Zoos, wildlife parks and animal refugees across the country are offering visitors “safari-like” experiences this summer thanks to drive-thru options. Designed to allow families to enjoy the animals within the confines of their own vehicle, these adventures are a perfect option for some socially-distant fun. Read on for our 10 favorite drive-thru zoos and safaris in the United States. Before you go, check each website for specifics (some may require you to purchase tickets in advance and/or wear a mask if you exit your car).
1. Bearizona Wildlife Park, Williams, AZ
The drive-thru zoo at Bearizona is three miles long on a gravel trail and features some of North America’s most popular animals—think bison, black bears and wolves. The park recommends you visit in the early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active in the natural habitats ranging from pines to rocky outcropping. All vehicles must be enclosed (no Jeeps or convertibles).
Cost: $25, children (ages 4-12) $15; $120 max per carload.
Keep in mind: Weekdays (Monday to Thursday) are the least crowded days to visit.
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2. African Safari Wildlife Park, Port Clinton, OH
From emus and camels to while bison llamas, the drive-thru safari at the African Safari Wildlife Park is a unique experience. While the park is open year-round, warm-weather African species like giraffes and elands can only be viewed in the warmer months. Families can also feed the animals from the comfort of their own car with food provided by the zoo.
Cost: $124.95-$27.95, children (ages 3-6) $16.95-$18.95, 2 and under free
Keep in mind: Admission allows for families to drive-thru as many times as they like during open hours if visitor limits haven’t been reached. Allow a few hours for the experience!
3. Wildlife Safari, Winston, OR
Drive your own vehicle through the 600-acre Wildlife Safari to see a variety of animals from cheetahs and other carnivores to Watusi cattle and cranes. The tour features diverse wildlife found in the United States, Africa and Asia. Allow one hour (or so!) to complete the tour.
Cost: $21.95, children (ages 3-12) $15.95.
Keep in mind: Motorcycles and open-air vehicles are not allowed.
4. Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari, Ashland, NE
USA Today named Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park one of the top safari parks in the country—and for good reason! They offer seven habitat areas to view animals from your vehicle including Wolf Canyon, Eagle Aviary and Deer Woods. Designated pull-offs allow for longer viewing opportunities. No open-air vehicles are allowed or animal feeding.
Cost: $8, children (ages 3-11) $6, 2 and under free.
Keep in mind: Restrooms are open for one family at a time and hand sanitizer stations are available.
5. Lion Country Safari, Loxahatchee, FL
Lion Country Safari was the first drive-thru wildlife preserve in the United States and has been open since 1967. One of many drive-thru zoo options in Florida, Lion Country Safari is a 1.5-hour drive-thru safari tour featuring seven sections highlighting animals from around the world. The four-mile preserve features more than 1,000 animals including rhinos, chimpanzees, lions and water buffalo. Staff recommends visiting in the rain or during the morning hours for best viewing.
Cost: $19 per person, 2 and under free.
Keep in mind: There are limited restroom facilities available as well as limited food and beverage options.
6. Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ
Although the zoo fully reopened to the public in mid-June, the Phoenix Zoo has continued its “Cruize the Zoo” program for the first Thursday to Monday of the month through August. The tour drives you past the main areas of the zoo including the Africa Trail featuring rhinos and zebras, and the Tropics Trail where elephants and tigers roam. Tours occur in the morning hours when animals are most active, and the tour is highlighted with an audio component as well.
Cost: $65 per car ($50 for zoo members).
Keep in mind: Get tickets early! They can only accommodate 450 vehicles per day. Also, vehicles must be enclosed and you cannot feed the animals.
7. Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Commerce City, CO
Featuring more than 330 species of wildlife including bison, deer and bald eagles, the wildlife drive at Rocky Mountain Arsenal is 11 miles long. Once a chemical weapons manufacturing center, the 15,000-acre area is now home to native plants, animal sanctuaries and a nesting place for migratory birds. The tour takes about 45 minutes to an hour to drive, but many visitors choose to take their time and stay longer. Bring binoculars for the best distance viewing!
Cost: Free
Keep in mind: Sunrise and sunset are the best time for seeing animals, though restricted hours are currently in place as well as vehicle limits. No feeding of the animals is allowed.
8. Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure, Jackson, NJ
Located on a 350-acre preserve in New Jersey, the Six Flags Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure boasts 1,200 animals from six continents including elephants, rhinos, tigers, giraffes and lions. You can visit 11 different habitats—The Americas, Wild Plains, Kingsland, Baboon Village and more. Download the safari guide before you go!
Cost: $19.99 per person, 2 and under free.
Keep in mind: Plan your visit on a weekday for the best reservation availability.
9. Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari, Gentry, AR
The four-mile Wild Wilderness Safari takes you past more than 85 species of animals. Throughout the 400 acres, animal lovers can see wildebeest, black bears, llamas, buffalo, cougars and prairie dogs to name a few. The tour takes about an hour plus based on the number of visitors and how long you want to view the animals.
Cost: Adults $15, children (ages 3-12) $10, 2 and under free.
Keep in mind: You must stay in your car at all times; no animal feeding is allowed at this time.
10. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose, TX
There are over 1,100 animals including 50 or more native and non-native species that roam the 1,800-acre park at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. Wild turkeys, pot-bellied pigs, armadillos, wolves, cranes and cheetahs are just a few of the animals you can see on the driving tour. Animals may be fed wildlife center-provided pellets from the inside of cars. Note: it takes approximately two hours to drive through the area.
Cost: $24.95, children (ages 3-11) $19.95, 2 and under free.
Keep in mind: The Children’s Animal Center and indoor public restrooms are currently closed.
