a grandmother to many giraffes on property.
• Save an Icon Pin Program  returns with proceeds benefitting the Wildlife Conservation Network. This 2023 collectible pin will feature both the Bald Eagle and Blue and Gold Macaw.
• Monthly Safari Overnights  Six Flags Wild Safari will host their popular monthly overnight camping adventures this summer, a unique experience for a lifetime of memories.

Other enhancements to the Six Flags Great Adventure Drive Thru Safari made in 2022

• Enhanced Safari Entrance –  Six Flags’ expansive modernization and beautification efforts included a new roadway entrance and upgraded safari plaza to welcome guests;
• Enhanced Mobile App  – A new mobile app feature allowed guests to add their safari pass to their Google Pay Wallet or Apple Wallet expediting the admission experience and reduce wait time.
• New Audio Tour –  Guests can immerse themselves in the animal world with a new audio tour. Energetic narrators will showcase 11 simulated natural habitats featuring more than 70 different species of animals. Guests will learn fun and educational facts about the animals, hear fascinating animal sounds and music from around the world. At the start of their adventure, guests will receive a handout with QR codes that take them to the audio tour and safari map. The audio tour is free and can be streamed from any mobile device.
• Volta Electric Vehicle Charging Stations  – Compatible with all electric vehicles, units are available in the safari parking lot.
• Safari Off Road Education –  This fun and educational tour on a giant, off-road vehicle features a personal tour guide and driver, and an opportunity to feed giraffes and meet small exotic animals up close.
• Science on Safari  – This contactless safari experience features a special Academic Adventure audio tour, grade-specific guidebook and optional visit with an animal educator.

Is it safe?

The safety of guests, team members, and animals is Six Flags’ top priority. The new safari journey will offer a contact-free experience.

A new list of safety requirements is available on the park’s website at www.sixflags.com/greatadventure and include

• SLOW – 5 mph speed limit.
• Maintain space between your car and others.
• Animals always have the right of way.
• Remain in your vehicle and on paved roadway at all times.
• Windows and sun roofs must remain completely closed.
• Convertible tops must be closed.
• No pets, including service animals, are permitted inside cars.
• Do not feed or touch the animals.
• No smoking or littering.
• No parking or stopping, other than yielding to animals.
• All vehicles will be screened by Six Flags Security prior to entering Wild Safari.
• No items are permitted in pickup truck beds or in vehicles with open storage.
• Cars, SUVs and consumer pickup trucks only permitted – no buses, RVs, box trucks, commercial vehicles, pickup trucks larger than a consumer pickup allowed.
• Plan ahead – no restrooms, food, or gasoline available (only portable toilets at entrance and exit).
• Enter at your own risk.
• Guests who violate the rules will be escorted from the park without a refund and may be prosecuted.

What happens if my car breaks down?

If your car can still move, please drive to the side of the road (but stay on the roadway) and place your flashers on. If you cannot move your car, just place your flashers on. One of our team members will come to assist you. Do not exit the vehicle for any reason.

Are there any differences between the new drive thru safari and the old one?

The safari was renovated in 2013 for the opening of Safari Off Road Adventure, and some of the sections were redefined. That pathway remains in place. Plus guests will be able to visit the Baboon Jungle prior to exiting the safari. Camp Aventura will remain closed.

You no longer have to worry about the baboons. No. In 2003, fencing was added along the roadway to separate the baboons from the cars.

How long will the drive thru safari be available?

To ensure the safety of guests and maximize on social distancing guidelines, the safari will remain a self-drive-thru experience after Six Flags Great Adventure opens for the regular season. They do plan to reopen the Safari Off Road Adventure in the near future. No date has been set.

Will there be restrooms available?

There will be indoor restrooms available at the exit of the safari.

Will there be any souvenirs to buy?

Yes! There will be concession stands for souvenirs or refreshments at the end of the safari tour.

Stay tuned. This is a developing story and we can’t wait to bring you more details.

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Saturday 26th of August 2023

Do I need to purchase a ticket for two years old baby?

Jennifer Auer

Sunday 27th of August 2023

You would need to check with Great Adventure. - Jenn

Friday 12th of May 2023

Do we need a ticket for Wild Safari for 6 months old babies?

Sunday 14th of May 2023

You do not need a ticket for 6 month old babies. - Jenn

Colleen Carman

Thursday 20th of April 2023

I am a social director for seniors, we have a 13 seat bus.. is this allowed ? And do we pay per bus our per passenger

You would need to reach out to Six Flags Great Adventure. You have left your comment with Jersey Family Fun. - Jenn

Darlene Bennett

Thursday 28th of July 2022

I am bringing a 4 year old for the first time. What us the best time for him to have the best experience possible, he is such an animal lover!!! Thank you!

I think at dusk might be best, we've only been a few times. Perhaps give their reservation department a call and see if they have any recommendations. - Jenn

Friday 8th of April 2022

Is the safari open in the rain and do the animals come out in the rain?

We believe the safari is open rain or shine unless weather conditions would make it dangerous to do so. - Jenn

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ABOUT DINOSAUR ADVENTURE

Experience the prehistoric age and encounter your favorite dinosaurs up close! Dinosaur Adventure is a one-of-a-kind exhibit featuring realistic, life-sized dinosaurs that come alive with their life-like movement and roars. As part of Dinosaur Adventure, children of all ages will enjoy a variety of activities: fossil searches, Jurassic jeeps or dino scooters, themed obstacle courses, riding their favorite dinosaur, and more! The whole family will also be amused by our live entertainment featuring a baby dinosaur meet & greet.

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What's new at Six Flags Great Adventure this year? A 'super boomerang coaster' and more

2 minute read.

Six Flags Great Adventure may open for the year on Saturday, March 16, but come July 1 there will be another cause for celebration: The date marks the anniversary of the theme park's 50th season.

Businessman Warner LeRoy brought Great Adventure to life in summer 1974, and some things have remained from its early days — like the iconic ice cream sundae-shaped Yum Yum Palace and a skyride that brings guests from one end of the park to the other.

But Great Adventure has grown to include more than a dozen zones, from Frontier Adventures and Plaza del Carnival to Movietown and Jr. Thrillseekers — and it's home to 14 roller coasters that attract riders from all over.

As the park begins its 50th season, there are a number of new attractions representing "our largest park investment in almost two decades, " Park President Brian Bacica said in a news release. Here's what to look forward to this year.

▶ As Six Flags Great Adventure turns 50, readers share their favorite memories

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

The Flash: Vertical Velocity

The Flash: Vertical Velocity roller coaster, "a super boomerang coaster," is scheduled to open this season. The coaster, which is the first of its kind in North America and the second in the world, "rushes forward and backward at nearly 60 miles per hour through a 180-degree twisted drop and zero-G roll," reads a news release from the park. "The train pauses, and then, just like The Flash, you change directions on a dime and rush backwards along the track."

An opening date has not been announced.

Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa

Opening Friday, June 14, Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa invites guests to sleep in one of 20 "glamping suites" designed to resemble authentic African lodges" in the middle of Six Flags Great Adventure's Wild Safari, park spokesperson Staci Wheeler said. "We will have a number of animals that freely roam around the enclosed campsite."

The resort, which will have a spa and fine-dining restaurant, costs around $600 per night and requires a two-night minimum stay. Breakfast and access to the theme park, safari and Hurricane Harbor water park are included.

Giant Wheel and Roaring Rapids

Two original rides are receiving upgrades. "The Big Wheel will be returning to its original namesake this year — Giant Wheel," Wheeler said. "It will be receiving upgrades including a repaint and new light package."

The Sawmill Log Flume also is being refurbished and will reopen this summer.

Also, "Congo Rapids" is returning to its original name, "Roaring Rapids."

Safari Off Road Adventure returns

The Safari Off Road Adventure returns following the 2023 closure of the Wild Safari Drive-Thru.

"Guests will once again be able to board our safari off-road vehicles with a driver and tour guide to experience the 350-acre Wild Safari," Wheeler said. "This attraction can be experienced from two locations. It is included with a theme park ticket, or guests can purchase a safari-only ticket to board from a new 'Base Camp' located at the entrance to the Wild Safari." 

Hurricane Harbor

Hurricane Harbor, which opens Saturday, May 18, will include a new family area called Splash Island. The feature will have a treehouse play structure and seven slides for young guests.

14 coasters (soon to be 15)

Six Flags Great Adventure has become a destination for those wanting to climb high and speed through the air on roller coasters. The Runaway Mine Train sends riders careening over a lake at 38 miles per hour, while the 3,000-foot-long Jersey Devil Coaster shoots riders to heights of 13 stories at speeds of up to 58 mph.

There are coasters based on DC Comics characters: Batman, The Ride anchors riders to the track from above, their feet dangling as they speed 50 mph; The Dark Knight is an indoor coaster where riders face six 180-degree turns, and a series of hair-raising ups and down from a height of 45 feet; The Joker is a free-fly coaster with no track above or below riders; Green Lantern is a stand-up coaster with a top speed of 64 mph; and Superman : Ultimate Flight launches roller coaster fans through the air face down and head first.

Kingda Ka shoots riders vertically at 90 degrees before sending them down a 270-degree spiral; Medusa sends them 146 feet into the air and clocks speeds of 61 mph; Nitro , at 233 feet tall, offers a quick glimpse of Philadelphia before a 215-foot drop; and Skull Mountain is an indoor coaster that rides in the dark.

Then there's El Toro, which frequently makes the list when people talk about the best coasters in the world. This wooden beast takes riders up 19 stories before dropping them 176 feet, all while traveling 70 mph.

There are junior coasters for young riders, too, like Harley Quinn Crazy Train and Lil’ Devil Coaster .

Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey in 2003 and has been writing all things food since 2014. Send restaurant tips to [email protected] ,   follow on Instagram  at Jersey Shore Eats   and  subscribe to our Jersey Shore Eats newsletter.

Dino Safari: A Walk-Thru Adventure — Review

T ravel back in time to walk among the dinosaurs at Dino Safari: A Walk-Thru Adventure ! This fun, family-friendly experience will let you get up-close and personal with your favorite dinosaurs. Learn more about the experience in this review of Dino Safari.

Grab your passport to Pangea and get ready to meet over 30 different species of dinosaurs !

A special thanks to Imagine Exhibitions for providing us with tickets to Dino Safari: A Walk-Thru Adventure in Atlanta! As always, all opinions are my own.

What is Dino Safari: A Walk-Thru Adventure?

This walk-through attraction was created by Atlanta -based Imagine Exhibitions (the same people who produced Harry Potter: The Exhibition ) in collaboration with Ph.D. Dinosaur Paleontologist Gregory M. Erickson .

The exhibit features realistic animatronic dinosaurs, scientific exploration, and fun interactive elements to immerse you in the prehistoric world of the dinosaur.

Ready to take a step back in time? Dino Safari: A Walk-Thru Adventure is currently showing in Las Vegas at the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino .

My Dino Safari: A Walk-Thru Adventure Review

The Dino Safari walk-thru experience begins with a passport to Pangea . We received this small passport booklet and a crayon. Inside the passport is a scavenger hunt of different dinosaurs, unique features, and plant life for us to find and check off as we walked through the exhibit.

You can also scan a QR code at the beginning of the experience to get access to an audio guide and music that will add to your safari experience. It’s not necessary to use the audio guide, but it’s great if you’ve got someone who wants to learn all the things about dinosaurs.

The journey through Pangea (the giant contiguous landmass that all the continents used to be a part of) is broken out into the continents we’re familiar with today. We learned about what each continent would have been like as part of Pangea and saw the dinosaurs that were native to that area.

We got to meet some of our favorite dinosaurs and even discovered a few we hadn’t even heard of.

And one of the best parts was that we got to take a picture with the T. Rex !

At the end of the experience was a “ fun zone ” where we got to do an interactive digital coloring game that brought our drawing to life, “feed” dinosaurs in a corn-hole-type game, play on an balancing course, race against a dinosaur, and put together a dinosaur puzzle.

The experience exits into the gift shop, naturally, where you can buy dinosaur toys, candy, clothes, and stuffed animals.

This is also where the Virtual Reality simulators were located, where you can go on additional adventures like flying through the mountains, a thrill ride in the city, and bungee jumping over a canyon. We did the bungee, roller coaster, and flying simulators, and they were okay. I’m not a huge fan of VR simulators because I get motion sick.

What Was Great About the Experience

The displays were great. I loved the animatronic dinosaurs and the traveling theme with the passport, vintage postcard displays, and grouping the dinosaurs by region.

The interactive elements were a nice touch. There was a dinosaur slide, a small tunnel to crawl through between two exhibits, a sandbox archaeological dig, and some small jungle balancing courses. Just a lot of little fun things for the kids.

The workers were all very nice and helped add to the safari experience. One even took a bunch of amazing pictures for us with the T. Rex!

What Was Not So Great

We were confused about the scale of the dinosaurs. I came into this thinking they were all mostly life-sized, then we started noticing that some of the small dinosaurs were displayed really big, including the smallest dinosaur that was scaled up to like 8 feet tall. And of course some of the large dinosaurs had to be scaled down.

Mostly I didn’t like that the small ones were suddenly larger-than-life; I’m used to dinosaurs being big, so I would have loved the comparison against the life-sized small dinosaurs.

Not a huge thing, but the Virtual Reality simulator wasn’t dinosaur-themed , just thrill- and adrenaline-themed. Maybe there was a dino-themed option, but we got put on bungee, trill ride, and flying simulators. So I just didn’t really see the point of a non-dinosaur VR add-on.

Dino Safari: A Walk-Thru Adventure Tickets & Info

Location: Dino Safari: A Walk-Thru Adventure is currently on display in Las Vegas at the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino .

The experience takes about 60-90 minutes to walk through. It is a free-flowing experience, so you can take your time going through at your leisure.

Admission: Tickets for Dino Safari cost $20 for children ages 4-12 and $23 for adults 13+. You can get a Group discount, or add-ons like a Dino Fun Package, a Photo Package, a VIP Mystery Bag, or a Family Pack.

A complimentary audio guide accessible on a smart phone is available with your ticket. There are QR codes for you to scan on site that will take you to the audio tour. Feel free to bring your headphones.

Hours: Dino Safari is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Your tickets are valid for entry at any time during operating hours on your selected date.

Non-flash photography is allowed and encouraged.

Dino Safari FAQ

What age is dino safari for.

I’d say Dino Safari is best for younger kids (especially those in their dinosaur era!). Adults can enjoy it, too, and the experience is appropriate for all ages. But elementary aged kids seem to enjoy it best.

How long is Dino Safari in Atlanta?

Dino Safari is no longer available in Atlanta. The experience is now located in Las Vegas at the Horseshoe Hotel & Casino.

How long do people spend at Dino Safari?

You can expect to spend 1 hour to 1.5 hours walking through Dino Safari.

Is the Dino Safari worth it?

If you have a kiddo who loves dinosaurs (or you’re a dino-lover yourself), the Dino Safari is absolutely worth it!

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• Las Vegas Helicopter Night Flight with Optional VIP Transportation

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

• Where We Stayed: Luxor Hotel & Casin o
• Top Hotel: Bellagio Hotel & Casino
• Great Value: Rio Hotel & Casino
• Unique Stay: The Lexi Las Vegas

Looking for more immersive experiences?

Do you just love visiting immersive experiences? Me too! Check out these immersive experience reviews:

• Jurassic World: The Exhibition — Review
• Art of the Brick Immersive Experience Review
• Stranger Things: The Experience Review
• Step Inside a Van Gogh Painting at This Immersive Experience in Atlanta
• Harry Potter: The Exhibition Review

Ready to visit Las Vegas, Nevada? Plan your trip with these tips.

• Book your flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner , my favorite flight search engine.
• Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Las Vegas using Booking.com.
• Get Packing: Make sure you’ve packed everything you need with my packing list resources .

Did you find this review of Dino Safari: A Walk-Thru Adventure helpful? Let me know in the comments!

The post Dino Safari: A Walk-Thru Adventure — Review appeared first on Paige Minds The Gap .