With the heat already kicking in this June, we think a drive-thru safari experience is a great way to have an adventure, entertain the kids, and stay in the comfort of your air-conditioned car. At one of these many drive-thru zoos in Central Texas, you can feed exotic animals from your very own window, or at some, rent a cabin and get the full immersive experience. Here’s the scoop on Drive-Thru Zoos near Austin.
Exotic Resort Zoo
Location: Johnson City, TX (approximately 1-hour drive)
Hours: 9 am – 6 pm daily (except Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
See more than 700 animals and 45+ different species of animals on 137 acres, including some species that were at one time endangered. When you purchase tickets, you have the options of a Drive-Through tour, Guided Tour, or Private Tour. Reservations are not needed (except for Private Tours), so you can decide which experience you’d like upon arrival. They also have Safari Cabin rentals that are available year-round.
Admission: Adults are $18.95; Seniors (60+) are $17.95; Children (2-12) are $15.95; Bags of feed are $6.
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Location: San Antonio, TX (approximately 1-hour drive)
Hours: Hours vary here
This Wildlife Ranch is consistently voted in the Top 10 Best Safari Parks in the nation. You can see more than 500 animals as you drive through 450 acres of rolling hills, creek beds, and live oak trees. The safari trek covers four miles and takes most visitors 1-2 hours. Tickets can be purchased at a discount online and they have lots of options here. Note that there are many discounted days for admission on weekdays. Click here to view the calendar.
Admission: Self-guided tours start at $31.99 for Adults; and $21.99 for Kids ages 3-11
Topsey Exotic Ranch & Drive Thru Safari
Location: Copperas Cove, TX (approximately 1 hour & 30 minutes drive)
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily (weather permitting)
See more than 50 species of wildlife in a natural setting on 350 acres, and hand feed them from your car. You’ll get to see camels, zebra, various antelope, gazelle, and more.
Admission: Adults are $14; Kids ages 3-12 are $12, Kids 2 & under are free; Seniors are $13; Feed is $2/bag.
Franklin Drive Thru Safari
Location: Franklin, TX (approximately a 2-hour drive)
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily (weather permitting)
Take a trip to this 100+ acre drive-thru animal adventure park and interact with exotic animals worldwide. They also offer VIP private tours for those seeking more in-depth knowledge of the animals and how they’re cared for. Additionally, they offer cabin rentals just off the Safari.
Admission: $20 per person, free for children under age 2.
Sanctuary Serengeti
Location: West Point, TX, near LaGrange (approximately 1-hour drive)
Hours: Saturday, and Sunday from 9 am – 6 pm
This drive-through safari was created to provide a safe, open environment for a wide variety of animals from all over the world. You’ll find lemurs, zebras, buffalo, llamas, goats, pigs, and much more here.
Admission: free for ages 2 and under, 3 and up $15, and Senior (ages 65 and up) and active duty/ veteran/ first responder $13.50. Feed buckets are $5.
— Buena Vista Wildlife Safari and RV Park
Location: Evant, TX (approximately 1 hour & 30 min. drive)
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily (summer hours)
Not only can you tour this drive-through safari featuring a diverse range of animals including llamas, alpacas, goats, chicken, and fan favorite, Oliver the pot-bellied pig. You can also plan a getaway and stay overnight at their RV Park or in one of their cabins.
Admission: Adult: $17, Child (ages 3-12): $14 (includes feed for animals); free for children 2 & under, and there is a 10% discount for Seniors and Active Military or Veterans.
— Wild Animal Safari: Aggieland
Location: Bryan, TX (approximately a 2-hour drive)
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily, with the last drive-through session beginning at 4 pm
Connect with hundreds of animals on a 250-acre Drive-Thru Safari. Purchase a bucket of feed and have an up close and personal visit all from the comfort of your vehicle. The drive-thru Safari is included in the cost of admission.
Admission: $20.95 – $89.99 online here
— Blue Hills Ranch & Giraffe Sanctuary
Location: McGregor, TX (approximately 1 hour & 30 min. drive)
Hours: While you cannot drive your vehicle through this property, we wanted to include this park in our round-up because it offers VIP tours where your family or small group can jump in the ranch safari vehicle and search for all the free-roaming residents. You will see giraffes, zebras, camel, lemurs, mini donkeys, mini horses, kangaroos, emus, bison, and much more. You can also opt to book unique experiences such as bottle-feeding giraffes or swimming with otters. They also have beautiful cabins if you’re looking to make your Safari a bit of a getaway.
Admission: The grand safari tour is $65 per person, which you can book up to 60 days in advance.
Enjoy your safari adventures!
