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Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

40th anniversary, 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!

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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

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Texas Zoofari Park

Stretching across 900-acres, the Texas Zoofari Park brings a family-friendly zoo experience to the Dallas Metro area. The Texas Zoofari Park, located in Kaufman, offers a Safari Drive-Thru and Safari Village Walk-Thru.

The Texas Zoofari Park joins Zoofari Parks in Virginia, Florida, and Alabama. Each park is home to dozens of species and hundreds of animals, including some vulnerable to or threatened by extinction. Zoofari Parks are committed to saving wildlife through animal encounters that touch hearts and change minds. Teaching visitors about protecting animals and their habitat is a priority.

A visit to the Safari Village Walk-Thru offers opportunities to interact with and learn more about the park’s animals. Visit the Giraffe Feeding Area to see a reticulated giraffe (a vulnerable species) at eye level and feed this gentle giant some romaine lettuce leaves. Stroll through the Budgie Adventure Aviary where you’ll meet and feed the colorful budgie, a parakeet whose official name is a Budgerigar. The kids can enjoy petting and feeding friendly farm animals in the petting zoo.

Behind the scenes, the Zoofari Parks are committed to conservation of threatened and endangered species through captive breeding programs. To keep up with the parks’ newest babies, visit Zoofari Park’s news page .

Visit the  Texas Zoofari Park website  while planning your Zoofari adventure to find current hours and ticket prices.

Texas Zoofari Park Schedule

Texas Zoofari Park Slideshow

View Texas Zoofari Park Slideshow

Texas Zoofari Park Social

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Choose Your Fossil Rim Experience below

Tickets must be purchased in advance, self-guided drive.

Take your vehicle on the Gosdin Scenic Drive.

Recommended

public guided tour

Ride in one of our vehicles on a guided Safari Tour. You will be with other groups of people.

Stay at fossil rim!

Spend the night at our newly renovated Lodge and wake up to the wildlife!

private guided tour

Ride in one of our vehicles on a single-group, guided Safari Tour.

Behind-the-scenes guided tour

Ride in one of our vehicles on a special guided tour that includes access to areas not available on our regular tours.

T.W.A.N.G. Photo Workshop

Spend the afternoon exploring Fossil Rim with professional photographer Rod Gardner while honing your photography skills. Public Workshop Tickets | Private Workshop Tickets

Twilight T.W.A.N.G.

Take a guided trip through our park as the sun sets to learn about nature after dark. End the night around a campfire while indulging in a sweet treat! Public Tour Tickets | Private Tour Tickets

Hours of Operation

Hours of Admission

8:30a - 4:30p (last vehicle out by 6:30 p.m.)

9:30a - 5:30p (grill closes @ 4:30 p.m.)

9:30a -5:30p

Children's Animal Center

10:00a - 4:30p

Fossil Rim is open year-round except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Got a question about your visit? 

Important rules you need to know!

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 entity, specializing in captive breeding programs for indigenous and exotic endangered and threatened species.

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© 2024 Fossil Rim Wildlife Center  |  Main Entrance: 2299 County Road 2008, Glen Rose, TX 76043  (254) 897-2960

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.

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

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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Fossil Rim: A Safari in the Southwest at Glen Rose, Texas

Posted on October 27, 2018 June 18, 2020 Author Priya 6 Comments

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Fossil Rim located in Glen Rose, Texas is just 2 hours drive from Dallas. Fossil Rim wildlife center is home to giraffe, ostrich, zebra, rhino, kudu, cheetah, addax, and other exotic residents.  It is one of the best drive through zoos and wildlife preserve in the US – a great safari experience right here in Texas! On this 9½ mile Scenic Drive  you can feed the animals from your car window. Or you take one of their Guided Tours. 

Kids love feeding the animals with the feed that you can buy at the entrance .  We have a giraffe fan in our family, he grew up with Jeffery the Giraffe by his bed and frequent visits to Toys-r-us to catch a glimpse of Geoffrey in action there.  If you are not from the US and don’t know who Geoffrey is, check him out here .

WHAT IS IN THIS POST

A Safari in Glen Rose Texas at Fossil Rim

Once you buy the tickets at the entrance at Fossil Rim in Glen Rose and start your driving on the loop around the park you will see all the animals out and about in action. We saw rhinos sloshing around, ostrich having a race with each other, kudus nibbling on the grass.  We even had some come to the car anxiously looking for food while others with bellies full from previous encounters with park visitors didn’t care for more of the feed. We had a giraffe with a droopy tongue following us around for a while! We even had a staring contest with a zebra !!

Fossil Rim has a couple of lodging options – A rustic ranch house lodge and Safari Tents . Foothills Safari Camp are tents that are made to look like safari tents in Africa. A two-acre fenced enclosure overlooking one of Fossil Rim’s most popular wildlife watering holes, where an ever-changing variety of animals, from elegant sand hill cranes to families of waterbuck, can be viewed.

We did the Fossil Rim Safari as a day trip from Dallas, staying at the Foothills Safari Camp is on our bucket list! It would be a wonderful experience to see how the kids do before planning a big Safari trip to Africa.

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Not too far from Fossil Rim is a special Texas State Park!  At the Dinosaur Valley State Park you can trace the footprints left by dinosaurs in the bed of the Paluxy River in what is believed to be the edge of an ancient ocean million of years ago.  The foot print areas are roped off for people to view and to preserve them. You can see more details about the Texas State Park here .

Additional Information for visiting Fossil Rim in Glen Rose, TX

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center works to aid in the conservation of animal species under the threat of extinction in the wild. Fossil Rim use these three key strategies to help fulfill their mission – conservation breeding, research and education. Fossil Rim’s large and open spaces provide the ideal situation for successful conservation breeding programs of some of the species that are in peril. They have also been successful in breeding cheetahs, Attwater’s prairie chickens, black rhinos, white rhinos, Grevy’s zebras and several wolf species .  While some animals born in Fossil Rim are reintroduced to the wild, some animals leave the safari park to populate zoos or other conservation centers in the US and abroad.

Fossil Rim is located one hour southwest of Fort Worth and two hours from Dallas via US 67. Approximately three miles west of Glen Rose, turn left onto County Road 2008. In addition to the regular scenic drive, you can also offer other fun programs like the Discovery After Dark, Sunset Safari and dinner, Feed Run, Behind the scenes tour etc.  The feed is about $8 per car.

Weekday Admission prices: Adults: $20.95 per person Child (3-11): $14.95 per person 2 and Under: FREE per person Weekend Admission price Adults: $24.95 per person Child (3-11): $18.95 per person 2 and Under: FREE per person

Where to stay in Glen Rose, TX

While we visited Fossil Rim as a day trip from Dallas, you can easily spend a weekend basing yourself in Glen Rose, TX.  Glen Rose is also home to some excellent golf courses, good bluegrass music, and Dinosaur Valley State Park where you can hike and bike on scenic trails and see the dinosaur footprints.

Located in a peaceful corner of the Fossil Rim park with incredible views, The Lodge has spacious rooms and the stay includes hot breakfast and a scenic wildlife drive. Exclusively available to the Lodge and Foothills Safari Camp overnight guests, there is also the option to experience a Morning Safari Tour or a Behind-the-Scenes Morning Safari Tour – both at a discount from standard rates. The guests are picked up right after breakfast, so there is no need to drive anywhere and will be dropped back off at their automobiles. Staying inside the park gives you a preview of what an African Safari might be like.

Inn on the River is another option, a meticulously restored Inn that offers nice dining, personalized service for family and romantic getaways in Glen Rose, TX.

The foothills Safari Camp is perfect for two people who want to experience an overnight stay at the Park.  For families, you would need to rent more than one Camp.

I hope you plan a Fossil Rim to enjoy a safari experience at this drive-through zoo and wildlife preserve in Texas.

You might also like: Other Day trips from Dallas

If you want some safari inspiration, see a safari in florida , what to pack for a family safari , photos from the  masai mara great migration , soaring about the savannah in a hot air balloon safari in serengeti  and 6 things to do in nairobi and other posts from africa ..

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6 thoughts on “Fossil Rim: A Safari in the Southwest at Glen Rose, Texas”

Wow, looks like such an amazing time!

This looks like a lot of fun. I have seen these in a few states and would love to try. Love the fact that your kid loved Geoffrey too!

This is so fun! We have one here in Nebraska with less exotic but equally interesting animals. I love being able to get so close!!

That is so cool! How fun!

When I was in South Africa I was able to do a safari and it was a great experience! Very cool and educational! I had no idea these existed in the USA but this looks like a blast thanks for sharing!

How fun – we want to go visit South Africa someday, till then it is visits to the Fossil rim to satiate our safari dreams.

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Your Top Wildlife Destination

979-828-5256 open everyday 9am-5pm.

© 2022 by Franklin Drive Thru Safari. 

At Franklin Drive Thru Safari, we offer unique, informative, and interactive educational experiences. Learning up close and personal with one of our qualified experts is the best way to understand our animals. No matter your age or your background, there are always opportunities to cultivate your knowledge and love of animals and nature. Please get in touch today to find out more.

Our Lazy River is now OPEN!         Check out our NEW page

Cabin rentals.

What's better than driving thru our Safari?  Yes, you guessed it, staying in one of our cabin houses.  Our cabins are located just off of the Safari, but that doesn't mean you wont see any animals.  Call the office today to book your rental

We have a firepit, grills, and full kitchens. Also a full bathroom, picnic tables and more.  You can listen to the birds and view the scenery while you enjoy a relaxing stay with us. 

4324 West Highway 79

Franklin TX 77856

979-828-5256

Opening Hours

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

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Sanctuary Serengeti

A place for the whole family to experience animals from across the world up close and personal.

Traveling for Adventure? Family? Leisure? Business?

Swing on by to Sanctuary Serengeti! Located only 6 miles Northwest of La Grange, Texas lies one of the finest drive-through safaris. This Sanctuary was created to provide a safe, open environment for a wide variety of animals from all over the world. 

Want to know more about Sanctuary Serengeti? 

Check out our FAQs, or reach out to us through the contact us page!

For just about our entire lives, we have had the opprotunity to work with these amazing animals from many different countries from all other the world. It has been a life-long dream of ours to be able to share these experiences with you!

We got married back in 1998, and started our family in 2001. We have 2 amazing daughters, one being 19 and the other 14. They are just as excited to start this adventure as we are, and will be working and helping us with the park.

We have resided in Bonham, Tx since 2006, and have been raising and breeding exoctic animals ever since. We joined Source Population Alliance in 2017, to help repopulate and monitor endangered species. We are a member of theZAA(Zoological Association of Ameri ca), and are a life-time member with EWA.

About Our Park

We have been a USDA LICENSED FACILITY SINCE 2010.  The  North Texas Safari Park is located in Bonham, TX just about an hour north of Dallas, 30 mins east of Sherman, Tx and a 40 min short drive west from Paris, TX.

Our guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a drive through experience from the comfort of their vehicle, where you can interact with a variety of exotic and endangered species.

Come observe, feed and photograph some of the world’s most amazing creatures right from your own car!!

If you’re wanting to explore a much more adventurous encounter; you can feed the giraffes. Take a walk in our Kangaroo and wallaby exhibit, Texas Down Under, come inside our petting zoo area where you can get up close and personnel, Sloth around in an encounter with ours Sloths(sold separately) Feed a llama, alpaca, camels, nilgai, and various other animals.

Texas Safari Parks & Wildlife Parks

Texas is home to some great adventures, one of which are wildlife parks. Here’s our list of the best Texas Safari and Wildlife Parks, Preserves, and Tours. Visitors will be astonished by the original and innovative way of meeting, mingling, petting and seeing wildlife at any of the safari and wildlife park in Texas which offer an unsurpassed adventure in meeting wild animals and a one-of-a-kind, lasting, exciting memory in getting to know the wild. Visit one of the Texas Safari and Wildlife Parks and create you own exciting adventure. Incorporate a Texas Safari or Wildlife tour into your next family vacation.

North Texas Wildlife & Safari Parks

Fossil rim wildlife center (glen rose).

The 1700 acres lets you interact with deer, rhinos, giraffes and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Drive through the 9-1/2 mile tour. You will see long distance views of savannah-like pastures, forested areas and hillsides for the animals to roam. Fossil Rim is a great family experience. This park is a spring break favorite, but beware… in my experience, the lines can get really long during school breaks!

In-Sync Exotics (Wylie)

As a non-profit organization they are dedicated to the rescue of neglected, abused and unwanted exotic felines and to educate the public about these beautiful cats. The story of each cat is posted on their enclosure, and information about each species is placed near the enclosures so you can learn about the animals that call In-Sync Exotics their forever home.

Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch (Pilot Point)

This is a premiere exotic animal facility where they breed rare and endangered animals and supply them to zoos around the world. They provide animals for Jack Hanna shows and just filmed a Dirty Jobs episode with Mike Rowe. You can even get lunch there and watch the bears play!

East Texas Wildlife & Safari Parks

Cherokee trace (jacksonville).

Nestled in the lush piney woods of East Texas, this drive-thru safari is a home to an amazing variety of wildlife. See over a dozen exotic and endangered species that thrive in an open habitat similar to their native territory. Enjoy a self-guided drive through the hills & savannahs of this 300-acre preserve.

East Texas Gators & Wildlife Park (Grand Saline)

The farm has gator eggs ready to hatch, baby gators and adult gators of all sizes. The alligators have stopped eating until spring…they are laying on the banks of the pond for you to get a good look! Their duck/geese/swan pond has a covered pavilion and is perfect for a relaxing picnic.

South Texas Wildlife & Safari Parks

Grapeland safari park (grapeland).

This is a family owned business on 59 acres where you will see kangaroos, cockatoos, tortoise, llamas, capybaras, and many more. You can drive through in your own vehicle or use their bus for larger groups. You are able to feed the animals with food that is provided for you.

Bayou Wildlife Park (Alvin)

Your tour on special trams takes you over the 80 acres of prairie and woods with the guide delivering an exciting and interesting talk while you feed the animals. There are 50 species of animals and birds totaling 500 in number.

Central Texas / Hill Country Safari & Wildlife Parks

Aggieland wild animal safari (bryan).

How would you like to go on a safari? Sounds fun. With your ticket you have the opportunity to get up close and personal with hundreds of animals throughout their 250 acres. Make sure you purchase a bucket of feed. The animals will love you for it. After your Drive-Thru Safari hop out of your car and visit with 150 mammals, birds and reptiles in the 20 acre zoo.

Topsey Exotic Ranch (Copperas Cove)

Located on 350 acres of free-range safari, allowing the guests to experience wildlife in a natural setting. Their mission is to provide the animals who call Topsey Exotic Ranch home with the highest standard of care and husbandry practices, while providing the guests with a fun and unique way to experience wildlife in an up-close and natural way.

Y.O. Ranch Headquarters (Mountain Home)

View and photograph animals from around the world either on a Bus Tour, Private Tour, or their Deluxe Tour which gives you more time on the ranch. Their guides are fun and informative with fascinating facts about the animals. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring your binoculars if you wish.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (Between San Antonio& New Braunfels)

Wildlife Ranch offers the opportunity to view, photograph and feed animals. See species from all over the world from the comfort of your own vehicle. The oldest safari ranch in TX with 400 acres and 4 miles of exciting animals in the beautiful hill country. Read about our trip through  Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch .

Exotic Resort Zoo (Johnson City)

A small family owned wildlife preserve with over 500 animals and 80 different species. The preserve is home to several endangered species that now have a chance to increase their numbers. You can ride on a trailer through the 137 acres. Hundreds of exotic animals from antelope to zebras will come up to the trailer to be feed and petted. Read about our  fun experience at Exotic Resort Zoo .

If you want to get outside and experience some exotic animals, check out our map of Texas wildlife and safari parks .

Author: Simon Trask

Simon loves Texas and the Great Outdoors. From East Texas pines to West Texas mountains, he calls North Texas home but is always ready to float a river in Hill Country or go fishing on the Gulf Coast. Simon loves camping and road trips as well, whether it's cruising Highway 287, 82, 69 or 281, that's the true way to see what Texas is all about!

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

Katie Lawrence

Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015. Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).

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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.

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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 .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Closest national parks to Dallas

Approximately 237 million people visited American national parks in 2020, representing a 28% year-over-year decrease attributed to the coronavirus pandemic. Many parks were forced to close to combat the spread of the virus, but that's not the whole story—when the parks were open, many of them saw record crowds as throngs of people desperate to safely enjoy nature descended onto parks when they reopened.

President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 signed the act creating the National Park Service to leave natural and historic phenomenons "unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." Since then, our national parks have welcomed visitors from around the world to experience some of the best the country has to offer and showcase the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Today, the country's 63 national parks contain at least 247 species of endangered or threatened plants and animals , more than 75,000 archaeological sites, and 18,000 miles of trails.

Stacker compiled a list of the closest national parks to Dallas. National parks are ranked by closest straight line distance, measured from representative points in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metro Area and each national park. Estimated driving times are from Here and are only available within the lower 48 states. All featured distances and driving times are estimated using representative locations from the center of each metro and national park—for some places within the metro area, the actual distance may be slightly shorter or longer to reach the closest entryway to a park.

Be sure to check with individual parks before you visit to find out about ongoing, pandemic-related safety precautions at www.nps.gov/coronavirus .

#1. Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas)

#2. carlsbad caverns national park (new mexico), #3. big bend national park (texas), #4. guadalupe mountains national park (texas), #5. white sands national park (new mexico), #6. gateway arch national park (missouri), #7. great sand dunes national park (colorado), #8. mammoth cave national park (kentucky), #9. rocky mountain national park (colorado), #10. mesa verde national park (colorado), #11. black canyon of the gunnison national park (colorado), #12. petrified forest national park (arizona), #13. saguaro national park (arizona), #14. great smoky mountains national park (north carolina, tennessee), #15. badlands national park (south dakota), #16. arches national park (utah), #17. indiana dunes national park (indiana), #18. canyonlands national park (utah), #19. wind cave national park (south dakota), #20. capitol reef national park (utah), #21. grand canyon national park (arizona), #22. bryce canyon national park (utah), #23. congaree national park (south carolina), #24. zion national park (utah), #25. new river gorge national park (west virginia), #26. dry tortugas national park (florida), #27. cuyahoga valley national park (ohio), #28. theodore roosevelt national park (north dakota), #29. great basin national park (nevada), #30. grand teton national park (wyoming), #31. yellowstone national park (wyoming, montana, idaho), #32. joshua tree national park (california), #33. everglades national park (florida), #34. voyageurs national park (minnesota), #35. shenandoah national park (virginia), #36. biscayne national park (florida), #37. isle royale national park (michigan), #38. death valley national park (california, nevada), #39. kings canyon national park (california), #40. sequoia national park (california), #41. channel islands national park (california), #42. yosemite national park (california), #43. pinnacles national park (california), #44. glacier national park (montana), #45. lassen volcanic national park (california), #46. crater lake national park (oregon), #47. redwood national park (california), #48. mount rainier national park (washington), #49. north cascades national park (washington), #50. olympic national park (washington), #51. acadia national park (maine), #52. virgin islands national park (u.s. virgin islands), #53. glacier bay national park (alaska), #54. wrangell–st. elias national park (alaska), #55. kenai fjords national park (alaska), #56. denali national park (alaska), #57. lake clark national park (alaska), #58. katmai national park (alaska), #59. gates of the arctic national park (alaska), #60. kobuk valley national park (alaska), #61. hawaiʻi volcanoes national park (hawaii), #62. haleakalā national park (hawaii), #63. national park of american samoa (american samoa), explore by metro, brownsville, college station, corpus christi, san antonio, wichita falls, trending now, 50 best crime tv shows of all time.

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You Can Visit The Dallas Zoo For Just $1—Here’s How

Tickets for this wild deal are available now and selling fast.

Lions, tigers, and elephants, oh my! 

They say things are bigger in Texas, but at the Dallas Zoo, one community initiative has ticket prices dropping. 

If you’re looking for fun and affordable activities for your kids this summer—or maybe just for yourself and a loved one—the Dallas Zoo is back with its wildly popular ‘Dollar Days’ promotion in partnership with Texas-based Whataburger . You won’t want to miss this opportunity to explore more than 2,000 animals representing 400 species at the oldest and largest zoo in Texas. Fun fact: The zoo was founded with just two deer and two mountain lions in 1888.

On July 18 and August 6 , visitors can enjoy a day at the Dallas Zoo for just $1 per person . (Kids two and under receive free admission, as always.) Tickets must be purchased online in advance, and they sell out every year! Here’s where to buy tickets . In addition, the zoo will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on these two dates—two hours later than the zoo’s regular summer hours (8 a.m. to 3 p.m. from July 8 through August 8).

The ‘Dollar Days’ promotion does not include parking ($12) or add-on animal encounters/experiences like giraffe feedings or rides on the Conservation Railway mini-train. And with many visitors coming through their doors—more than one million per year, in fact—the zoo encourages guests to take the DART Red Line straight to the zoo’s entrance in Dallas, Texas .

In addition to $1 admission on July 18 and August 6, the Dallas Zoo is also offering squawkin’ good deals on food and drink to cool off zoophilists of all ages. As reported by WFAA in Dallas , snack discounts in ZooNorth and Wilds of Africa will include:

• $1 cotton candy
• $2 Twin Pops popsicles
• $2 ice cream cups
• $2 rainbow sherbert
• $2 bags of Lays chips
• $3 canned drinks

In a press release, the zoo shared that ‘Dollar Days’ are held to “show appreciation for the community’s support” and also “make the zoo accessible to all.”

To keep zoo-goers cool on what promises to be two very hot Texas summer days, sponsor Whataburger will be on site with themed cooling towels and fans. The Dallas Zoo has also added new misting fans and water stations around the park.

Whether you’re excited to see the zoo’s new adorable whooping crane chicks and their foster parents Huckleberry and Juniper or plan on engaging in a staring contest with the red-eyed tree frog, it’s always a great time to support conservation efforts at your local zoo. And when you’ve worked up a hippo-sized appetite—we’ve rounded up the best restaurants in Dallas for your post-zoo meal.

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Texas Zoofari Park Directions

Texas Zoofari Park is located in Kaufman, Texas. It’s an easy drive from Dallas, Waco, and Shreveport. Why not take a road trip and spend a fun day with our animals?

Driving Directions

Enter the following address into your gps navigation system:.

Texas Zoofari Park 9773 FM 429 Kaufman, Texas 75142

From Dallas

Take I-45 South to US-175 and I-20 East. Use exit 506 to access Farm to Market 2728 North. Turn right onto Farm to Market 429. Arrive at Texas Zoofari Park, 9773 FM 429, Kaufman, Texas 75142.

Take 1-35 North to I-20 East. Use exit 506 to access Farm to Market 2728 North. Turn right onto Farm to Market 429. Arrive at Texas Zoofari Park, 9773 FM 429, Kaufman, Texas 75142.

From Shreveport

Take I-20 West to exit 529. Turn left onto FM 17, then turn left onto State Highway 64 East. Turn right onto TX-243 West/West State Highway 243 and take a right onto Farm to Market 429. Arrive at Texas Zoofari Park, 9773 FM 429, Kaufman, Texas 75142.

KEEP IN MIND

No Animals Allowed

No Outside Animal Feed Allowed

No Smoking or Vaping Allowed, except in the designated area

The following vehicles are not allowed in the Safari Drive-Thru: Motorcycles, convertibles, open-top jeeps, vehicles without doors, and tow-behind trailers.

Minivan Sliding Doors MUST Remain Closed in Drive-Thru Section of the Park

Guest must stay in vehicles at all times while on the Safari Drive-thru.

15 things to do this week in Dallas County include outdoor movies, community meals, parades

Perry firefighters association grab-n-go dinner.

5-6:30 p.m. Friday, June 28 at 908 Willis Ave., Perry.

The Perry Firefighters Association will serve a Grab-n-Go Dinner on Friday, June 28 in the Perry Fire Department parking lot. The menu includes hot dogs for $5, cheeseburgers or pork loin sandwiches for $8 and steak sandwiches for $12. Each meal comes with chips and a drink.

In the lead-up to the 2020 election, all eyes are on Iowa. Get updates of all things Iowa politics delivered to your inbox.

Outdoor Summer Movie

8:30 p.m. Friday, June 28 at 2200 Walnut St., Granger.

The Granger Parks & Recreation Department will continue its outdoor summer movie series with "Back to the Future" on Friday, June 28. The movie will be shown on the north side of the Community Center on the grass. Popcorn and candy will available for purchase. Upcoming movies include "Elemental" on July 19 and "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" on Aug. 23.

Movie in the Park

8:45 p.m. Friday, June 28 at Kinnick-Feller Park.

Join Adel Parks and Rec for a free showing of "Trolls Band Together" on Friday, June 28. The movie will be seen on the big screen set up by the gazebo in Kinnick-Feller Park. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Popcorn is provided. The movie begins at sunset. 

Yoga in the Park

8-9 a.m. Saturday, June 29 at Centennial Park, Granger.

Join Jessica for Yoga in the Park on the following dates: June 29; July 6,13, 20 & 27; Aug. 3, 10 & 17. Bring a towel or yoga mat. Yoga in the Park is a free program that is open to all ages. 

8:30-9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 29 at Trindle Park, Van Meter.

Van Meter Parks & Recreation is sponsoring yoga this summer. Please note the new location, if we have rain, we can still practice under a shelter. Bring a beach towel or yoga mat and join us as we move our bodies in the outdoors. This practice requires the ability to get up and down off the ground. Yoga in the Park will be held on June 29, July 13 and 20 and Aug. 3.

Voas Volunteer Day

9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 29 at Voas Nature Area, 19286 Lexington Road, Minburn.

Dallas County Conservation Board has a new bird blind at Voas Nature Area. It has been strategically located where there is moving water, which is great for attracting non-feeder birds. Unfortunately, the area has invasive autumn olive and honeysuckle that needs removed. DCCB needs help clearing this area so our birds have native species to nest and forage in. Registration required for this free program through DCCB's Eventbrite page .

Woodward Social Center Luncheon

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 1 at Woodward Social Center.

The Woodward Social Center will serve a luncheon on Monday, July 1. The menu will include barbecue beef sandwiches, rosemary potatoes, homemade mac and cheese, side salads and dessert bars. A free-will offering will be taken to support the Woodward Public Library.

Adel Community Blood Drive

9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 3 at 312 Nile Kinnick Drive S, Adel.

LifeServe Blood Center is calling all community members to participate in blood donation drives throughout the month of July in your neighborhood. Each donation bolsters the blood supply for local hospitals, and LifeServe aims to emphasize the crucial role that each donor plays in supporting healthcare services within their own communities. The Adel Community Blood Drive will be held on Wednesday, July 3. Schedule a blood donation appointment online at lifeservebloodcenter.org or call 800.287.4903.

"Dip on DMACC" Pool Day Event: Perry

1-3 p.m. Wednesday, July 3 at McCreary Community Building, Perry.

Join DMACC on Wednesday, July 3 at the McCreary Community Building pool in Perry for a fun "Dip on DMACC" event! The first 100 pool goers to arrive will receive half-price admission and enjoy a free dip of ice cream, courtesy of DMACC.

Waukee Community Blood Drive

3:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 3 at 1255 Warrior Lane, Waukee.

LifeServe Blood Center is calling all community members to participate in blood donation drives throughout the month of July in your neighborhood. Each donation bolsters the blood supply for local hospitals, and LifeServe aims to emphasize the crucial role that each donor plays in supporting healthcare services within their own communities. The Waukee Community Blood Drive will be held on Wednesday, July 3. Schedule a blood donation appointment online at lifeservebloodcenter.org or call 800.287.4903.

Waukee’s Independence Day Celebration

July 3-4 in Waukee.

Waukee's Independence Day Celebration returns on July 3 and 4 at Centennial Park. Enjoy classic American summer activities from a pancake breakfast to a pie-eating contest to professional fireworks and a parade. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. Find all the details and register for the parade, volunteer opportunities and all-you-can-jump inflatables at  Waukee.org/July .

Minburn's Fourth of July Celebration

July 3-4 in Minburn.

Minburn's Fourth of July festivities will kick off with a Meet Me in Minburn concert from 7-9 p.m. on July 3 in Meek Park. A free-will donation meal will be served from 5:30-7 p.m. by the Friends of the Minburn Library. Nachos grande will be served with contributions from Casa Oaxaca. Kick will perform live music from 7-9 p.m. The outdoor skating rink will also be open, with free skate rentals. The festivities will continue on July 4 with a 9 a.m. parade (8:30 a.m. line-up at co-op), family games at Rogers Park, bags tournament at Mudders, lunch and bingo at the food shelter, all wheels show, music, pie auction and more. Fireworks will close out the festivities at dusk. Find more information at www.minburn.org .

Perry's Fourth of July Celebration

10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4 in Perry.

Join the Perry Chamber for a fun day filled with a parade, food, live music and more on the Fourth of July in Perry. Festivities will include a 10 a.m. parade on Willis Avenue to Pattee Park (line-up at 9 a.m. at East Perry Plaza), 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. vendors at Pattee Park, Perry Elks Lodge Bingo, 2 p.m. Perry Fine Arts Musical Extravaganza & Ice Cream Social at First United Methodist Church, 6-9:30 p.m. Live Music at Pattee Park Bandshell by Stranger than Fiction and 9:30 p.m. fireworks finale.

Musical Extravaganza and Ice Cream Social

2 p.m. Thursday, July 4 at Centrum of First United Methodist Church, 1100 3rd St, Perry.

Perry Fine Arts will present its annual Musical Extravaganza and Ice Cream Social on July 4. Perry Fine Arts annual variety show has been going for 49 years. It has become a mainstay of Perry's Fourth of July festivities. Come and enjoy, in air-conditioned comfort, as Perry area performers entertain you with vocals and instrumentals. Following the program, come and socialize while having a scoop (or two) of ice cream and goodies. Perry Fine Arts concerts are free and open to all. A free-will offering will be taken and a reception will follow the concert. The building is handicapped accessible and air conditioned.

Fourth of July Grill

2-5 p.m. Thursday, July 4 at Board & Batten and Century Farms Park.

Join us at Board and Batten and Century Farms Park for a 4th of July Grill with Bob Pace. Free hamburgers and hotdogs will be prepared on the 'Slaughter Grill' (Grill Master Brian) but donations will be gratefully accepted with 100% of all donations benefitting the Dallas Center Parks & Recreation Department. IA Hall of Fame Blues Artist Bob Pace will be performing indoors, Jimmy's Bar at B&B will be serving up your favorite beverages, and the store will have some cool new gift items available with a % of ALL sales at B&B also going to the Parks & Rec Department.

Memorial Golf Tournament

Sunday, July 7 at Perry Golf and Country Club.

Each year, the Perry Golf and Country Club honors the memory of a former member who had a significant impact on the club. This year, the 11th annual Memorial Golf Tournament will be played in honor of the late Merle Adamson. The Memorial Golf Tournament is open to anyone who would like to play in it. The Championship Flight will play 27 holes, while the Senior Division, Super Senior Division and all other flights will play 18 holes. To enter, call the clubhouse at (515) 465-3852.

Evening Paddle Program

6-9 p.m. Tuesday, July 9 at TBD.

The outdoors is filled with a buzz of activity as day transitions into night. Join Dallas County Conservation and other fellow paddlers on the water to soak in all nature ahs to offer during this time of day. Location/route will be determined the week of the event, based on current water levels around Dallas County. Participants must provide their own boats, paddles, and life jackets. Registration required through DCCB's Eventbrite page .

Free Merchant Movies

11 a.m. Wednesday, July 10 at Perry Grand 3 Theatres.

The Perry Grand 3 Theatres will continue the 2024 summer movies on Wednesday, July 10 with "Migration." All movies will be shown at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays through Aug. 7. Admission is free thanks to local sponsors. Look for a  full list of upcoming movies on the Perry Grand 3 Theatres Facebook page .

Ice Cream Social

5-7 p.m. Sunday, July 14 at Panther Creek Church of the Brethren, 24529 J. Ave. Adel ( 8 miles NW of Adel, 10 miles S of Perry).

You are invited to an ice cream social on Sunday, July 14 at Panther Creek Church of the Brethren. There will be homemade ice cream, pies and other desserts. A free-will offering will be accepted to support CCEPI (Center for Caring, Empowerment and Peace Initiatives).

To submit events to be included in the Around the County round-up, email [email protected] or [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 15 things to do this week in Dallas County include outdoor movies, community meals, parades

Six Flags opens its first luxury hotel, which features daily giraffe feedings at safari-themed park

Giraffe encounters on an elevated walkway. The roar of nearby lions from a private veranda. Early morning game drives with elephants and rhinos. These experiences, typically reserved for safaris across the vast African continent, will soon be found at an amusement park in New Jersey, which also offers access to the world’s tallest roller coaster.

Six Flags Entertainment Corp.  is venturing into luxury hospitality, with a 20-room safari hotel slated to open on June 14. Located just 15 miles from New York City, inside the safari park at Six Flags Great Adventure, the  Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa  will perch guests above Ankole cattle, wildebeests and black bears that roam the property’s 350-acre African-themed expanse.

The company’s first foray into luxury hotels comes amid its planned  $1.88 billion acquisition  by  Cedar Fair LP , which owns 17 theme parks and 11 hotels, including Carowinds outside Charlotte and Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. 

Stays at Savannah Sunset begin at $599 per night during the summer season—with a two-night minimum—which puts it within range of some of Walt Disney World’s most high-end hotels. Here, that will include modern conveniences such as avocado toast and Starbucks chai lattes delivered to your canvas tent for breakfast, as well as tickets to Six Flags’ parks.

That adds to the attractions already bringing thrill-seekers to this corner of New Jersey, where Six Flags operates 510 acres filled with 14 hair-raising roller coasters, the Hurricane Harbor water park and the aforementioned Wild Safari Adventure. At the latter, guests are taken on 45-minute game drives to see 1,200 animals from six continents. While Six Flags does not release data for visitation to its individual parks, research from AECOM tracking attendance at global attractions shows that the New Jersey complex welcomed a record 3.5 million guests in 2019; in 2022, the most recent year for which AECOM data are available, that number was more than 2.1 million. 

The new hotel is a way to leverage the existing safari park for longer and more expensive stays, which in turn would drive spending in the rest of the parks. While the suites are modeled after the camps in, say, Botswana’s Okavango Delta or  Tanzania’s Serengeti , the layouts feature kitchenettes and Keurig coffee machines to cater to American families.

“We needed to really deliver things that were special,” says Edithann Velez Ramey, chief marketing officer at Six Flags.

A Company in Transition

Six Flags’ expansion into hotels comes at a critical time. This year  a survey of 3,491 US-based travelers  by Bloomberg Intelligence showed that more than half planned to visit theme parks for trips of at least three days, the second-most-popular vacation choice, after all-inclusive resorts. 

Courting visitors for multiple days is an advantage that such companies as  Walt Disney Co.  and  Comcast Corp. ’s Universal have long held over Six Flags, which has historically been focused almost exclusively on day guests. The gap has only widened, as Universal Orlando Resort readies a trio of new hotels around the 2025 debut of its Epic Universe theme park, and Disney continues to refurbish and launch new accommodations for its loyal Disney Vacation Club members.

Until now, Six Flags has operated just one hotel:  Great Escape Lodge , with 200 Adirondack-themed rooms surrounding an indoor water park in Queensbury, New York. Rooms start around $340 per night during prime summer weekends. 

The decision to experiment with luxury lodging was spurred by Chief Executive Officer Selim Bassoul, who took the helm in late 2021. It’s his most ambitious move as he shepherds the company ahead of its merger. (The close is expected to take place by the end of June, though some analysts and antitrust experts anticipate regulatory delays.) 

Marketing chief Ramey says the glamping concept was part of a strategy that encourages higher spending. The question Bassoul was asking, she says, is “How do we do things that allow us to elevate the price—and, by extension, revenues and profit?” 

In lieu of competing with Florida’s destination parks by building more attractions, Six Flags is using its proximity to the New York metro area as an advantage. Offering safari-like accommodations without a trip to the airport is unique, but as a one-off hotel, it’s a big idea that speaks to Six Flags’ current performance gaps. According to research by Bloomberg Intelligence, the company’s cash generation dropped in 2023 as per-person park spending decreased to $64 from $66, all while attendance remained lower than expected. Across all its 27 parks nationwide, Six Flags saw 22.2 million visitors last year—still far shy of 2019’s 32.8 million. 

What to Expect From a Six Flags Safari Stay

Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa is loaded with intriguing features and amenities—and also a heavy handful of contradictions. 

Nowhere else in the Northeast can you find rooms outfitted with genuine, handcrafted African wood furniture and vast savannah views. Daily giraffe feedings, made available exclusively to hotel guests, are the kind of thing some people associate with a bucket-list trip to Nairobi. An on-site restaurant, Mahaba Grill, will serve breakfast and dinner. Entrees, such as lobster ravioli or slow-roasted short rib, cost from $25 to $40. An on-site spa offers deep-tissue massages with a wooden African rungu stick. 

Each stay includes park admission, private transportation to the parks and expedited skip-the-line access on roller coasters and waterslides. Guests at Disney’s $300-a-night  Animal Kingdom Lodge , which claims the largest African wine list outside the continent and provides in-room views of animals roaming nearby, have to pay extra for such perks.

But there are significant challenges. Savannah Sunset requires all guests to be age 5 or older—a serious caveat for families with animal-loving preschoolers—and a restriction that’s almost impossible to find anywhere online. 

Six Flags also has to build this new business without the help of its most core demographic: Most of its guests are local and arrive with season passes in hand, which means they don’t need a hotel. 

This location is also the only Six Flag theme park that includes a safari park, so it’s unclear if this strategy can expand. 

And then there’s the issue that Savannah Sunset’s most senior staff have little experience with luxury hotels. In charge is Elizabeth Bransky-Cannata, who most recently served as traveling interim general manager for Holiday Inn Club Vacations locations. 

She’ll need to establish the hotel as a must-visit locale quickly, given its short seasonality. Six Flags Great Adventure is only open daily in summer (meaning, until Labor Day), and the hotel will be open only on select dates in the offseason. That’s a logistical issue that neither Disney nor Universal, which benefit from sunny Florida weather year-round, has to contend with at their resorts. 

Despite those caveats, Six Flags still sees enormous opportunity. 

“It’s one of our biggest, largest properties, so we knew we wanted to invest,” says Ramey. “And we’re thrilled that it’s happening in New Jersey.” 

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