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These Are the Best Drive-Thru Safaris in Texas

By Catherine Wendlandt March 21, 2022

Image: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Remember going to the zoo as a kid , 

wandering past exotic creatures that you’d only ever seen in movies like The Lion King ? All the magic and joy in the air, as you stand just outside enclosures of zebras, monkeys, and wildebeest, peering inside, ice cream cone in hand?  Well, at our state’s many drive-through safaris, the roles are reversed. Animals peer in to your vehicle as you hold in hand food meant for them alone to eat.

At these safaris, you can learn about animals from all over the world as they roam freely like they would in the wild—but, you know, all from the comfort of your own car and only a couple hours from home.

Here are seven drive-thru safaris worth a road trip from Houston.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Franklin Drive Thru Safari (@franklinsafari)

Franklin Drive Thru Safari

Franklin | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | $20; Kids 2 and under free

Drive time from Houston: 2 hours

This 100-acre park is home to 500-plus animals. Watch for more than 50 different animal species on the mile-long drive. There’s also a 10-acre walking section where you might spot kangaroos, anteaters  camels, or Natalia, a baby giraffe. Get a feed bucket for $5, or make friends with the monkeys with a $2 cup of peanuts. You can go on a private tour of the park, but manager Amber Clay says most people’s favorite part is the Baby Room, where guests can play with some of the park’s exotic babies, such as lemurs and coatimundi, for an extra $20.  

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Brian Stephens (@grapelandsafarionline)

Grapeland Safari

13440 Us Highway 287 N, Grapeland | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | $15.95; kids 1 and under free Drive time from Houston: 2 hours Nona Herring has been in the drive-thru safari business since the 1980s, when her family used to own a safari park outside of Tyler. Since 2005, she’s run the 59-acre Grapeland Safari, halfway between Crockett and Palestine. Bring your binoculars, get a cup of feed (free with admission), and try to identify the 38 species in the park and petting zoo: zebras, emus, axis deer and yaks among them. You can also bring your grill and have a cookout in the safari’s picnic area.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by The Exotic Resort Zoo, Inc. (@exoticresortzoo)

Exotic Resort Zoo

235 Zoo Trail, Johnson City | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m | $17.95; $14.95 for kids Drive time from Houston: 3.5 hours Cars aren’t allowed to drive through this 127-acre ranch, but take a tour on one of its five trams to learn about the 500 animals and 40 species here—blackbucks, ostriches and Gomar, the kissing camel. The animals are friendly, especially when you’re armed with a $6 feed bucket (not included in the price of your ticket) . Owner Marilyn Bacque says that at any given time there could be 30 to 40 animals surrounding the tram, “begging for tidbits.” After your tour, check out the park’s two petting zoos, or stay the night in one of the ranch’s eight cabins and enjoy evening campfires and the catch-and-release fishing pond.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (@fossilrim)

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

  2299 County Road 2008, Glen Rose | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | $24.95 per person; $19.95 for kids;  2 and under are free Drive time from Houston: 4 hours  This 1,800-acre ranch is an oasis for 1,100 animals from almost 50 different species, but it also happens to have the largest cheetah breeding facility in the world, raising 18 to 20 cubs each year. It takes a couple hours to drive through the park, but there’s so much more on offer here, including 14 different tours (a bike tour and a Murder Mystery tour), photo workshops, tasty burgers at the Overlook Café, and even cool accommodations like the lodge, cabins, and bunkhouses. While Fossil Rim offers an almost unending list of educational activities for its guests, the center’s main focus is on conservation of species in peril. They’ve even reintroduced species back into the wild, like the scimitar-horned oryx in Chad in 2016. 

The price is $24.95 per person for a one hour, self-guided drive-thru experience. One cup of animal feed is included with the ticket. The price for a Public Guided Tour on one of Fossil Rim's touring vehicles is $39.95 per person for guests age three and older. Each person will get one cup of animal feed. Note: Due to the pandemic, all tickets must be booked online prior to your visit. Please check the website for any updates before your visit.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Cherokee Trace (@cherokeetrace)

Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari

  1200 CR 4405, Jacksonville | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | $18.95; $13.95 kids; 2 and under free Drive time from Houston: 3 hours On your drive through Cherokee Trace’s 5-mile trail, be on the lookout for Minnie the Yak and protect your feedbags from a camel named Rupert, a “professional thief” who will stick his head into your car and gobble the whole bag down. With 700 animals, 35 species, and 300 acres, it takes about two hours to go through the whole thing, but your feedbag is free, so go ahead and make friends with the bison, alpacas, zebras, capybaras and more. Cherokee Trace even has six alligators, which live in their own fenced-off enclosure and, yes, you can feed them.  Hours change depending on the time of year, so be sure to check the website before you go.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (@naturalbridge.wildliferanch)

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | $28.99; $19.99 kids; 2 and under free Drive time from Houston: 3 hours Life at Natural Bridge is a moving picture, says wildlife specialist Tiffany Soechting, with 500 animals and 40 species roaming freely throughout the 450-acre ranch.  It takes about 1.5 hours to drive through the conservation-minded ranch (you can drive-through again for free too), and about half of the species here are endangered, including a herd of scimitar-horned oryx, the gibbons and reticulated giraffes. In 2017, its staff went on a multi-national research expedition to South Africa to learn more about giraffe breeding in the wild, and are working to produce more outreach programs here in the U.S. Don’t forget to check out the petting barnyard and the great burgers and queso at the Safari Camp Grill. Hours change depending on time of year, so be sure to check the website before you go.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Blue Hills Ranch (@bluehillsranch)

Animal Encounters at Blue Hills Ranch

2032 Blue Cut Rd N., McGregor | By appointment only | $60 per person Drive time from Houston: 3 hours Boasting 150 acres of bluebonnet hills, and just 15 minutes outside of Waco, is Blue Hills Ranch and Giraffe Sanctuary. Not only is this place the perfect destination for animal-lovers, but it’s also a prime location for a dream wedding surrounded by four-legged friends. Choose to stay overnight at the RV park, or rent an animal or pirate-themed cabin for the whole family to enjoy a weekend getaway. On the private tour called Animal Encounters , you’ll meet giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, otters, mini cows, and can even bottle feed the baby animals. Please note that tours are by appointment only and are booked up to 60 days out. If you’re just coming to take pictures, you will still be charged full price. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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CHOOSE YOUR SAFARI

Guided Tour

Join one of our Safari Tour Guides for a guided tour through the safari and meet animals from around the world. Learn unique facts and hear personal stories from your Tour Guide.

Private Guided Tour

This private guided tour offers a unique experience. Exclusive to your family and friends, your guide will take your group on a journey to learn more about the over 500 animals that roam this Texas ranch land.  Enhance your tour with the GIRAFFE, the RHINO — or BOTH -- experiences. 

Self-Guided Tour

Take your own vehicle on a driving safari through our 500-acre wildlife park. See and feed over 500 animals from 40 different species at your own pace. 

Giraffe Private VIP Experience

This tour is the Private VIP Tour with the addition of the Giraffe Experience.  You will get the opportunity to get an up-close experience with the giraffes and learn more about the three herds at NBWR along with our conservation efforts and partnerships for the dwindling populations in the wild.  

Rhino Private VIP Experience

This tour is the Private VIP Tour with the addition of the Rhino Experience.  A bonus to the already awesome experience of getting an up-close, personal experience with these gentle giants is also meeting big, baby Truda! She has learned to push her way in to get shared attention from visitors that come for this amazing opportunity.  This is another species that is in need of conservation efforts and our guides appreciate the opportunity to share that with visitors as well.

Group Adventures

In the comfort of your own caravan or bus, witness animals from around the world, visit giraffes, meet a troop of ring-tailed lemurs, enjoy lunch, and shop.

Educational Adventures

Take your class on a real safari where there's a learning adventure around every corner. Students will love being close to animals wilder than they are!

ADD AN EXCURSION

Prehistoric Experience

Walk amongst dozens of dinosaurs that move, breathe, and can't wait for you to maybe get a little too close. This excursion is sure to be memorable!

Aviary Experience

The only thing better than seeing our birds is feeding them! Come inside with food on popsicle sticks that dozens of budgies look forward to enjoying.

Conservation

The conservation of animals and ranchland is of utmost importance to us at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. We actively collaborate with organizations worldwide to promote a sustainable future for both animals and the land they inhabit.

Wild About Education

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is the perfect place to go on safari. But it's also a place to learn about the wonderful, wild world of animals.  Click on the articles below or on "Read More" to learn something you didn't already know! 

Wild Nature Institute for Education

Teacher's Prompt: Conservation

Horns & Antlers

Safari Drive-Thru

The Texas Zoofari Park, located in Kaufman, offers visitors the opportunity to see and feed animals up close to their vehicles in the safari drive-thru attraction.

Texas Zoofari Park is fun for the entire family!

In the Safari, you'll see animals run and frolic with abandon on our expansive property. Take your time as you drive along the four miles of maintained gravel road. Feed the animals through your vehicle windows, and be prepared to stop for them as they stroll across your path or even lie down.

Our animals are allowed to roam freely and act instinctively. This means you might see males competing with each other for the females’ attention, resulting in cute baby animals being born throughout the season. You could be among the lucky visitors who witness a live birth and the first steps of the newborn.

Feed the Animals

As you make your way along the safari drive, stop every once in a while to feed the animals our specialty grain mixture.

You’ll never forget the experience of one of our watusi or zebras eating from your bucket of feed. Drive through as many times as you like to give everyone in your group a chance to have a memorable encounter like this.

Safari Village Walk-Thru

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Animal Feeding

Village Walk-Thru

The Absolute Best Drive Thru Safari in Houston [Updated 2024]

After researching and visiting seven different drive thru safaris, I'm excited to share my experience with you. Thanks to great research and a lot of trial-and-error (I'm talking about those long lines at the entrance!), I've compiled a list that should make your search for the best drive thru safari in Houston much easier.

From interactive experiences to amazing animal shows, I'll tell you all about which drive thru safari is worth your time and money. So grab a snack and get ready for an exciting journey as we take you through some of the best drive thru safaris in Houston!

Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve

The drive thru safari offers a truly unique experience! Not only do you have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the most stunning wildlife from around the globe, but you can also learn about conservation and animal behavior during your visit.

I especially loved the interactive activities available. You can feed animals such as giraffes, zebras, and camels while also taking in educational lectures or workshops on topics such as animal behavior or conservation efforts.

The overall atmosphere of Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve is peaceful and calming - perfect for any animal-lover. Everywhere you look, there are lush trees, vibrant plants, and a wide variety of animals that make an amazing backdrop for a stress-free day out with family or friends.

The staff members are kind and knowledgeable - they answered all my questions and made sure that I had a safe and enjoyable visit. It's clear that they not only love animals, but understand them too!

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve - it's definitely one of the best drive thru safaris in Houston !

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Journey To Africa Safaris - Planning life-changing luxury Safaris to Eastern and Southern Africa

From the moment I stepped into the safari grounds, I knew I had made the right choice in choosing Journey To Africa Safaris. The animals have a lot of space to roam, are well cared for and protected, and looked happy and content.

The guides at the safari were professional and friendly, going out of their way to accommodate us with anything we wanted. They were knowledgeable about all the animals, even guiding us to places that offer up-close looks of certain animals that can be hard to spot elsewhere.

I also felt secure in knowing that my safety was taken care of when on the safari grounds. All vehicles entering and leaving the area are registered and there are strict rules about not disturbing or feeding any of the wildlife.

Overall, this is the best drive thru safari in Houston from my experience! I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-notch Safari experience!

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Grapeland Safari

I had a great experience at Grapeland Safari. From my first contact with the friendly staff to the wide selection of animals, I felt like I was in for an incredible journey.

The safari itself was amazing. My guide took us through the park, pointing out all the different animals along the way and talking about their various habitats and diet. We even got to feed some of them! Plus, they had different activities and animal shows that made it even more exciting.

My favorite part of Grapeland Safari has to be their safety measures. They take your safety seriously and ensure that everyone is secure during their visits.

Overall, I'd highly recommend Grapeland Safari as one of the best drive thru safaris in Houston . The combination of fantastic animals, knowledgeable tour guides, and secure environment make this a must-visit attraction in Houston!

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Aggieland Wild Animal Safari

The experience begins as you pull up to the entrance and the staff greets you with a warm welcome. You are then handed a map of the park and given a brief introduction to the safari. This was a great way to get familiar with the terrain and understand exactly where we were going.

Once inside, I couldn't believe my eyes! The safari was filled with hundreds of animals, ranging from common wildlife like deer, geese, and ducks to more exotic species like zebra, antelope, and giraffes. The level of care that goes into the animals was immediately evident—the enclosures were incredibly clean and well-maintained.

The staff at Aggieland Wild Animal Safari were helpful in explaining all of the safety protocols they followed while driving through. We had plenty of room to take pictures out of our vehicles windows, but were also ensured that we could still safely continue our journey with no risk of harm to ourselves or any other guests.

The entire experience was simply magical! From start to finish it was an amazing adventure full of fun memories, lasting sights and sounds, and unforgettable moments spent in nature's company. In my opinion, Aggieland Wild Animal Safari is without a doubt the best drive thru safari in Houston .

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Safari Restaurant

My experience with the restaurant was great. From the moment I pulled up, I felt like a VIP. They had a friendly staff who were eager to help me through the drive thru and get my order quickly. The restaurant itself had a warm and inviting atmosphere, with plenty of seating and decorations that made it feel very welcoming.

The food was delicious! Everything was prepared fresh, cooked to perfection and beautifully presented. The portions were generous too, so you definitely won't leave feeling hungry! I had the fish platter which included grilled vegetables, fries and coleslaw - an amazing mix of flavors!

Overall I would definitely recommend Safari Restaurant for anyone looking for a great drive thru safari experience in Houston. It's one of the best around and has something for everyone - from tasty dishes to friendly service - making it the perfect choice for a quick but delicious meal. #BestDriveThruSafariInHouston

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Angel Pines Ranch

I recently visited Angel Pines Ranch and had an amazing time. The drive thru safari was an incredible experience for me and my family! We came face to face with a variety of animals such as zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and more. On top of that, the animal feeding experience was outstanding - we were able to feed them from our vehicle window!

The staff at Angel Pines Ranch were also incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. They answered all of our questions with enthusiasm and made us feel right at home.

The ranch is also reasonably priced and offers great value for money. I would highly recommend Angel Pines Ranch for anyone looking for a fantastic drive thru safari experience in Houston! It's definitely one of the best ones around!

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Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari

At Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari, you can experience a world of exotic animals - including giraffes, zebras, goats and more - all while never leaving your car! The staff were incredibly friendly, always available to answer questions and make sure we had a great experience.

The safari itself is expansive yet easy to navigate; the roads are wide enough to fit trucks and RVs through and the many stops along the way provide ample opportunity for photos and exploration. The animals were not afraid of us at all, which made it particularly enjoyable since we could get up close with them as they roamed around. It was fascinating to watch them in their natural environment, interacting with each other and enjoying their freedom.

Overall, I would highly recommend Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari as the best drive thru safari in Houston . It's one of those rare experiences that make you appreciate nature even more and leaves you feeling like you have truly seen something incredible!

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This Open-Range Safari in Alvin is Home to Kangaroos, Zebras, Camels, and More

Posted by HOTC Contributor | Aug 28, 2020 | Museums & Attractions | 0

Just 30 minutes south of Houston, tucked behind some trees off a busy road, an 80-acre African-style safari thrives with over 500 exotic animals from nearly 20 different countries.

The Bayou Wildlife Zoo in Alvin is one of the Houston area’s true hidden gems and the perfect destination for a day full of family fun.

  View this post on Instagram   This morning we went to @bayouwildlifezoo in Alvin. My favorites were the emus and ostriches! They followed the tram around the grounds. The ruins of the still were cool, too! #bayouwildlifezoo #alvintexas #wildlife #emus #ostriches #whiskeystill #giraffe #deer A post shared by Anita Giles (@anitantique) on Aug 22, 2020 at 4:55pm PDT

Originally opened in 1986, the wildlife park was recently sold to new owners who have carried on the legacy of the open-air zoo and continued to make it an attraction like no other in the area.

Bayou Wildlife Zoo’s main attraction is the guided tram tour. Hop on a tram and ride through 80 acres where an expert guide will tell you all about the animals you see along the way, including many types of deer, antelopes, buffalos, camels, zebras and other exotic animals. You’ll even have the opportunity to feed some of the animals for a truly memorable, up-close encounter.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. You’ll also have the opportunity to walk through Addie Lou’s Barnyard to see everything from typical farm animals to rare creatures you won’t see anywhere else in the area.

“In the barnyard, you will encounter a Wallaby, Pygmy Goats, Lemurs and much more!,” a statement on Bayou Wildlife Zoo’s website promises .

  View this post on Instagram   can I pet that dawg? #whatwouldcarolbaskindo A post shared by Carly Calcote (@insta.charly) on Jun 20, 2020 at 10:09am PDT

You can also stop by their big barn to meet giraffes and a pet water buffalo. And while walking between the different areas of the zoo, you’ll see kangaroos, alligators, and many other creatures.

New Measures Keep Guests Safe

Bayou Wildlife Zoo is an open-air zoo, which makes it a safer destination to visit during these times.

Additionally, new practices have been instituted to keep guests safe, including requiring guests to wear masks during their visit, using special viral disinfectants to clean common-use areas and trams, and making the barnyard area observation-only.

Bayou Wildlife Zoo Hours & Ticket Prices

The Bayou Wildlife Zoo in Alvin is open Wednesday through Saturday 10 am. to 4 pm and Sunday noon to 4 pm. The zoo is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Ticket prices are as follows:

• Under 2 years: Free
• Child (2 to 11 years): $12
• Adult (12 to 64 years): $22
• Senior (65+ years): $20
• Military & First Responder Discount: $4 off of general admission with valid ID or credentials.

Annual passes are available at $45 for kids, $80 for adults, and $65 for seniors.

Bayou Wildlife Zoo Location

Bayou Wildlife Zoo is located at 5050 FM 517 Road, Alvin, TX 77511. You can learn more at BayouWildlifeZoo.com or call 409-904-2525.

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Go on a wild animal adventure with these 5 Drive-Thru Safaris

Houston family.

• June 12, 2021

Measuring in at 100+ acres, Franklin Drive-Thru Safari is an exotic animal adventure park that deserves a spot on the bucket list of every Texan. Not only will you get to meet adorable critters, but the park also offers an island full of lemurs, aviary, baby animal room, and encounters with sloths and dingos. More information 

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Top 12 Must See Drive Through Safaris in Texas

Note: This post may contain affiliate links! Check our disclaimer if you need more info!

Looking for a drive through safari in Texas? Or want to know all the dive through safaris in Texas?

This might come as a surprise but you can experience an African safari right here in the great state of Texas!  Granted, very little tops seeing these majestic creatures in their homeland but if you’re looking for a Texan substitute, we’ve got a list of all the places you can find a drive through safari in Texas.

Looking for more Texas fun? Check out this list of the best amusement parks in Texas !

Before heading out on your adventure to explore drive through safaris in Texas, please call to verify operating hours, animal availability, and all the other fun details!

Drive Through Safaris in Texas

Natural bridge wildlife ranch , san antonio.

Explore 450 acres of Texas Hill Country during this 1.5 hour Texas drive through safari featuring animals from all over the world.  Each car is provided a bag of animal feed with the cost of admission.  The animals in the ranch will come to your vehicle to eat and allow you an up close view of their beauty. You will see buffalos, zebras, and ostriches during your adventure.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (@naturalbridge.wildliferanch)

Visitors can even explore the wildlife ranch on foot. You can relax at the on-site cafe and visit the lemur habitat and the giraffe center. Finish off your day by stopping at the gift shop for a nice souvenir of your day.

Aggieland Safari , Bryan

Want to visit a “traditional” zoo and experience a drive through safari in Texas all at the same time?  Aggieland Safari in Bryan is the place to be!  Admission includes entrance to their 250+ acre drive-thru safari.  For a small additional fee, you can receive a bucket of feed to share with the over 100 animals that call Aggieland Safari home.  Experience a personal visit from each of the animals on the safari without ever having to leave your car.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aggieland Safari (@aggielandsafari)

But the fun at Aggieland Safari doesn’t stop there!  Admission to their Adventure Zoo is included as well.  This 20-acre area is meant to be explored on foot but still provides the opportunity for up-close experiences.  Want to feed a giraffe?  You can do that here.  Want to feed a tortoise?  You can do that too.  There’s also a bird aviary, a camel trek, a petting zoo, a kid-friendly playscape, a covered pavilion, and a gift shop!

Rocky Ridge Drive Thru Safari , Eustace

Enjoy a 1 hour drive through a safari right in the heart of Texas with a visit to Rocky Ridge Drive Thru Safari. View the park from the comfort of your own vehicle while traveling through this 200 acre wild animal refuge. The park features over 25 species of animals from all over the world.

With animals like buffalo, llamas, zebras, and even gazelles, this drive through safari in Texas is the perfect afternoon activity with family!

​ Franklin Drive Thru Safari , Franklin

Your entire family will have fun playing, feeding, and interacting with animals from across the globe at this drive through safari in Texas. Franklin Drive Thru Safari has over 100 acres filled with more than 1,000 animals. The petting zoo is amazing with new animals consistently being adopted. As you drive through the safari, you will see over fifty different species of animals meandering around the ranch. ​ Franklin Drive Thru Safari even has a ten-acre area for walking. There’s so much to do: visit baby giraffes, camels, anteaters, or kangaroos; purchase a cup of peanuts and make friends with the park monkeys;  take a private tour with the trained staff; visit the adorable baby room to play with exotic babies animals like coatimundis and lemurs, or explore in your car to feed camels and zebras right from your vehicle.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center , Glen Rose

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is one of the largest drive through safaris in Texas.  The ranch consists of over 1,800 acres and features nearly fifty different species among the 1,100 animals on the property. You can spend hours driving through the park looking at all of the different animals.

But the fun doesn’t stop there!  You can go on a bike tour or even a murder mystery tour.  Fossil Rim Wildlife Center also has photo workshops, an on-site cafe, and overnight lodging [bunkhouses, anyone?].

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (@fossilrim)

In addition to being a drive through safari in Texas, they are also the biggest cheetah breeding facility in the world.  Between eighteen and twenty cubs are raised here every year.  Many endangered species, such as the scimitar-horned oryx, have also been reintroduced to the wild thanks to the efforts of the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.  They are truly a drive through safari dedicated to the well-being and conservation of their animals!

Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari , Jacksonville

Visit this 5-mile drive through Texas safari to see Rupert the camel and Minnie the yak. Your two-hour drive includes a free feed bag, 300 acres, 35 species, and 700 animals. Make friends with capybaras, zebras, alpacas, bison, and more as they approach your vehicle.

There is also a fenced-off enclosure with six alligators you can feed. The variety of wildlife present at Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari is simply amazing.

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There is an open habitat with two dozen endangered and exotic species and open savannahs. Drive along the different roads to spot an African longhorn cow, an Indian antelope walking across a lush field, or a mother and her calf grazing by the pond. You and your family will make great memories feeding, photographing, and observing these gorgeous creatures.

Grapeland Safari , Grapeland

The Grapeland Safari offers 59 acres and 25 different species. Grab a bucket of feed, drive through this Texas safari, and enjoy these amazing creatures. Your kids will love the petting zoo. They can visit numerous animals including zebras, axis deer, emus, and yaks. Bring your grill and spend some quality time together enjoying a cookout in the picnic area.

The guests of honor at the Grapeland Safari are their camels.  They feature two different types of camels: Dromedary and Bactrian.  Each has its unique features [one hump or two?] and both types at Grapeland Safari are a hit with visitors due to their incredibly friendly nature.

Exotic Resort Zoo , Johnson City

Instead of driving through this Texas safari, you can relax and enjoy all 127 acres from the comfort of a tram. You will learn about the forty different species and 600 animals including the kissing camel [named Gomar], ostriches, and blackbucks.

There are endangered and exotic animals too. You can feed the friendly animals right out of your own feed bucket. Your family will laugh as thirty or forty animals surround your tram hoping for tidbits.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Exotic Resort Zoo, Inc. (@exoticresortzoo)

After your tour, visit the two petting zoos, the fishing pond where you can catch and release the fish or spend the night in a cabin and enjoy a roaring campfire. Visit the charming gift shop for a memorable souvenir, the private penned areas, and the caged enclosures. The tour guides will ensure you know a lot more about the animals when you leave than when you arrived.

Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari , Jefferson

The Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari is home to over eighty animals. During your visit, you’ll enjoy wildebeests, camels, donkeys, red deer, bison, and more. The animals roam freely around the 65 acres. Follow the signs to drive to the exotic animals while seeing zebras and fallow deer along the way. 

Your entire family will enjoy the field filled with braying donkeys.  There’s a really good chance that the more social animals will approach your car to say hi!

If you want to get even closer to the animals, visit their on-site petting zoo.  Be sure to stop by their office to purchase buckets of food to share with the animals.  While you’re there, pick up a branded t-shirt and a souvenir to take home! You can take incredible photographs and visit the petting zoo.

North Texas Safari Park , Bonham

If you want to view exotic and endangered species from the comfort of your car, then North Texas Safari Park is the best drive through safari in Texas for you! Located about an hour north of Dallas, this drive through safari in Texas has all sorts of animals.

Experience more of the animals by partaking in their optional activities like feeding the giraffes, exploring their exhibit dedicated to Australian animals, petting animals in the petting zoo and more!

Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park , Jefferson

See exotic animals in their natural setting right in the middle of East Texas at this drive through safari.  Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park consists of 125 free-range safari acres. Drive the 3 mile loop in the comfort of your own vehicle while you see the animals naturally and up close.

With over 20 years of experience caring for exotic animals, this ranch works hard to ensure the wonders of the animal world are well preserved. Make sure you bring a camera to capture the incredible animals and bring home unforgettable souvenirs!

Buena Vista Wildlife Safari and RV Park , Evant

This drive through safari in Texas is a little different than others.  The entire safari is housed inside of a RV park. Their goal is to not only provide amazing animals for your viewing pleasure but to provide an overall family adventure – an economical one at that!

With over 23 animal species from 10 different countries, there are plenty of animals to see!

Have you visited a drive through safari in Texas?  Leave a comment below!

Montoya (Monty) Hudson is the founder and primary voice behind The Spring Break Family. She has created informative travel content for families since 2018 by providing practical advice, easy to follow itineraries, and addressing the real challenges of family travel. Since the creation of her family travel blog, she's inspired thousands of families to travel the world with their kids.

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Best Texas Zoos, Safaris, & More Places to See Animals

What kid doesn't love animals? (Or at least, one kind of animal...) Lucky for us Texas parents, the Lone Star State is home to many attractions and zoos that house exotic and regional animals, from elephants to deep sea creatures. We've picked some of our favorites to help while planning your next Texas family vacation .

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San Antonio Zoo - San Antonio The zoo is one of the reasons why we love visiting San Antonio. The 54-acre facility is full of frees and natural beauty - the San Antonio River even runs through it. There's also a children's play are and train that runs alongside the zoo's edge where you can view some of the exhibits.

Related : Best Texas road trips for families

Cameron Park Zoo - Waco Another small-ish spot, this zoo is simply beautiful to visit. It sits on the bank of the Brazos River and has lots of outdoor (and thankfully indoor) exhibits. Our favorite spot to visit is the otter slide - part of their enclosure includes a slide for guests! My son thought the otters looked happy to see us.

Houston Zoo - Downtown Houston We would be remiss if we didn't mention our very own Houston Zoo! It has a whopping 6,000 animal residents representing hundreds of species. The layout and exhibits are thoughtfully designed and placed, including the iconic tree-covered promenade, children's petting zoo, playground and splash pad. There's also a train next door for kids and families to ride.

Safaris and other animal encounters around Texas

Fossil Rim - Glen Rose Located near one of our family's favorite campgrounds, Dinosaur Valley , Fossil Rim is a drive-through safari in the heart of Texas. Drive in your own car or hop into a group safari tour to see animals up close and personal. Note the entire tour takes about two hours, so it may not be the best choice for small children who may get antsy.

Related : Top things to do in Dallas, TX with kids

Children's Aquarium at Fair Park - Dallas Metro Just outside of Dallas you'll find a real Texas gem - the Children's Aquarium at Fair Park. Unlike aquariums aimed at entertaining guests of all ages, CAFP's exhibits are all eye-level to children with plenty of interactive elements to keep them engaged.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch - San Antonio This unique drive-through safari is a designated Texas Land Heritage Property for being used for agricultural purposes by the same family for more than 100 years! You can drive and walk around this historical spot.

South Padre Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center - Port Isabel The most amazing fact about the research center is most animals are not kept in captivity. To see dolphins, the center arranges tours where you are more than likely able to see dolphins swimming in their natural habitat. In the Sealife Center, kids can see and touch starfish and other small creatures from the local ecosystem.

Texas State Aquarium - Corpus Christi The Texas State Aquarium is another indoor beauty with lots to do and explore. See creatures from coral reefs, jungles and underwater caverns, and make sure you save time to feed the stingrays and catch a dolphin show - complete with great views of Galveston Bay.

Dallas World Aquarium - Dallas Dallas' renowned aquarium is our favorite in the state. In fact, my husband and I have been here several times without our children! It's huge and houses five major exhibits of various climates and environments, and thus various animal life. 

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These 5 Drive-Thru Safaris In Texas Are A Wild Adventure For The Whole Family

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Looking for a "wild" adventure the whole family can enjoy? Texas has plenty of 'em! These five drive-thru wildlife safaris feature some of the most exotic animals in the world, right here in the Lone Star State.

1. The Exotic Resort Zoo (Johnson City)

Home to over 600 animals from all over the world, Exotic Resort Zoo is a hidden Hill Country gem. From kangaroos to ostriches to camels and everything in-between, these four-legged friends welcome visitors with a smile on their face. More information here.

2. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (New Braunfels)

In true Texas-sized fashion, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is 450 acres of up-close animal encounters -- sometimes even closer than real African safaris provide! Marvel at 30+ species as you traverse more than six miles of lush, beautiful New Braunfels landscape. More information here.

3. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (Glen Rose)

Most likely the largest and most comprehensive wildlife ranch in Texas, Fossil Rim features over 1,000 animals across 50 species. The center has a core mission of conserving endangered species, a category about one-third of the animals belong to. The 9.5-mile, self-guided driving tour is an experience you'll never forget. More information here.

4. Topsey Exotic Ranch (Copperas Cove)

Minutes from Copperas Cove, Topsey Exotic Ranch features over 50 species in its drive-thru safari. In an effort to maintain the most natural setting possible, the 350-acre facility is primarily free-range. The Friedel family has been dedicated to "preserving the wonders of the animal kingdom" since 1988, and you can definitely feel the love. More information here.

5. Franklin Drive-Thru Safari (Franklin)

Measuring in at 100+ acres, Franklin Drive-Thru Safari is an exotic animal adventure park that deserves a spot on the bucket list of every Texan. Not only will you get to meet adorable critters like this smiling donkey, but the park also offers an island full of lemurs, aviary, baby animal room, and encounters with sloths and dingos. More information here.

Special hours and precautions may be in place at any or all of the safaris, so check the websites or Facebook pages before visiting. You might have to purchase tickets in advance online, as well.

How many of these drive-thru safaris have you visited? Let us know all about your experiences, and check out our previous article for another animal adventure to take the whole family on:  Safely Explore Gator Country In Texas On A Private Social Distancing Tour .

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The One-Of-A-Kind Cottage Farms In Texas Serves Up Fresh Homemade Pie To Die For

If your sweet tooth is half as big as mine, you can’t pass up the chance to visit Cottage Farms in Sumner. One of the best farm bakeries in Texas, this family-run farm and cafe offers all sorts of delicious treats, including the most incredible homemade pies you’ll ever have. The setting is idyllic, the treats are mouthwatering, and the owners are sweet as can be.

Located just outside of Paris in the tiny town of Sumner, Cottage Farms is a family farm with an on-site bakery and cafe. Johnny and Yolanda Harder and their three kids are always thrilled when folks stop by for lunch or a freshly-baked sweet treat.

The interior of the shop is equal parts cozy and stylish, giving modern farmhouse vibes. Plenty of tables allow guests to sit and mingle while enjoying their goodies, and the space is bright, open, and airy.

Speaking of goodies, just wait until you take a peek behind the counter! There’s always a huge assortment of mouthwatering baked goods, ranging from cupcakes and cannolis to cookies and cheesecakes. Savory breakfast options are also available, plus lunch selections like soup, salad, and sandwiches.

In my opinion, nothing beats a good slice of pie, and Cottage Farms comes through with all sorts of scrumptious flavors. Whether you like strawberry, banana cream, or chocolate peanut butter, rest assured you’ll find the perfect bite.

The farm even sells mini pies! These pint-sized Dutch apple and chocolate cuties are *almost* too adorable to eat.

Of course, seasonal pies like pumpkin and pecan make their debut every fall. Order ahead for Thanksgiving to take some work off your plate (pun intended).

If you aren’t a pie person, no biggie. How about a slice of rich, creamy cheesecake?

One of my favorite things about Cottage Farms is that you never know exactly what will be waiting for you behind the dessert case. The menu changes throughout the year, so there’s always reason for excitement.

Seasonal shifts also bring fun, new activities to the farm — like pumpkins in the fall! Bring the whole family for a full day of wholesome outdoor play.

Visit the Cottage Farms website or the Cottage Farms Facebook page for more information, including current hours of operation. You can also purchase some of their products online.

Have you ever been to Cottage Farms? If so, do you think it’s one of the best farm bakeries in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Check out our previous article to see Texas’ Eiffel Tower in our state’s very own Paris.

If you’re looking to improve your own baking skills, MasterClass has so many great sessions to choose from.

The One Texas Ranch Where You Can Feed Sloths And Hold Reptiles

Animal encounters in Texas have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve fed a giraffe at the Houston Zoo, held a snake at a local carnival, and even touched an adorable penguin at Moody Gardens . That being said, few wildlife parks compare to TGR Exotics in Spring. Not only is it a zoo full of unique and endangered animals, but it also lets visitors get up close and personal with sloths, big cats, reptiles, and more.

You’re in for a wild ride when you visit TGR Wildlife Park in Spring, Texas! Over 100 exotic and endangered animals from 25+ species call this incredible place home, and you can get up close and personal with them like never before.

Guests can choose from a variety of experiences ranging from a guided tour of the whole zoo to specific animal encounters. There’s also a Toddler Tour geared towards the younger crowd.

Among the animals you’ll see are deer, aardvarks, hyenas, owls, bears, porcupines, water buffalo, and more. Being able to see these amazing creatures with your own two eyes instead of through a screen is an opportunity you’ll cherish forever.

If you’d like to go beyond the standard tour and meet the animals face to face, you have several options. From sloths and spider monkeys to reptiles and porcupines, the park offers a range of animal encounters where you can touch and feed creatures you may never have seen before.

TGR Exotics also has special events for holidays, plus a kid’s night out where parents can drop their kids off at the zoo for a fun evening of crafts, games, a twilight zoo tour, and pizza and dessert.

The Toddler Tour lasts 45 minutes, while the basic, all-ages tour runs for about 1.5 hours. animal encounters are roughly 15 minutes long.

Visit the TGR Exotics website or the TGR Exotics Facebook page for more information about all of the different tours and animal encounters.

Have you ever done an animal encounter in Texas at TGR Exotics Wildlife Park? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Check out our previous article to learn about a historic (and haunted!) saloon in Spring . If you need an all-purpose travel bag for your trip (and future adventures!), we love The Foldie .

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Complete Guide to Drive Thru Zoos in Texas

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One thing that is unique about our state is all the drive thru zoos in Texas.

From camels, to giraffes, to zebras, you can find all types of wild animals living at ranches in the lone star state.

We adore animal-based activities when we travel.

We saw some incredibly rare species of Amazon River Animals (including pink dolphins!) while in Peru, we went on a pretty cool safari experience when searching for the Best Things to Do in Sonoma County , and even (accidently) snorkeled with sharks while staying on a Private Island in Fiji.

If you’re Texas-based, you don’t have to spend hours on an airplane to get into some amazing animal experiences. 

We’ve had some pretty amazing animal encounters at Texas drive thru zoos and wanted to share them with you!

Drive Thru Zoos Close to Austin, Texas

Blue hills ranch.

Blue Hills Ranch is located 30 minutes from Waco, and an hour and a half from Austin.  It’s a giraffe and wild animal sanctuary that has a ton of offerings.

At the ranch they have probably the coolest experience options in all of Texas. 

They feature a giraffe dining experience, an otter experience where you can swim with otters, and a driving safari.

We started our day with a dining experience with giraffes. After loading into a dune buggy, we traveled to the part of the ranch where there is a platform amongst the giraffes.

We enjoyed our charcuterie board while Blue and Google the giraffes ate their snacks right from our hands. 

Once Blue was out of his own grapes, he started eating the grapes off of our platter!

It was a very intimate and sweet experience to share with the gentle giants.

After the giraffe dining experience we took a ride in the dune buggy to see zebras, camels, kangaroos, emus, bison, goats, donkeys, and deer.

You can not drive through in your own car, but can ask for a tour in the open air ranch vehicles.

If any of the wildlife centers on this list were a date on the show the Bachelor it would be held at Blue Hills Ranch. This spot is perfect for an anniversary date night, birthday celebration, or even a romantic proposal!

On the private tour and experience side, we’ve truly never seen a place like Blue Hills Ranch in the United States, you can only find something as special as this in South Africa and a few other countries in Africa. 

Book a stay at their cabins for an immersive experience with animals.

For a full property buy out you could even have your wedding here! 

https://www.bluehillsranch.com/ 2032 Blue Cut Rd N, McGregor, TX 76657

The Exotic Resort Zoo

Probably the most notable drive thru zoo in Texas is The Exotic Resort Zoo .  

This exotic zoo is in Johnson city which is an hour drive from Austin, and a 30 minute drive to Fredericksburg where you can hit the Texas wine region or stay at our Fredericksburg Bed and Breakfast . 

At the Exotic Resort Zoo you have many ways to experience over 700 species of wildlife from baby giraffes, to zebras, to ostriches, to ring-tailed lemurs. 

They offer drive-thru tickets where you can use your own vehicle.  Before entering the drive thru zoo be sure to buy a bucket of feed so you can hand feed animals from your own vehicle.   

If you don’t want to drive through in your own car you can join a guided tractor ride tour.  

The main benefits of the guided tour are that you have an educated guide, and in the tractor they can go off-roading so you get even close to animals if they’re not on the normal car path. 

It was so much fun because the animals come in extra close in the open-air tractor experience. 

Do note that for the drive through option they don’t allow RV’s, and you’re not allowed to ride in your truck bed. 

Outside of the guided safari and drive-thru safari, they also have a petting zoo and safari cabins.

The petting zoo is included in your ticket price.  There are a range of animals like kangaroos, antelope, and deer to pet.

Karen made the mistake of wearing a green dress with flowers on it and the deer at the petting zoo started to eat the bottom of her dress!

They also give you the option of buying lettuce to feed their giraffe from the feeding platform.

If you want to stay at the zoo, they offer 8 cabins of different sizes. 

The benefits of staying in their cabins is that your tour and petting zoo is included in the price of the rental. They also have a pool, and bbq area to get the feeling of cooking in the outback. 

From the comfort of your own vehicle or their trailers you can drive through the animals open habitat which they try to make close to their natural environment for their enjoyment. 

This is definitely one of the best drive-thru safaris near Austin.

https://www.zooexotics.com/ 235 Zoo Trail, Johnson City, TX 78636

Topsey Exotic Ranch & Park

Topsey Exotic Ranch & Park is an hour and a half north of Austin. 

The Topsey Park is split into three sections: the drive thru safari, a walkaround area, and a petting zoo. 

The drive thru zoo is the main portion of the park.  You can expect this part of the adventure to take around an hour, but if you want to do it a second time you can do so at no additional charge.  

On the safari you can buy food at their gift shop to feed the animals, and you will most likely run into zebras, camels, and a ton of other exotics.  

For the walking area they have kangaroos, monkeys, lemurs, and more.

For the petting zoo it’s nice that they have more activities, but the animals are mainly sheep and goats. 

https://www.topseyranch.com/ 945 Co Rd 118, Copperas Cove, TX 76522

Buena Vista Wildlife Safari and RV Park

The Buena Vista Wildlife Safari and RV Park is located in between Austin and the Dallas/Fort Worth metros.  

If you’re road tripping through Texas this is a great destination to break up driving because they offer both overnight cabins and they have an RV park. 

This wildlife safari park is packed with items for your entire family.  

They have their drive thru safari that has over 250 animals, there’s a petting zoo, a pool, a fishing pond, and a sports game area. 

They even have a petting zoo cam so you can see this area of their animals online. 

https://buenavistawildlifesafari.com/ 1830 S, S Hwy 281, Evant, TX 76525

Aggieland Wild Animal Safari

Aggieland Wild Animal Safari is a zoo chain that has a few locations in the US, and this location is a great east Texas zoo. 

At their 250-acre safari land they have the standard drive thru zoo, they have a safari bus you can join, they have a normal zoo that you walk around, and they have close animal encounters. 

The animal encounters are very different from others in Texas.

They have reptile encounters, but the special ticket is the cute tamanduas experience. 

If you haven’t heard of tamanduas before, you’ve definitely heard of their bigger cousin the anteater.  If in the area do not skip Aggieland Safari. 

https://animalsafari.com/aggieland-home-about-us/   18075 FM974, Bryan, TX 77808

Drive Thru Zoos Close to San Antonio, Texas

Natural bridge wildlife ranch.

The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a top 10 rated safari park in the nation by USA Today . 

There are multiple things that make this wildlife ranch special.

The top of the list has to be the fact that they have and are preserving extinct animals in the wild as well as critically endangered animals. Outside of that, they have most of the general public’s favorite exotic animals. 

Special animals to be on the lookout for are a female cheetah, giraffes, monkeys, zebras, rhinos, and other endangered species. 

After you’ve had an amazing experience at the wildlife ranch you can dine at their restaurant the Safari Camp Grill or bring your own picnic.  

You will truly enjoy your zoo experience at this San Antonio zoo.

https://www.wildliferanchtexas.com/ 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

Drive Thru Zoos Close to Dallas, Texas (and Fort Worth)

Fossil rim wildlife center .

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a non-profit conservation center that is an hour drive from Fort Worth.  The center is well over 1,800 acres of land, and this wildlife preserve houses over 1,000 animals. 

They specialize in captive breeding specifically for endangered species, and even participate in projects to release them back into the wild.  

One noteworthy recent example is with the Mexican Gray Wolf which only had an estimated 700 left in the wild. 

This wildlife center is packed with family fun.  They have the standard self-guided drive through safari trek, but they also offer behind the scenes tours, and really special “T.W.A.N.G.” photo tours with a professional wildlife photographer. 

To finish off the night they have night tours with a campfire, and they also have lodging. 

https://fossilrim.org/   2299 Co Rd 2008, Glen Rose, TX 76043 

Sharkarosa Zoo

Sharkarosa Zoo located north of Dallas is a 126 acre park.

This spot features lions, tigers, and bears!  

They also have unique private animal experiences. 

You can pay for the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with sloths, ruffed lemurs, and even a skunk that won’t spray you. 

It’s a stink free way to learn about more animals!

https://sharkarosa.com/ 11670 Massey Rd, Pilot Point, TX 76258

Drive Thru Zoos Close to Houston, Texas 

Bayou wildlife zoo.

Bayou Wildlife Zoo is the closest you’ll get to a drive thru zoo close to Houston.  

This zoo is located 30 minutes south of Houston towards Galveston.  

It is home to over 60 species of animals, and you can visit them via their tram ride or through their barnyard encounter experience.  

There are not a lot of drive through zoos near Houston, so consider making a road trip through Texas to visit some of the larger zoos!

https://www.bayouwildlifezoo.com/ 5050 FM517, Alvin, TX 77511

Drive Thru Zoos Close to College Station, Texas

Franklin drive thru safari.

Franklin Drive Thru Safari is a 45 minute drive from College Station.  

They have cabins, a drive thru self-guided drive safari, a baby room for newborn animals, and a reptile house. 

If you’re a fan of cute baby animals, you can buy a specific ticket for it, and get an up close experience with the cute new animals.  

Every time you visit there will be different species of animals since animals are only babies for a short period of time before they’re fully grown. 

The reptile house features snakes of both venomous and non-venomous varieties in their animal enclosures, as well as other reptiles (if you’re brave enough to enter!)

https://www.franklinsafari.com/ 4324 W Hwy 79, Franklin, TX 77856

Grapeland Safari

Grapeland Safari is a super affordable drive-thru safari.  It’s under $10 bucks for this animal experience! 

This is a smaller park, but it features beefalo’s which is a cross between a cow and a bison. They also feature kangaroos, zebra, and more.  

This is a good affordable break from a road trip because it’s not that close to a major city. 

https://www.grapelandsafari.net/ 13440 US-287, Grapeland, TX 75844

Drive Thru Zoo FAQs:

Are dogs allowed at drive thru zoos in texas .

Although you’re enjoying these from the comfort of your vehicle, dogs are not allowed at drive thru zoos as they can disrupt wild animals.  

It also puts your dog at risk.  Dogs could be viewed as a predator or prey, and both of those situations aren’t worth bringing your dog to.

So keep fido at home for everyone’s safety.

What are the Big Five Safari Animals? 

The term “Big Five” was originally coined by big-game hunters and refers to the five most challenging animals to hunt on foot in Africa. We were lucky enough to see all of them live in the wild on our Luxury African Safar i prior to visiting the Best Things to do in Cape Town .

Today, the term is widely used in the context of wildlife tourism and conservation. 

The Big Five safari animals are:

African Elephant: The African elephant is the largest land mammal and one of the most iconic animals in Africa. It is known for its impressive size, long tusks, and distinctive trunk.

African Lion: Lions are majestic and powerful big cats that inhabit the grasslands and savannas of Africa. They are highly social animals, living in prides led by a dominant male known as the “king of the jungle.”

African Leopard: Leopards are elusive and solitary cats known for their agility and camouflage abilities. They are excellent climbers and often retreat to trees with their prey to avoid competition from other predators.

African Buffalo: Also known as the Cape buffalo, African buffaloes are large bovines that live in herds and can be quite aggressive when threatened. They are formidable creatures with strong horns and are known for their resilience and toughness.

African Rhinoceros: Both the black rhinoceros and white rhinoceros are part of the Big Five. Rhinos are large, herbivorous mammals with prehistoric origins. They are heavily poached for their valuable horns and are critically endangered.

These five animals are highly sought-after by safari enthusiasts due to their size, beauty, and significance in African wildlife. However, it’s important to note that the term “Big Five” does not necessarily reflect the ecological importance or conservation status of these species.

There are so many drive-thru zoos with different animals in areas that the parks try to keep close to their natural setting with Texas having a similar climate to parts of Africa.  We were shocked at the wide variety of animals you will find at each pack.  So, no matter where you are in Texas you’ll most likely have a safari drive-thru near you. 

It’s amazing that you don’t have to book a flight to Africa to see many of these exotic animals in an open habitat, all you have to do is take a drive through Texas.

So hop in a car, take a road trip, and have fun!

Looking for More Texas Travel Inspiration?

Here are amazing adventures and food guides for places all across the lone star state!

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• Nine Best Things to Do in Fredericksburg TX
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• 43 Things to Do in Lubbock for Couples
• 5 Great Things to Do in Dallas in Spring
• Things to Do in Corpus Christi for Couples
• Glamping in Texas Hill Country
• Best Austin Breweries
• The Best Pizza in Austin TX

Click this link to pin this guide on Drive Thru Zoos in Texas on Pinterest.

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Super helpful drive through Texas zoo list!

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12 Best Drive-thru Zoos in Texas

As a parent, you know how important it is to keep your kids entertained and having fun! Luckily, there’s no shortage of exciting activities here in the Lone Star state. If you’re looking for an educational adventure full of wild creatures and new experiences, then you have to check out some of Texas’ best drive-thru zoos! Your children get to observe amazing wildlife up close from the comfort and safety of their own car. From tractor rides and petting zoos to interactive exhibits and special events – each site offers something unique that all members of the family can enjoy!

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There are many beautiful things about Texas; one of them is that you can experience a safari drive-thru right in the state. Looking for a wild adventure full of exotic species and majestic creatures? Here is a list of some of the best drive-thru zoos in the Lone Star State:  

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (New Braunfels)

This 450-acre ranch offers an up-close view of different species of animals, including zebras, buffalos, and ostriches. Your car will get a bag of animal feed which you can offer the animals to get them to come to your vehicle. The self-guided drive will also take you through live oak trees, rolling hills, creek beds, and endangered species. You can drive in your own car or book a guided tour on the Safari shuttle or Safari rover.  

The ranch also has a gift shop where you can shop for souvenirs and a cafe where you can enjoy coffee.  Located at 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266. It’s the perfect stop on your way to Schlitterbahn , Gruene , or San Antonio . 

Topsey Exotic Ranch & Drive Thru Safari

Another great drive-thru zoo you will find in Texas is the Topsey Exotic Ranch, where you will find 50 species being managed in a natural setting. You should know that Topsey Exotic Ranch is an ‘enter at your own risk’ drive-thru, so it’s essential to stay careful. Also, it’s best not to feed the animals off your hands. Located at 945 Co Rd 118, Copperas Cove, TX 76522. 

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose

This is one of the largest drive-through safaris in Texas and features about 1,800 acres with 1,100 animals of different species. The self-guided tour at this zoo is a beautiful experience that the entire family will not forget.  

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center also offers overnight lodging, photo workshops, bike tour, and murder mystery tour. The drive-thru is the biggest cheetah breeding facility, as 17-20 cubs are raised yearly. One of the best parts of this ranch is the different educational activities they offer guests. Located at 2299 Co Rd 2008, Glen Rose, TX 76043.

North Texas Safari Park, Bonham

This is a perfect safari for the whole family to watch endangered species from the comfort of your vehicle. Visitors can also feed the giraffe, explore the petting zoo, and explore the area designated for Australian animals. Located at 2920 US-82, Bonham, TX 75418. 

Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari, Jefferson

Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari has over 80 animals of species like camels, red deer, bison, and wildebeests. The animals will come to your car to say hi, and you can purchase food you can share with them. You can also visit the on-site petting zoo to get closer to the animals, get a bucket of feed from the entrance and take photographs with braying donkeys. Located at 1782 US-59 N, Jefferson, TX 75657.

Exotic Resort Zoo (Johnson City)

Exotic Resort Zoo is home to a wild variety of animals ranging from camels to kangaroos and ostriches. Your guided tour will help you get to know about all 40 species of animals here, including ostrich, kissing camel, and blackbuck. If you prefer to tour on your own, you’ll get the option too.  

Exotic Resort Zoo has eight cabins where you can spend the night and have conversations around the campfire. Different animals will surround your camp, and you can offer them food from the feed bucket. Kids will love exploring the two petting zoos and catching fish at the catch-and-release pond in this Texas wild animal safari. Located at 235 Zoo Trail, Johnson City, TX 78636.

Aggieland Safari

Aggieland Safari is often known as the Serengeti of the South and offers the opportunity to see 500 animals up close. With a small fee, you can receive a feed bucket you can give out to the animals right from your car. There is also the Adventure Zoo, a 20-acre field with animals you can have better interaction with. Aggieland Safari is one of the top drive-thrus in the Lone Star State. Located at 18075 FM974, Bryan, TX 77808.

Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Safari

Explore the 300 acres of this drive-thru to see Rupert the camel, Minnie the yak, the six enclosed alligators, and other species of animals like zebras, alpacas, and bison. The drive-thru zoo has over 700 animals; you can meet them all if you take the two-hour drive around the safari. You can observe the African longhorn, take a photograph with the Indian antelope, and take the 2-hour drive to go through the whole drive-thru. Located at 1200 Co Rd 4405, Jacksonville, TX 75766.

The Grapeland Safari, Grapeland

Drive through this safari to see gorgeous creatures on 59 acres of land. You will see different species of animals, including axis deer, emus, and zebras. Kids can tour the petting zoo, take photographs with the friendly camels and relax at the picnic area. We recommend you bring your binoculars to get a good view of the 38 species on the field and the petting zoo. You can also bring your grill and enjoy a great lunch at the picnic area. Located at 13440 US-287, Grapeland, TX 75844.

Franklin Drive-Thru Safari

This exotic adventure lets you meet different animals in their natural habitat. Franklin Drive-Thru Safari is one of the best wildlife parks in Texas, and you get to meet critters, donkeys, lemurs, aviaries, sloths, and dingos. You can also lure baby giraffes, play with the park monkeys, or explore the charming baby room, where you’ll find exotic baby animals like coatimundis for an extra $20. The safari has a walking section for guests who want better animal interaction.  

Franklin Drive Thru offers VIP private tours where visitors can gain in-depth knowledge about the animals on the field. Don’t forget to purchase feed buckets to attract and feed the animals. Located at 4324 West Highway 79, Franklin TX 77856.

Sanctuary Serengeti

Sanctuary Serengeti is like an actual sanctuary for a wide variety of animals, including lemurs, zebras, llamas, goats, and pigs. It reopens January 2024. Located at 250 Plum Church Rd, West Point, TX 78963.

Blue Hills Ranch & Giraffe Sanctuary

Although this Blue Hills Ranch doesn’t allow visitors to drive through in your car, there’s the option of getting into the ranch safari vehicle. You will see animals like lemurs, emus, bison, zebras, and kangaroos. Visitors can also enjoy other experiences like swimming with otters, bottle-feeding giraffes, and staying overnight at the RV park.  

Blue Hills Ranch is also a popular location for people who want to have their wedding while surrounded by 4-legged guests. Tours here are by appointment, and if you want to come here, booking up to 60 days before your trip is best. Located at 2032 Blue Cut Rd N, McGregor, TX 76657 near Waco . 

Bottom Line

Texas has some of the most beautiful drive-thru zoos in the country, and a visit here is sure to be a delight for the whole family. Meeting the gorgeous animals in their natural environment is sure to be a thrilling experience. 

Need a Weekend Getaway? Texas Has You Covered!

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Book Flight s

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Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO . If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld .

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Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator . If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar . They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If I am going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean I use Apple Vacations .

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Save Money on Gas

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Farms, Safaris, Zoos and Ag-Venture around Houston

Modified: Aug 6, 2021 by Jill Jarvis · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · #sponsoredpost · Leave a Comment

Get dirty at Houston area farms and zoos!

Whether you want to tour a working farm, go on a drive-thru safari, meet some animals or swing into piles of hay... the Houston area has plenty of farms and zoos ready to welcome you.

Find the long list below... and tell us what to add!

Working farms

Zoos and drive-thru safaris, ag-venture farms.

These Houston area farms are working (or hobby) farms and provide tours and education.

• Located in Richards.
• Schedule a tour.
• Learn the basic biology of honey bees and the important steps in working a hive of bees.
• For a small fee, BeeWeaver has public and private tours available.
• Guest are protected in the screened in observation deck and the beekeeper explains the tools and practices of beekeeping… and the biology of the honey bee and parts of a hive.
• Take a private tour of Figment Ranch and meet the llamas!
• Make an appointment, take a golf cart tour through the ranch and learn about the animals.
• For about an hour and a half you are escorted through the park and you get to pet, feed and learn about llamas, alpacas, emus, dwarf pygmy goats, sheep, turkeys, chickens, guinea hens, pigs, tortoises, ducks, dogs and cats.
• Schedule an appointment and take a private tour!
• The tree covered tour lasts 1 hour and will be filled with fainting goats, horses, chickens, donkeys, a pig and mini horses.

At these Houston area farms and zoos, you either walk through to see the animals or you drive through and feed the animals from your car or a tram. (Many of these were sent to us, with their consent, by our friends at Fun2Go Misters . Go follow them for more ideas!)

• Just under two hours from Houston, find a 250 acre drive-thru safari and 20 acres of walk-through zoo!
• Right along a busy road, back behind the trees, is the Bayou Wildlife Zoo.
• Here they have animals from 19 different countries, including locations in Africa, Asia, Australia, and North and South America.
• Instead of staying in your car, you take a tram ride through the 86-acre property where exotic wildlife is allowed to roam.
• Crocodile Encounter has alligators, crocodiles, tortoises and so much more.
• You can take a guided tour, take a self-guided tour or organize a group field trip.
• You can feed the giant tortoises and throw pellets to the alligators and, if you are on a tour, the tour guide feeds the big alligators and crocodiles. (Our favorite part is always feeding the giant tortoises!)
• About three hours from Houston is the Exotic Resort Zoo at Johnson City.
• Right now it is operating as a drive-through zoo only.
• About a two hour drive from Houston is Franklin Drive Thru Safari.
• At this 100 acre adventure park, you can feed and interact with exotic animals from around the world.
• Not too far outside Houston is Hatari Wildlife Park! It includes a drive-thru safari and a shady walking trail with lots of room to explore.
• You start at the drive-thru safari where you see bison, camels, lemurs and more. Then you get out of the car at the Explorers Retreat. Here you can visit the gift shop, dig for artifacts, pet some animals and feed the giraffes!
• Located in Houston's Museum District.
• Find the long list of animals HERE .
• Animal encounters are also available with a special ticket.
• A few hours from Houston is Topsey Exotic Ranch… where you can get up close to the animals without leaving your car!
• Located on 350 acres, guests can experience wildlife in a natural setting.

These Houston area farms have places to play, with big slides and hay piles and fun things to do. Some are only open seasonally.

• Located in Conroe.
• Petting zoo, mini golf, pony rides and play town.
• Located in Winnie.
• Open in the fall. Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch, Hay Stack, Pumpkin Bowling, Candy Corn Hill and more.
• Located in Simonton.
• Open around the year (with some breaks between seasons).
• Giant slides, barrel train rides, pedal cars and hands-on animal encounters with chickens, Baby Doll sheep, goats and many more. Feed camels, enjoy the walk-thru aviary and try the Gem Mining experience.
• Located in Brookshire.
• Open in the fall and winter.
• Corn Maze, Pumpkins, Train Ride, Slide Mountain, Zip Lines, Pedal Cars and so much more!
• Located in Alvin.
• Market open all year. Seasonal events like corn maze, holiday festival and strawberry picking.
• Located in Hockley.
• All activities are included with admission price… milk a cow, ride a horse, climb the hay bales and so much more. Free pumpkins for kids. See our past post  HERE .
• Located in Humble.
• Open for year-round fun on the farm.  
• A 15 acre farm with petting zoo, pony rides, train ride and swimming pool.
• Located in Spring.
• Located in Montgomery.
• Open in the fall and spring.
• 100 animals representing over 25 species.

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About Jill Jarvis

Jill Jarvis is the owner of JillBJarvis.com, a BigKidSmallCity.com and Things to Do in Houston, with Kids, blog!

She is the mom of five and started the website years ago... when she was tired of constantly cleaning up the same mess in the family room.

Another mom showed her that you could just go do fun things in Houston, without hours of planning.

This inspired the blog and changed everything about how she enjoyed life in Houston, with kids!

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