Looking for a family adventure that’s a little out of the ordinary? Drive through safari parks let kids get up close with giraffes, zebras, camels, and more, all from the comfort of your own car. Many also have walk through exhibits, petting zoos, playgrounds, and animal encounters that make for an unforgettable day trip.
Exotic Resort Zoo
Location: Johnson City, TX (approximately 1-hour drive)
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily (except Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays)
Get up close with more than 700 animals representing over 45 species at this Hill Country favorite. Families can choose to drive through in their own vehicle, hop aboard a guided safari tour, or book a private tour for an even more personalized experience. If one visit isn’t enough, you can even stay overnight in one of the zoo’s safari cabins.
Admission: $15.95 for kids 12 and under; $19.95 for 13+
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Location: San Antonio, TX (approximately 1-hour drive)
Hours: Hours vary here
One of the nation’s top rated drive through safari parks, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is home to more than 500 animals roaming across 450 acres of Texas Hill Country. The four mile self guided safari takes about one to two hours, with plenty of opportunities for up close animal encounters along the way. Admission also includes the Ranch’s new primate area and playground, where kids can burn off some energy while watching playful primates in action.
Admission: Self-guided tours are $21.99 for ages 3-11 and $31.99 for 12+
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, zebras, various antelopes, gazelles, and more.
Admission: Adults are $18; Kids ages 3-12 are $12, Kids 2 & under are free
Franklin Drive Thru Safari
Location: Franklin, TX (approximately a 2-hour drive)
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily (weather permitting)
Roll down the windows and get up close with exotic animals from around the world at this 100 acre drive through safari park. Families can explore at their own pace in their own vehicle or upgrade to a VIP guided tour for an even more memorable experience. Want to turn it into a weekend getaway? Cozy cabin rentals are available right on the property. They aso have a lazy river and two new
Admission: $20 per person, free for children under age 2.
— 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.
— Aggieland Safari
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: Starts at $25 here
— Blue Hills Ranch & Giraffe Sanctuary
Location: McGregor, TX (approximately 1 hour & 30 min. drive)
Info: 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, camels, 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: Varies by experience
— Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Location: Glen Rose, TX (approximately 2.5 hour drive)
Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Info: This nonprofit conservation center spans 1,800 acres and is home to more than 1,100 animals from over 50 species, including giraffes, cheetahs, rhinos, and endangered Texas horned lizards. Families can drive through the scenic route, book a guided tour, or splurge on a behind-the-scenes safari. There’s also a café, picnic areas, and educational exhibits to round out your visit.
Admission: Price varies by season, day and age of visitor
Enjoy your safari adventures!
