safari car wagon zoo

Monday-Friday

Saturday-Sunday

Last tour one hour before closing time

865-919-5072

Please call if you need more information.

Buy tickets

Wagon rides are available by appointment only

Briarwood Ranch Safari Park features animals from around the world. On your scenic, four-mile safari through beautiful hills and pasture lands, you will experience animals from six continents.

Visit Today

Take plenty of time to study their behavior from the safety of your own car.

Be sure to bring your camera. You may want to ride on tractor pulled wagons or enjoy a lazy afternoon in our petting zoo.

See our gallery

See photos of some of the animals in the park.

Inside the gallery are some of the animals you will encounter when you visit the park.

The Park is OPEN 10AM-5PM Mon-Fri and 9AM-5PM Sat-Sun (Weather Permitting) Please call 865-919-5072 if you need more information.

Louisville Family Fun

Local events and things to do for families and kids around Louisville, Kentucky

Drive-Thru Safari near Louisville at Wilstem

Drive-thru safari near louisville at wilstem wildlife park.

Have a unique day at Wilstem on their new drive-thru animal adventure. 

Wilstem is great for animal encounters. Our writers have been there and loved interacting with giraffes and elephants. Wilstem is now offering drive-thru safari near Louisville because during this unique time, they have decided to innovate their offerings. Families love animal attractions and with a drive-thru option.

Or, you can go on one of their guided wagon (with other people) for an hour-long experience. Feed is included in the wagon pricing. 

For the self-guided rides through the drive-thru safari, 9:30am-4pm. It’s general admission so you can arrive anytime between those times. They are open mid-March through October. Seven days a week. They recommend that your secure tickets in advance (but remember, they are non-refundable).

What animals will you see? (not all guaranteed to be visible). For their most current list of species, click here . 

How much does it cost for this drive-thru safari near Louisville?  (all plus a $2 fee) Updated for 2024. 

Adults – $23.00 

Seniors (65+) – $19.00

Children (3-12) – $17.00

Ages 2 and under -FREE

​What about the wagon and bus rides? 

Adults – $37.00 

Seniors (65+) – $34.00

Children (3-12) – $31.00

We bet you have more questions. They have an FAQ page to answer some anticipated questions. Like….yes, restrooms are available and they are open in the rain. They have rules posted as well (you cannot bring a pet, you can’t feed the animals outside food, no smoking, drive slow, and more ). 

They note that access to the kangaroo and friends (Roos and Crews) barn is included . 

Think you will get hungry while there? Pack a picnic lunch or snacks. They have a picnic area that you will have access to while you are there. 

No motorcycles or open-top vehicles. No dogs. 

Looking for more summer fun? No worries, we have you covered! Click here.  

Virginia Safari Park – 180 Acre Drive-Thru Adventure

Cities, towns, and counties.

Martinsburg | Berkeley County

Jefferson County Almost Heaven

Charles Town | Jefferson County

Winchester | Frederick County

Clarke County

Town of Strasburg

Town of Edinburg

Shenandoah County

Town of New Marke t

Town of Front Royal | Warren County

Warren County

Page Valley

Town of Shenandoah

Harrisonburg | Rockingham County

Highland County

Bath County

Augusta County

Staunton | Augusta County

Waynesboro | Augusta County

Alleghany County

Lexington | Buena Vista | Rockbridge County

Bedford County

Nelson County

Meetings & Travel Trade

Deals & Specials

Film Industry

International Visitors

Newsletter Signup

Things to see & do.

Outdoor Recreation

Horseback Riding

Parks, Forests, Wilderness Areas

Attractions

Farms, Markets & Orchards

Caverns & Rock Formations

Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries

Scenic Drives

History & Museums

Performing Arts & Entertainment

Where to Stay

Hotels, motels, & conference centers, resorts, inns, vacation rentals, cabins, cottages, bed & breakfasts, pet friendly, campgrounds, rv parks, plan your visit.

I-81 Exit 180 or 180 B

Safari Village features 10 acres of walk-thru exhibits including Tiger Territory and cheetahs, Giraffe Feeding Station, petting area, Kangaroo Walk-About, free flight bird aviary, reptile house, monkeys & more!

Gift shop, picnic shelter, wheelchair accessible. Credit cards accepted. Adult, senior, child and group rates. Active military discount with ID. No pets allowed; non-smoking facility.

SAFARI DRIVE-THRU

Drive along 3 miles of road in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. With the Blue Ridge Mountains as your backdrop, animals of all sizes, shapes and colors approach your vehicle in search of a tasty bucket of feed!

• Llamas, camels, antelope, deer, bison, ostrich, elk, zebra and many more animals!

SAFARI VILLAGE WALK-THRU AREA & PETTING ZOO

Stroll along the pathways where you will find a wide variety of exhibits everyone can enjoy!

• Feed goats, potbelly-piglets and baby llamas in the petting area.
• Feed giraffes directly out of your hand!
• Enter select habitats for an interactive experience you will never forget!

540-291-3205

september, 2024

Charles Town | Jefferson County, WV

Charlottesville Albemarle Count

Charlottesville Albemarle County

Culpeper County

Front Royal | Warren County

Luray | Page County

Martinsburg | Berkeley County, WV

Page County

Roanoke | Salem | Roanoke Co.

Town of New Market

Winchester | Frederick County, VA

Packsaddle Ridge Golf Club

The Legacy Inn

Things to Do

Getting To the Valley – Train

Amtrak  – You can reach the Valley directly by train by traveling to the Amtrak station in Staunton, or indirectly by traveling to stations in short driving distance in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, the Washington, D.C. area, and in Harpers Ferry and Martinsburg, West Virginia.  Also see  Amtrak Virginia .

Getting To the Valley – Plane

Airports within the Shenandoah Valley

If you are travelling by air, you can skip the rental car and schedule a private car service with Shenandoah Shores Management Group (SSMG). Our experienced drivers will pick you up from the airport and drop you off at your destination. And they can safely drive you to any other locations in the area.

Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport  Weyer’s Cave, VA (SHD) Roanoke Regional Airport   Roanoke, VA (ROA)

Airports a short driving distance from the Shenandoah Valley Baltimore Washington International Airport  (take I-70 west to I-81, then go south) Ronald Reagan National Airport  (Arlington) (take US-50, Va-7, or I-66 west to the Valley) Washington Dulles Airport  (take US-50, Va-7, or I-66 west to the Valley) Richmond International Airport  (take I-64 west to the Valley) Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport  (take I-64 west to the Valley) Blue Ridge Regional Airport  (Martinsville, Virginia)

Getting To the Valley – Car

Interstate 81 is the main north-south route to and through the Shenandoah Valley.

From the Northeast take Interstate 76 or Interstate 78 west to Interstate 81 south.

From the Northwest take Interstate 76 east to Interstate 70. At Hagerstown, MD take Interstate 81 south into the Shenandoah Valley.

To reach the Valley from the east, the main highways are Interstate 66, which brings you directly from the Washington, D.C. area and connects with I-81 near Strasburg, VA.

Interstate 64, which brings you directly from Richmond and connects with I-81 near Staunton. From the west, I-64 is again the most direct route, coming from West Virginia and linking to I-81 near Lexington, VA.

Virginia's Only Drive-Thru Safari

Virginia safari park is home to king cheetah, africa's rarest cat, fun for the entire family, experience unique animal encounters, explore our 180-acre safari drive-thru, stroll through our 10-acre village walk-thru, extended summer hours are here plan your visit, attractions.

You can interact with our animals safely from your vehicle while exploring our drive-thru safari, on foot walking through our village walk-thru, or up close during a special, behind-the-scenes encounter with sloths, rhinos, or penguins.

Safari Drive-Thru

Village Walk-Thru

Animal Feeding

Animal Encounters

Important information.

The VIRGINIA SAFARI PARK, a 180-acre drive-through zoo located in Natural Bridge, VA, is NOT associated with the Natural Bridge Zoo, which is also located in Natural Bridge.

Unfortunately, with the recent legal issues and press coverage surrounding the Natural Bridge Zoo we have found it necessary to post this clarification. We have been contacted by many sources that have inadvertently confused the two zoos.

Our official website is www.virginiasafaripark.com. Please beware of copycat imitations. Again, the VIRGINIA SAFARI PARK is NOT associated with the Natural Bridge Zoo and never has been.

Thank you for your understanding.

Events & news, homeschool day.

October 4, 2024 9am to 5:30pm

Looking for an impactful way to supplement your homeschool curriculum?

Featured Animals

Get to know our resident animals. We spotlight a few featured animals and teach you about their eating habits, their status in the wild and statistics, like their average weight, height and more.

Giant Anteater

King Cheetah

The Virginia Safari Park is hands down one of the best zoo experiences I’ve ever had!,”

Jahmelia B.

Buy tickets

Conservation

Our Mission

Virginia Safari Park is dedicated to wildlife conservation. We serve this mission by educating our visitors, caring for our resident animals and supporting organizations. Learn more

Our Zoofari Parks Conservation Grants program helps fund wildlife and habitat programs in the U.S. and abroad. Learn about the latest recipients and how to apply for a grant. Learn more

Follow Us on Instagram

Supplement your homeschool curriculum at the Virginia Safari Park on October 4.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Additional menu

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

• Help Center
• Plan Your Visit
• Places to Stay
• Youth Programs
• Student & Youth Groups
• Events & Catering
• Live Cameras
• Our Mission

Get ready for an experience you’ll always remember!

Want to get up close and personal with your favorite wildlife, sit back and relax, or tackle a challenging adventure? Choose your safari!

Wildlife Safari

• Ages 3 & up
• $92 & up per person

Travel in the back of a covered, open-air safari truck into our expansive savanna habitats, with an expert guide.  

Behind-the-Scenes Safari

These Safaris are guaranteed to thrill and amaze! Your guide will escort you to a variety of locations around the Park to see animals up close and share stories of wildlife care and conservation.  

Cart Safaris

• $60 & up per person

Sit back in the comfort of a Safari cart, as you enjoy a 60-minute guided tour of the Park’s spacious African or Asian savanna habitats, led by one of our knowledgeable guides. 

Ultimate Safari

• $710 & up per person

Enjoy a custom safari experience of a lifetime! The Ultimate Safari is your key to exclusive areas, wildlife interactions, and the very best in personalized service.

Roar & Snore Safaris

• $160 & up per person

Pack up your “trunk” for a sleepover adventure at the Safari Park! Choose from several age-appropriate sleepover categories with their own themes.  

Wildlife Trek

• $29 & up per person

Walk through the Safari Park to see a variety of wildlife in this exciting walking tour!

Outfit Your Herd for Adventures

Come Travel with Us!

PREFERRED HOTELS

Picture Your Special Day at the Park!

Frequently Asked Questions .

Welcome to Wilstem Drive-Thru Safari Park!  While on your adventure you will get to see over 40 species of animals and animated dinosaurs....all from the comfort of your own vehicle!  

The best Wilstem experiences start by planning out your trip!  We highly recommend that you check out ALL we have to offer to create an once-in-a-lifetime, extraordinary experience!  See below for a list of common questions!

• Is there an admission fee at the safari gate? Yes, adults, children, and seniors are priced individually, and that price includes BOTH the Wildlife & Dinosaur Safaris! ​
• Do I need to be there right at 9:30 am? No, it is General Admission from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.
• Will I get to see the Giraffes and Elephants on the Drive Thru Safari? The Elephants MAY be visible depending on the time of day you participate in the drive thru. The Giraffes are visible in the Roos and Crew barn which is included with any safari purchase.
• What are the hours of operation? The drive-thru safari park is general admission from 9:30 am EST until 4 pm EST. Our office hours are 8 am- 5 pm EST daily, and the Roos & Crew building hours are 10 am- 5 pm EST.
• What days are you open? We are open 7 days a week, year-round!
• Do we need to make a reservation? Reservations are recommended for all animal experiences including the wagon safari rides. That is the only way to guarantee your spot. However, if we still have spots available, guests are welcome to be added on upon arrival. Tickets for the Wildlife & Dinosaur safari in your own vehicle can be purchased in advance or upon arrival.
• Can we get out of our vehicles to take photos? No, guests are not allowed to exit their vehicle during the drive thru experience.
• Are their restrooms and food available? Restrooms are available at our Basecamp building. We also have a Cafe open on weekends and Gift Shop stocked with all kinds of souvenirs open daily! We also offer a picnic area for those that would like to pack a picnic lunch, and are just 5 short miles from both French Lick and Paoli, Indiana where several restaurants are located.
• Is admission per vehicle or per person? Admission is per person, not per vehicle.
• What happens if it rains? We operate rain or shine, and the drive-thru park is always open!
• Do you have packaged pricing for multiple activities or animal encounters? We do offer an All-Access package that includes several of our animal encounters and the drive thru safari. For the elephant lovers, we offer a Rise & Shine Package as well that lasts a full 2 and a half hours. Otherwise, all activities and encounters are priced separately.
• Do you have a restaurant on the property? Yes, we have a small selection of food items open on weekends. We offer snacks and beverages daily!
• Does the Wagon Safari go through the Dinosaur Safari? No, the wagon safari rides do not go through the dinosaur safari. However, as part of your wagon safari tickets you are permitted to drive back through the wildlife and dinosaur safari in your own vehicle!

Need Help .

4229 US-150 W, Paoli, IN 47454

[email protected]     //  812-936-4484

Explore Our 350 Acre Safari Drive-Thru

Experience animals up close, we are open daily, drive-thru adventure, unforgettable adventures await at the alabama safari park. learn more, attractions.

Interact with our animals safely from your vehicle while exploring our 350-acre drive-thru safari, on foot walking through our village walk-about, up close when feeding the giraffes on the giraffe tower, or during a special, behind-the-scenes encounter.

Safari Drive-Thru

Village Walk-About

Animal Feeding

Giraffe Tower

Featured animals.

Meet our residents and learn about our featured animals’ diet, where they live in the wild and other facts about them.

Events & News

Spooky safari.

October 19, 2024 9am to 5pm

Trick or Treat with the animals!

Designed for a younger audience, families can enjoy a day of fun for children and the young at heart.

“One of the coolest and wonderful experiences we’ve had. We made memories we will have for a lifetime.”

- Shannon C.

Buy tickets

Conservation

Our Mission

Alabama Safari Park is devoted to wildlife conservation. We fulfill this mission by educating our visitors, caring for our resident animals and supporting conservation organizations. Learn more

Our Zoofari Parks Conservation Grants program helps fund wildlife and habitat programs in the U.S. and abroad. Learn about the latest recipients and how to apply for a grant. Learn more

Follow us on Instagram

Spooky Safari Begins October 19

Now two weekends of family fun!

New Scenic Safari By Car At Toronto Zoo

By family fun toronto | july 22, 2020.

The Toronto Zoo has a new way for you to view your favourite animals in their habitats! Head on a 90-minute Scenic Safari by car while listening to the guided tour commentary on their podcast channel. You will be travelling on staff-only roads, never before opened to the public. Scenic Safaris are available by ticket on Monday’s, when the Zoo is closed to walking traffic. You can get all the details on the Toronto Zoo website, along with the route map and ticket information.

Toronto Zoo Scenic Safari:

Website : torontozoo.com

Looking for more information on what is reopening in Toronto and surrounding areas? Find regular updates, articles and information  here!

Categories: Past Events Tags: Toronto Zoo

Family Fun Toronto

Next Post »

Calendar of Events

Sign up for email updates.

Don't miss out on the fun!

About Family Fun Toronto

Family Fun Toronto is a complete resource of events and activities for your family to enjoy in Toronto and surrounding areas!

Disclaimer:  While we endeavour to provide the best, most up-to-date information on fun events and activities in and around Toronto, we cannot guarantee the information on times, dates, admission, etc. These things out of our control, and we encourage you to call the facility before you head out on your fun activities!

Popular Posts

• Riverdale Farm: Boo at the Barn
• Bala Cranberry Festival
• BooFest is a Haunting Adventure in Vaughan!
• Privacy Policy
• Submit Event

• Arts and Crafts
• Cheapies & Freebies
• Community Sales
• Concerts & Shows
• Food & Drink
• Valentine’s Day
• Mother’s Day
• Father’s Day
• Thanksgiving
• Remembrance Day
• March Break
• Special Events
• Sporting Events
• Teens & Tweens
• Birthday Parties
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Downhill Skiing
• Farmer’s Markets
• Indoor Play Places
• Indoor Pools
• Major Attractions
• Outdoor Pools
• Outdoor Skating Rinks
• Parks & Pathways
• Preschool & Childcare
• Recreation Centres
• Rock Climbing
• Skateboard Parks
• Spray Parks
• Tobogganing
• Summer Camps
• Travel Blog

Here are all the details on the Toronto Zoo's new drive-thru Scenic Safari

Latest Videos

The Toronto Zoo is switching things up amid the pandemic and letting visitors drive through the park and check out the animals from their cars.

The plan for a drive-thru model  was announced last week and will begin this weekend. So far here's what you can expect.

The new  Toronto Zoo Scenic Safari will begin at the parking lot and use staff-only roads that weave throughout the park and even into the lion cave.

The route weaves throughout the exterior portions of the park. Indoor pavilions will remain closed to the public until further notice. Image courtesy of the Toronto Zoo.

You'll need your own vehicle for the tour and dimensions must not exceed 7 feet high or 9 feet wide.

At no point will you be allowed to leave your car throughout the 45 minute tour. Washrooms are available for use prior to the start of the safari.

When in you vehicle, you can tune into the  Wild For Life podcast available on Apple, Spotify or Google that acts as guide throughout the tour.

The Toronto Zoo Scenic Safari opens on May 23.  Tickets are available starting Friday at $44 non-member/$32 members for cars with 2 or less occupants and $59 non-member/$47 members for car with 3 or more occupants.

The Toronto Zoo

Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Toronto neighbourhood fighting bike lanes that replaced their parking spots

Court awards Ontario residents over $500k due to nightmare neighbour

Toronto Uber driver dashes from car to chase cyclist as confused passengers record

TTC will shut down a 7km stretch of subway from Friday to Monday

TTC decides against getting rid of free Wi-Fi at stations after backlash

Highway 401 might get 'one of world's longest tunnels' for new expressway

Three Ontario locations named among best places to live in Canada

2.5 km domino trail topples through Toronto and here's what it looked like

Wilstem Wildlife Park Drive Thru Safari in Indiana

If you enjoy up-close experiences with animals, then put Wilstem Drive Thru Wildlife Park on your must-do list. We visited last week, and our ride through this wildlife park in southern Indiana was nothing short of amazing!

Where is Wilstem Wildlife Park?

Wilstem Wildlife Park (aka Wilstem Ranch) is located in Paoli, Indiana , which is about 2 hours south of Indianapolis. We have visited Wilstem in the past for their giraffe and elephant encounters, and we were blown away by those experiences. In the summer of 2020, Wilstem announced the opening of their new drive thru safari, so we knew we needed to head south ASAP.

What animals do you see on the drive thru safari?

You can see up to 30 different species of animals on the drive thru safari. Obviously, just like when on a real safari or visiting a zoo, you may not see all of the animals. Factors like time of day, weather, and roaming patterns may affect who you see. On our safari, we saw, fed, and/or interacted (like they stuck their heads in our windows!) with the following animals:

• Texas Longhorns
• Aoudads (African sheep)
• Fallow Deer
• Alpacas or Llamas (I don’t know the difference. Maybe both?)

At Wilstem, there are basically 3 sections to the current drive thru experience:

• In the first section, you can feed any of the animals that you see. We fed longhorns, emus, donkeys, and alpacas/llamas. 
• In the second section, you roll your windows up and cruise through the bison area. 
• In the third section, the animals are inside pens right next to the road. Here, you drive by the zebras (can’t feed those guys or they’ll eat your hand off), camels (they love carrots), and goats. 

What is the cost?

We opted to purchase the self-guided drive thru tickets and take our own vehicle through the park. These are general admission tickets that you can use any time from 9:00am EST until 4:00pm EST on the day you choose. The self guided non-refundable drive thru tickets can be purchased online . Currently, the prices are:

• $15 per adult +$2 processing fee
• $13 per senior adult (65+) +$2 processing fee
• $10 per child (3-12) +$2 processing fee
• Free for 2 and under

  If you don’t feel comfortable driving your own car through the safari, you can purchase guided wagon or safari bus tickets for a specific time and day. These non-refundable tickets can be purchased online . Currently, the prices for these tickets are:

• $25 per adult +$2 processing fee
• $23 per senior adult (65+) +$2 processing fee
• $20 per child (3-12) +$2 processing fee

What else is included in the ticket price?

Your family will be given animal food prior to entering the park.The food is included with the ticket price. Also, if you  want, you can visit the Roos and Crews Encounter to see even more animals! Inside the Roos and Crews barn, you’ll find:

• African Gray Parrots
• Ring Tail Lemurs
• Japanese Silkie Chickens

Can we feed the animals?

Yes! When you get to the gate, you will be given animal food and an explanation of who you can feed. You cannot feed the animals any outside food.

Can we maintain social distance during this experience?

Yes! If you purchase online tickets for the drive thru safari and take your own car through the park, then the only person you will encounter will be the “ticket taker” at the entrance booth. That person will also give you the animal feed. 

If you decide to go inside the Roos and Crews barn, depending on how busy they are, you might have some trouble maintaining social distance. However, when we visited on a Monday in early July of 2020, all workers were wearing masks and most guests were as well. We had no problem maintaining distance between us and other guests inside the barn. There were also hand washing and sanitizing stations available. 

What else can we do at Wilstem Wildlife Park?

There is so much to do here. As I mentioned, we have experienced and LOVED the elephant and giraffe encounters, and we hope to go back soon to see the grizzlies. They even have special VIP encounters, including a “ Spa Encounter ” with the elephants where you can give them a bath! How fun does that sound?! Here’s all that’s available at Wilstem Ranch:

• Grizzly Bear Encounters
• Giraffe Encounters
• Elephant Encounters
• Sloth Educational Encounters
• Roos and Crews Barn
• Horseback Riding
• Rental Cabins

Do they have any human food?

Wilstem does sell a few snacks and drinks in their gift shop. They also have a picnic area that you can use if you bring your own lunch. You’ll also be close to Paoli and French Lick, so you can drive into one of those towns for food.  

I cannot stress enough how much fun we had on our drive thru safari at Wilstem Wildlife Park. We all laughed and smiled the whole time. We cannot wait to go do it again! 

Adventure Mom

Trending now.

• THREE Ingredient Bread: Easy and Delicious! September 4, 2019
• Wilstem Wildlife Park Drive Thru Safari in Indiana July 13, 2020
• The Ark Encounter Near Cincinnati January 23, 2020

Recently Posted

Carmel Christkindlmarkt: Unique German Christmas Market Near Indy

Indianapolis Ice Skating Birthday Party at Perry Park

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• 12 Days of Christmas
• Giving Back

© 2024 Circle City Adventure Kids.

• Book Wagons
• Field Trip or Camps
• Annual Pass
• Electronic Gift Card
• Events/Specials

Plan Your Visit

• ELECTRONIC GIFT CARDS
• ANNUAL PASS
• SAFARI PARK
• Events and Specials
• SCHOOL FIELD TRIP
• BIRTHDAY PARTY
• PRIVATE TOURS
• ANIMALS FOR HIRE

PRIVACY POLICY

Drive-Thru Safari

Hours of operation, get directions, animal fact sheet, eudora farms map.

Drive Thru Safari

Eudora Wildlife Safari Park, home to over 300 exotic animals, is located in Salley, South Carolina.  Eudora Wildlife Safari Park allows you and your family to drive through the safari and see animals you normally don’t see every day.  All of the animals that live at Eudora Wildlife Safari have their most recent vaccines, and we are USDA inspected and approved.  Our 3 mile drive-thru safari park is the perfect experience that builds memories to last a lifetime.  We also allow you to hire our animals for birthdays and other special occasions.  As you drive thru the park, make sure to take a lot of pictures and share them to Facebook.  And if you see Mark, be sure to say “Hello!”.

• Things to Do
• Park Hours & Directions
• Tickets and Passes

Animal Encounters

• FAQs & Animal Gallery
• Special Events
• Zootube & Conservation
• Park Information
• Wild Animal Safari – Pine Mountain, Georgia
• Wild Animal Safari – Strafford/Springfield, Missouri
• Aggieland Safari, Bryan-College Station, Texas
• Investor Relations
• About Us & Employment

Family-Friendly Animal Park in Pine Mountain, GA

Experience the thrill of meeting nature’s animal friends. Wild Animal Safari ® is your destination for breathtaking adventures. Bring the family to our drive-thru animal park in Pine Mountain, GA. You’ve never been this up close and personal to nature.

• Plan Your Visit

Ticket and Passes

Zootube/conservation, many ways to explore.

Drive-thru tours let you meet some of the world’s wildlife. Join the fun and see some of your favorite animals as you’ve never seen them before. Our park offers many ways to discover the beauty of nature. There are three ways to explore Wild Animal Safari ® :

Drive-Thru Safari

Travel down our 3.5-mile trail and see many different animals along the way. Some of them may even get close to meet you and your family! Choose from the comfort of your vehicle, our safari rental vehicles, or a bus with a guide for you and your group to experience the thrill of the safari.

Walkabout Adventure Zoo™

The Walkabout Adventure Zoo™ allows you to meet the animals in a zoo-like setting. Stretch your legs and make friends with our resident Bengal tigers, African lions, peacocks, exotic birds, lemurs, monkeys, and much more.

Visit our ticketing page to reserve your spot for one of our animal safari tours . We are open throughout the year and are located in Pine Mountain, GA.

Wild Animal Safari Newsletter

Have you herd? Don't miss out on any Wild Animal Safari news. Join our pack by signing up for our newsletter and get tips on the latest promotions, animal news and more!

Pine Mountain Safari

• Home & About Us
• Drive-through Gallery
• Walkabout Gallery

Springfield Safari

• Ticket and Pricing

Aggieland Safari

GA (706) 663-8744 1300 Oak Grove Rd Pine Mountain, GA 31822 [email protected]

MO (417) 859-5300 124 Jungle Rd Strafford, MO 65757 [email protected]

TX (979) 599-5440 18075 FM 974 Bryan, TX 77808 [email protected]

© 2024 Wild Animal Safari .

All rights reserved.

Update: Please note the Scenic Safari Drive-Thru is no longer operating.

TORONTO ZOO SCENIC SAFARI DRIVE-THRU NOW OPEN!

TORONTO, ON, Saturday, May 23, 2020: Today, the Toronto Zoo officially opened to public the new Scenic Drive-Thru experience. With a sell-out crowd of over 700 cars expected on its first day of full operations, a number of VIPs were on hand to officially open and welcome the eager Zoo guests. Mayor John Tory, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Dolf DeJong, Chief Executive Office of the Toronto Zoo, and other local dignitaries and member of parliament were on hand to open the drive-thru and welcome guests at the Zoo’s front entrance.

“It was an exciting day today at the Toronto Zoo as we officially opened up the drive-thru to residents who are eager to see the animals that call the Toronto Zoo home. This new Scenic Drive-Thru will allow our residents to once again experience the beloved zoo safely. As we transition into rebuilding post-pandemic, we will need to find innovative and unique ways to open back up attractions in our city while following public health guidelines” said Mayor John Tory.

Present at the launch were: Mayor John Tory, The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Dolf DeJong, Chief Executive Officer Toronto Zoo, Gary Anandasangaree, Member of Parliament for Scarborough – Rouge Park, Vijay Thanigasalam, MPP for Scarborough-Rouge Park, Christina Mitas, MPP for Scarborough Centre, Councillors Paul Ainslie, Ward 24 Scarborough-Guildwood and Chair, Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo, Jennifer McKelvie, Ward 25 Scarborough-Rouge Park, Cynthia Lai, Ward 23 Scarborough North and Gary Crawford, Ward 20 Scarborough Southwest.

“We are so excited to officially open this new experience to our guests. We have truly missed welcoming people to our Toronto Zoo and this is a new and innovative way for our guests to enjoy the Zoo in the safety of their own vehicles,” said Dolf DeJong, Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Zoo. “I want to personally thank all the Toronto Zoo staff for creating this experience and to our key stakeholders including the Province of Ontario, City of Toronto, Toronto Public Health and Toronto Emergency Services for their ongoing support of this new program.”

Click above for video footage showing our Scenic Safari Drive-Thru!

The new Scenic Safari driving route will allow guests to see the Zoo’s animals from the comfort and safety of their own vehicle along a 3.4 kilometres route which takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Guests will drive through areas of the Zoo including: Indo-Malaya, African Savanna, Americas and Eurasia. Guests will drive their personal vehicles through the Zoo’s Main Entrance and exit will be on Old Finch Avenue via a service gate at the Zoo’s Administration Building. This experience will have minimal to no contact between guests and Zoo staff/animals. This proposed route will allow Zoo guests to have a unique animal viewing experience complemented by pre-recorded audio with educational content to guide them through the experience. The audio can be downloaded in advance of guests’ arrival in the form of a podcast. There will be additional signage along the route to guide the guests through the experience as well.

Check out http://www.torontozoo.com/scenicsafari/ for details.

Guests must pre-purchase their tickets by booking their drive-thru time online at torontozoo.com.

Tickets are currently SOLD OUT . New dates/tickets will be available soon, watch torontozoo.com for updates and ticket information.

What guests need to know:

• BYOC (Bring your own car) Vehicle dimensions must not exceed 7ft. high or 9ft. wide
• Only travel with household members. Staying in a car with non-household members is not recommended as that would be considered close contact and do not go if you have symptoms or are self-isolating
• Safari patrons will not be allowed to leave their car at any point once they start the Scenic Safari route
• Washrooms will only be available prior to the safari in the Zoo’s main parking lot

PLUS, listen to a guided audio tour during your Scenic Safari through our Wild For Life podcast!

Car with 2 or less occupants* $44 Non-Member, $32 Member

Car with 3 or more occupants* $59 Non-Member, $47 Member