Would you love to trek to Africa to visit with tigers and giraffes, but don’t have the time or budget? Lucky for you, there are several amazing adventures that will give you the same experience! We’re sharing our five picks for East Coast safaris and animal parks, many with extra features like amusement parks and petting zoos. There’s no excuse not to experience an animal adventure with your entire family!
1. Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari – Jackson, New Jersey
This park boasts 1,200 animals from six continents across a 350-acre preserve in New Jersey. You will see elephants, rhinos, tigers, giraffes and more during this exhilarating adventure. The safari adventure is included with your theme park admission so you can really make the most of an entire day’s visit here.
Safari Experience:
In the popular Safari Off-Road Adventure, your driver will take you off-roading to get within close proximity to the animals as they wander and play in their natural habitat. This attraction lasts 45 minutes and it’s recommended you visit early in the day before wait times get very long.
Other Experiences:
Overnight Adventure, Wild Walkway, Aldabras Island, Safari Discoveries, Animal Encounters, Six Flags Theme Park
2. Virginia Safari Park – Natural Bridge, Virginia
In Virginia’s only drive-through safari adventure, you’ll be immersed in the natural environment of hundreds of animals across this 180-acre property. This park is focused on letting their animals roam free and following their instincts. As an added bonus, families can enjoy the Safari Village Walk-Thru Area and Petting Zoo which provide maximum interaction with the animals and the chance to enter some select animal habitats.
Safari Experience:
You can drive your vehicle over three miles of gravel road set against the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Shenandoah Valley. Take as much time as you want to explore and feed the animals through your windows.
Other Experiences:
Giraffe Feeding, Tiger Territory, Petting Area, Budgie Adventure Aviary, Penguin Pool, Kangaroo Walk-About, Wagon Rides
3. Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Orlando, Florida
This animal attraction is located within Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Take a break from the chaos of Disney to escape to the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, featuring over 100 acres of open plains and rocky wetlands.
Safari Experience:
You’ll have the chance to sit in an open-air vehicle and spot numerous African animals during your expert guided drive. Your family will spot lions, giraffes, elephants, cheetahs, and so many more beautiful animals. Each time you experience this safari, you’ll find different animals to take pictures of.
Other Experiences:
After-Dark Safari Tour, Wild Africa Trek
4. Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari – Pine Mountain, Georgia
This family-friendly excursion was designed to be affordable and especially appeal to children 3-12 years old to help them develop a lifelong love of animals and nature. You will have the chance to get up close and personal with over 500 animals spread across more than 300 acres of land. Feed a giraffe, watch water buffalo roam and come face to face with a camel or zebra!
Safari Experience:
You can choose to take the Wild Animal Safari by driving through the 3.5-mile path in your vehicle, take the complimentary bus tour led by a tour guide, or you can rent one of their popular Zebra vans to drive. Many recommend the zebra van, so you don’t get your car dirty or scratched as many animals will be coming right up to your vehicle.
Other Experiences:
Guided Tour Bus, Park Walk-About Area
5. Lion Country Safari – Palm Beach County, Florida
This drive-through safari park was originally developed by a group of South African and British entrepreneurs who wanted to bring the experience of an African game park to the US. South Florida was the perfect location because of the warm climate and plentiful land. The Lion Country Safari is now home to many animals from South America, Africa, and India.
Safari Experience:
In this drive-through safari, you can spend the day with over 1,000 animals. You can also get a different view from the Safari Queen, a boat ride where you will learn more about the inhabitants of Lake Shanelle. Top it all off with a visit to the amusement park and water slides, or feed some giraffes and watch them paint!
Other Experiences:
Giraffe Painting Encounter, Safari World Amusement Park, Animal Feeding, Petting Zoo, Water Slides
We love that there are so many animal experiences available close to home. Save the trip to Africa for when the kids are older. And take advantage of one of these parks with your little ones today. Have you visited any with your family yet? Let us know your favorite below!
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