safari indoor park

Home » Things to Do » Indoor Activities » Safari Land Indoor Amusement Park

Safari Land Indoor Amusement Park

Safari Land Indoor Amusement Park 701 W. North Avenue Villa Park, IL 60181

630-530-4649

Mon-Thur: 12 PM (Noon) until 10 PM Fri & Sat: 11 AM until 11pm Sunday: 11 AM until 10 PM

701 , West North Avenue , Villa Park , Illinois , 60181 , United States .

• Help Center
• Plan Your Visit
• Places to Stay
• Youth Programs
• Student & Youth Groups
• Dining Programs
• Events & Catering
• Live Cameras
• Our Mission

Get ready for an experience you’ll always remember!

Want to get up close and personal with your favorite wildlife, sit back and relax, or tackle a challenging adventure? Choose your safari!

Butterfly Jungle Safari

• $15 per person

Visit Butterfly Jungle in an all new way! Learn about the butterfly life cycle on your way into the Hidden Jungle aviary, then become immersed in the wonder of colorful, fluttering butterflies.

Wildlife Safari

• Ages 3 & up
• $92 & up per person

Travel in the back of a covered, open-air safari truck into our expansive savanna habitats, with an expert guide.  

Behind-the-Scenes Safari

These Safaris are guaranteed to thrill and amaze! Your guide will escort you to a variety of locations around the Park to see animals up close and share stories of wildlife care and conservation.  

Cart Safaris

• $60 & up per person

Sit back in the comfort of a Safari cart, as you enjoy a 60-minute guided tour of the Park’s spacious African or Asian savanna habitats, led by one of our knowledgeable guides. 

Sun Up Cheetah Safari

• $90 & up per person

Come join us at the Safari Park to see what happens before we open our gates to visitors, including watching a cheetah run at top speed!  

Ultimate Safari

• $710 & up per person

Enjoy a custom safari experience of a lifetime! The Ultimate Safari is your key to exclusive areas, wildlife interactions, and the very best in personalized service.

Roar & Snore Safaris

• $160 & up per person

Pack up your “trunk” for a sleepover adventure at the Safari Park! Choose from several age-appropriate sleepover categories with their own themes.  

Flightline Safari

• Ages 8 & up
• $81 & up per person

Soar as high as 130 feet above the ground, with a spectacular bird’s-eye view of rhinos, giraffes, and other wildlife in the savanna habitats below you.

Save the Chubby Unicorns

Gorilla Shadow

PREFERRED HOTELS

Come Travel with Us!

Travel with us to see Monarchs

Picture Your Special Day at the Park!

• Activities for Kids
• Family Travel
• Family Vacation Ideas

14 Awesome Safari Experiences That Aren’t the Zoo

Lions and tigers and… cars? If seeing the zoo on foot doesn’t cut it for your animal-loving brood, there are plenty of immersive animal experiences that’ll give you the feeling of an authentic wildlife safari park from the comfort of your (or someone else’s) car. Whether you want to gaze at giraffes from a double-decker safari truck or see the wild from the comfort of your own front seat, here are the best safari park experiences in the U.S.

Safari West - Santa Rosa, CA

While a three-hour tour through the Sonoma wine country usually conjures up visions of gorgeous grapes ripening on the vine, Safari West will have you rethinking those expectations. Here, you'll board a double-decker safari truck and log some serious face time with zebras, giraffes, water buffalo and any number of the other 800 animals that call this preserve home.  Expect learning to happen, too. Safari West guides love actively engaging guests, promoting conservation and education efforts on their tours, as they expertly weave the open-air jeep in for a closer look. When tummies rumble, belly up to the Savannah Cafe that overlooks the park; the authentic food, beautiful scenery and grown-up grape juice from the region hit the spot after a long safari.

Wildest Extra:  Want to make a weekend out of it? Spend the night in one of Safari West's 30 authentic African safari tents, with polished hardwood floors, en-suite bathrooms (with hot showers and real toilets), hand-hewn furniture, and ultra-plush linens atop comfortable beds.   

Online: safariwest.com

San Diego Zoo Safari Park - Escondido, CA

The San Diego Wild Animal Park (a branch of the San Diego Zoo) has everything a zoo has to offer, with a plethora of ways to see it all. Rather than keeping animals in small cages, this place opts to let the animals roam free—and puts the people in various vehicles to go out and see them. Families can commune with exotic wildlife from golf carts, African trams, zip lines, behind-the-scenes truck tours, or, even in a hot air balloon for a spectacular bird’s eye view of it all. Add in a ropes course for adventurers as young as seven, and you could spend days taking it all in. But at the heart of this animal wonderland is a mission to save the critters of the world, with its researchers and activists leading conservation efforts in 45 countries, with 380 partners in its conservation work, five conservation field stations and 200 conservation scientists working in the field or the lab, according to this article . 

Wildest Extra:  Want to really wow your wildlife-loving kiddos? Opt for an overnight in an authentic safari tent. At the Wild Animal Park's " Roar and Snore " overnights, you'll get a nighttime tour of the zoo (with up-close animal encounters), then fall asleep to the sounds of lions' roars in the distance.

Online: sdzsafaripark.org

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virginia Safari Park (@virginiasafaripark)

Virginia Safari Park - Natural Bridge, VA

Gas up the family wagon and grab a bucket of tasty grains for the “locals” at the gate before taking off along the three-mile paved drive through this natural animal habitat. Expect a few delighted shrieks from the littles as ostriches, llamas and zebras poke their heads through the windows to say hello and help themselves to tasty treats. When you’re done with the drive, be sure to check out the Village Walk-Thru where the kidlets can spend some QT with potbellied pigs, chickens and goats and more. Let the good times roll!

Wildest Extra: For an added fee, you can feed giraffes from a special platform, get up close and personal with the penguins or feed and pet the rhinos—all while learning how zookeepers take care of the animals and how the Safari Park is helping the animals in the wild. 

Online: virginiasafaripark.com

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hidden Valley Animal Adventure (@hiddenvalleyanimaladventure)

Hidden Valley Animal Adventure - Varysburg, NY

What’s not to love about a family-owned and operated animal park where it’s all about the beauty of the land and the animals that make their home there? Drive your car or hop on the bus to get a rolling tour of this bucolic oasis. Little rangers can be on the lookout for llamas, bison and ostriches, all of whom may cautiously approach the tiny outstretched hands looking to feed and interact with them. It’s a ring-side seat your sidekick won’t soon forget. Add in dinner at the Trailside Grill and you’ve got the whole day planned. The park opens in May and runs through October before closing for the winter.

Wildest Extra:  Winter sleigh rides through the lower park make for a magical, snowy, family-friendly outing. Sleigh bells ring!

Online: hiddenvalleyadventure.com

Northwest Trek - Eatonville, WA

With a focus on preserving and encouraging the repopulation of native Northwest wildlife, this sanctuary, just 60 miles south of Seattle, is a surprisingly perfect place to be on a rainy day. In the true spirit of the Pacific Northwest, the bison, elk and bighorn sheep (and moose, if you can spot one) are a little less camera shy when it’s overcast and drizzling. The park's all-new "Wild Drive" premier tour lets you drive your own car through the Trek's Free-Roaming, where you'll cruise by herds of Roosevelt elk, bison, moose, caribou, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, swan and deer.

After that, stretch your legs on the Animal Walking Paths as you check out grizzlies, cougars and more. Kids will love the " Kids Trek," a nature-inspired playground with ropes, slides, sand, cabins and a massive “tree trunk" to climb. Up for a hike? Access to more than five miles of paved and primitive walking trails is included in admission. 

Wildest Extra:  Don't miss Eagle Passage, an immersive experience that allows visitors to see majestic bald eagles close up while giving the rescued birds—all of whom have some degree of long-term wing injury—a safe passage between habitat sections. 

Online: nwtrek.org 

Bearizona Wildlife Park - Williams, AZ

Drive your car on a three-mile gravel trail to see some of our country's most popular wild natives, including bison, black bears and wolves. When you're ready to stretch your legs, the winding walk-through, Fort Bearizona, will give you the perfect view of the park's resident jaguars, grizzly bears, and more. Craving cuddles? Creepy-crawly lovers can see bugs, spiders and nocturnal animals at the Mine Shaft Experience.

Wildest Extra:  Want a peek at the resident bears... right now? Check out the park's Grizzly Cams !

Online: bearizona.com

African Safari Wildlife Park - Port Clinton, OH

Alpaca, bongos and camels are waiting to say hello to kids and their parents as they drive through the African Safari Wildlife Park. Cup in hand is the way they roll here. And when the drive comes to an end, be sure to check out the Walk-Thru Safari, where kidlets can come face to face with white alligators, ocelots and playful gibbons as they stroll along. In warmer months, the park brings out its giraffes for up-close encounters that let you feed these long-necked beauties a snack. 

Note: The park is closed from Dec. through Apr. Check the online calendar for details. 

Wildest Extra:  Want to come face-to-tongue with a giraffe? Sign up for the 30-minute Giraffe Encounter , which lets you feed and mingle with the giraffes, Matata, Rudy, Poptart, and Harrison. 

 Online: africansafariwildlifepark.com

Wildlife Safari - Winston, OR

Be sure to slap your “Will Break for Bison” bumper sticker to the back of your ride before driving the gang through this open-air Safari park in Oregon. Families can get up close and personal with mammals, reptiles and birds as they check out the sights and feed a few of the residents in this 600-acre park. When your little animals get restless, take a break at Safari Village, a walkable area with trains, playgrounds and a petting zoo to keep kids busy and happy. As for conservation, Wildlife Safari’s staff works hard to protect animals both internationally and domestically. They’ve helped bring over 235 cheetah cubs into the world as part of their super successful cheetah breeding program. Hooray!

Wildest Extra:  Want some wine with your wild? Be sure to get tickets for the park's " Sippin' Safari, " which will honor the park's 50th anniversary on July 22 with live music, wine and beer tastings, and local food trucks. 

Online: wildlifesafari.net

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Simmons Wildlife Safari Park (@simmonswildlifesafari)

Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari - Ashland, NE

The winner of USA Today's Best Safari Park two years in a row, this Nebraska wildlife park (which is owned and operated by Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium) lets you enjoy a four-mile, drive-through experience showcasing North American wildlife. You'll see a menagerie of animals, including American elk, bison, waterfowl, raptors and white-tailed deer. At Wolf Canyon, guests can get out of their cars to gaze at grey wolves and American black bears. After the drive, take a hike to one of the park's overlooks to view the animals from above.

Note: Due to a current Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in Nebraska, the American white pelicans in the Pelican Wetlands, the sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans in Crane Meadows and the chickens at the Hands-on Corral will not be on display until further notice. The Eagle Aviary will be closed, but the eagles are still viewable to the public. The whooping cranes will be off display.

Wildest Extra: For an extra $65 per person, you can book a Backstage Experience to see the animals and their keepers up close. Experiences include a Cheetah Conservation Experience, which gives visitors a backstage look at the state-of-the-art Cheetah Conservation Breeding Facility to see and learn how keepers care for the park's 20 cheetahs; and the Tiger Conservation Experience, in which visitors will get the chance to tour and meet the tigers at the Tiger Conservation Breeding Center.  

Online: wildlifesafaripark.com

The Wilds - Cumberland, OH

A sprawling sister property of the award-winning Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the Wilds lets visitors get an unfettered glimpse of the animals who call this 10,000-acre park home. Here, it's the humans who go in the "cages" and the animals who get to roam free. To see the wildlife, visitors must board the park's open-air safari vehicles to see the resident rare and endangered animals roaming in their large, natural settings.  

What else? Want something extra special? Select from a variety of specialty tours to soak in The Wilds’ stunning scenery. Whether you want to float the day away during a relaxing Fishing Safari on one of nearly 100 lakes; whoosh above it all on a Zipline Tour; saddle up on a Horseback Safari through the quiet prairies; snap some Insta-worthy shots during one of the park's gorgeous Sunset Tours, or get a behind-the-scenes look at the animals with a Wildside Tour—there’s an adventure for everyone! 

Note: The Wilds is open May through Oct. 

Online: thewilds.columbuszoo.org

Lion Country Safari - Loxahatchee, FL

The original drive-through safari park in the U.S. (and believed to be "the first cageless zoo in the country"), this safari spot has been serving up African game park experiences for the whole fam since 1967. It’s four miles of drive-through meetings with oryx, giraffes, rhinos, wildebeests and a whole slew of animals we’ll bet you’ve never heard of (with more than 900 total, we’re pretty confident taking that bet), each living it up in an area that replicates their natural habitat. And the lions for which the park is named? Well, they’ve got their special spot where they can’t get up to too much mischief. Ice this cake with an adjacent KOA campground where you can fall asleep listening to the nighttime sounds of the animals outside your tent, just like a real safari!

Wildest Extra: The get-up-and-move activities that are available after your car safari are awesome perks. Mini golf, a safari cruise, plenty of rides and even a splash park are all part of the day’s adventures at Safari World, the 55-acre amusement park portion of this preserve.

Online: lioncountrysafari.com

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

Fossil Rim - Glen Rose, TX

Born out of a desire to help dwindling animal populations, Fossil Rim found its roots and eventual footing in propagation programs for threatened and endangered species. Thirty years later, families still flock to this Texas park, where they can take their own vehicles around the 9.5-mile Scenic Drive, or get insider deets and educationally potent tidbits when they ride along on a Guided Tour. We love that The Overlook is smack dab in the middle of this drive, as it's the perfect stopping point for antsy toddlers. Get out and interact with friendly tortoises and curious goats at the Children’s Animal Center, or grab grub at the snack bar.

Wildest Extra: A two-hour nighttime tour through the park to see what wild antics the animals are up to once the sun sets is as thrilling as it sounds! Want to stay even later? Adventurous explorers can also spend the night at the Fossil Rim Lodge, which was the original home for original Fossil Rim owner Tom Mantzel; or at one of the safari cabins overlooking one of Fossil Rim's most popular wildlife watering holes. 

Online: fossilrim.org

Out of Africa - Camp Verde, AZ

Nominated as one of the top 10 Best Safari Parks in the U.S. by USA Today, this 100-acre park is home to hundreds of exotic mammals, birds and reptiles from all over the world—with an assortment of fun ways to see them. Climb aboard the open-air safari truck—or upgrade to a"Supermog" (an all-terrain, safari vehicle modified from a medium-size Isuzu truck)—and set out on a bumpy ride into the Serengeti preserve to see zebras, sable antelope, gemsbok, and more. You may even get a chance to feed a giraffe along the way! When the ride is over, there's plenty more to see, including the "Tiger Splash" show, which lets you spy on Bengal and Siberian tigers as they splash around in their pool and interact with their keepers; and the "Predator Feed," where keepers throw 800 pounds of raw food to eagerly-waiting carnivores.

Wildest Extra: Adrenaline junkies will want to sign up for a zip-line tour over the rolling hills. The "Racing Raptor" features three parallel lines—so you and your kids can zip the more than 1,000 feet together above the animals; the Predator zipline tour gives brave riders a course of five zip line runs above it all (Children must be 8 years old to ride.).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wild Animal Safari Keepers (@wildanimalsafarikeepers)

Wild Animal Safari - Pine Mountain, GA

Whether you drive your vehicle, rent a zebra bus (you know you want to) or take advantage of the guided bus tour, your pack will have a grand time spotting many (and even touching a few!) of the 65 different species that roam this 250-acre Serengeti adventure park. Think zebras, elk, bison, camels and more. When the park first opened, it was specially designed to capture the imagination of the littles and engender a lifelong love of animals. Not much has changed since then. Kiddos of all ages love the personal attention they get from the curious animals here! Don't miss the park's newest resident: Malaika, a giraffe calf born in January. 

Note: The Wild Animal Safari also has locations in Strafford, MO and Aggieland, TX.

Wildest Extra: The chance to hand-feed animals at the park's Walkabout Adventure Zoo is a hoot for the tot lot. "The animals are sociable, and you may be slobbered on if you are too close," warns the website (in other words, animal-loving kids will be in heaven). Fuzzy, friendly and hungry, these animals are sure to elicit some giggles from the little ones who feed them.

Online: animalsafari.com

—Allison Sutcliffe & Melissa Heckscher

RELATED STORIES: 14 Wild & Fun Animal Farms & Petting Zoos to Visit Now Featured Creatures: 7 Incredible Animal Experiences  The Very Best Zoos in the U.S. 

Need some fresh ideas?

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for expert parenting tips and simple solutions that make life instantly better.

By subscribing you agree to Tinybeans Terms and Privacy Policy

Related reads

Why Are Gen Z Kids Covering Their Noses in Family Photos?

Screen Time for Babies Linked to Sensory Differences in Toddlerhood, Study Shows

Kids Shouldn’t Have to Finish Dinner to Get Dessert, Dietitian Explains

The Questions Parents Should Be Asking Their Pediatrician—but Aren’t

6 Better Phrases to Say Instead of ‘Be Careful’ When Kids Are Taking Risks

• your daily dose

• and connection

• Your daily dose

Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Water Park

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Surfari Joe's Indoor Wilderness Water Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sun 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Fri - Fri 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
• Sat - Sat 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
• (0.02 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites Watervliet St. Joseph
• (1.66 mi) Beautiful 5 BR/3BA home on Paw Paw Lake close to wineries & wedding venues
• (1.66 mi) LAKEVIEW!1 Block To Public Lake Access! Kayaks And Canoe Available!ASK FOR DOCK
• (1.72 mi) Gorgeous Sandy Beachfront Paw Paw lake home with 155 ft. of frontage and dock
• (1.92 mi) Extraordinary Cottage Compound on Paw Paw Lake
• (0.20 mi) Burger King
• (0.22 mi) Mill Creek Charlies
• (0.27 mi) Chicken Coop
• (0.27 mi) Taco Bell
• (0.06 mi) The Green Dragon Coffee House

Safari Play Space Offers Super Indoor Fun

You and your kids will love this shiny new space for indoor play.

By JiaYing Grygiel

Published on: february 13, 2018.

I haven’t been a mall rat since moving to Seattle a dozen years ago, but within the past year, it’s become increasingly harder to resist the siren song of Southcenter Mall . With the opening of Din Tai Fung , 85°C Bakery Café and now Safari, I can make my kids and my belly happy all in one stop.

Safari Play Space is a family-owned indoor play spot that opened in November. It’s one big open room, centered around a maze-like climbing gym. As you explore the structure, you’ll find all kinds of fun surprises tucked inside:  A swing. A ball pit. A trampoline.  A long, wavy slide.

Admission was $12.99 for my one kid on a recent weekday visit, and with tax, it came out to $14.30. You get a wristband when you enter and it’s good all day, so make the most of it. Go play, then shop and eat, then play some more. Better yet, bring a partner to watch the kids play while you go shop and eat. (Note to self.)

Safari is open late — until 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday — which is great for working parents. And great for kids who need to get the wiggles out before bedtime. Also, being at a mall means tons of free and easy parking — win!

Even as a playspace veteran, I was impressed by Safari.

Safari is extra clean. The staff vacuums and cleans the play structure every night. While we were there, one employee industriously wiped down the check-in counter, Windex-ed the storefront inside and out and tidied up the party room. The two family restrooms at the back of the playspace were spotless. And there’s a wall-mounted Purell dispenser near the entrance. Love, love, love.

The staff was really on top of things during our visit. They were courteous and efficient checking in people, and when they weren’t needed at the desk, they walked around to make sure the kids played nicely. “Can we share? We can’t hit people,” I heard one employee say. Parents minded their kids too, but it’s helpful to have another adult enforce rules.

If you’re familiar with Playdate SEA in South Lake Union, Safari is like a smaller, calmer, more brightly-lit version. A Disney soundtrack played in the background, but it wasn’t too loud, and the mamas holding babies could actually sit and chat. And since Safari is still brand-new (Playdate SEA turns five this year), the padding on the play structure isn’t worn or dirty.

There’s plenty of seating along the walls, so parents can relax while monitoring the kids through the mesh sides of the play structure. There's free wi-fi, too, courtesy of the H&M store next door.

If you forget to bring your own snack, Safari has a small selection of bottled water, juice boxes and crackers for $1.50 each. We spotted a couple of older kids (possibly homeschoolers?) when we visited on a weekday morning, but the scene was mostly tots and their caregivers. The pace does pick up in the afternoon once school lets out, but Safari has a 52-inch height restriction to keep big kids from trampling the little ones.

The upper level of the play structure has a 150-pound limit. It’s supposed to be for kids (and evidently their svelte caregivers), though I did see a few other mamas crawling around with their waddlers.

Babies have their own separate play area, with a big purple caterpillar and foam shapes to stack. While you’re entertaining the little one, you don’t have to worry about older siblings escaping unnoticed. There’s just one exit, by the check-in desk.

My two-year-old usually clings to me in new situations. At Safari, he pushed me away when I tried to help him and told me, “Go take walk.” That’s toddler-speak for, “Mama, this place is awesome!”

The bottom line

Safari is a great place for active indoor play. A little pricey, but in my opinion, you get what you pay for.

STAY CONNECTED! Get the best of ParentMap delivered right to your inbox.

Related Topics

• Play Spaces
• Rainy Day Play

Share this resource with your friends!

About the author.

Visiting Mount Rainier This Summer? Plan Ahead

Where to Score Seattle’s Best Bagels

Giveaway: Win an Overnight Getaway to Alderbrook Resort & Spa

You might also like.

Mom’s Day Giveaway: Treat Yourself and Your Bestie

Seasonal Fun

Top seattle-area family outings for may 2024.

25 Free Things to Do in Seattle in May

Weekender: Family Fun Ideas for April 26–28

6 Big Game Safari Parks in the US

See the big five without making the big trip. by kristi marcelle, top family attractions.

Is an African safari on your bucket list but not in your budget? Across the country, safari parks are attracting visitors that want to see the Big Five without making the big trip. Here are six parks where you can take a jeep safari tour, zip-line over elephants, or wake to the lions’ roar from the comfort of your luxury tent—and none require a passport or a second mortgage.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Escondido, CA

Theme park meets safari at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park , where educational shows, safaris and activities await. The newest adventure, Flightline Safari, is a 470-foot zip line that soars 160 feet above rhinos and other animals. Wildly popular “Roar & Snore” sleepover safaris including guided hikes, campfires, and meals are scheduled throughout the year.

( MORE: Find a parent-recommended, kid-friendly hotel in San Diego.)

Lion Country Safari: West Palm Beach, FL

This pioneering drive-through safari in West Palm Beach has been entertaining generations of Floridians and vacationers since 1967. Amusement park rides, boat cruises, water play splash zones, mini-golf and camel rides are the newest additions to the 900-animal park. If you’re looking for a rustic place to stay, The Travel Channel named the adjacent KOA campground one of the top five places to pitch a tent (and not get eaten by lions).

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center: Glenrose, TX

If hand-feeding a giraffe is on your bucket list, purchase a bag of animal feed and head out on the 9.5-mile scenic wildlife drive-through safari or take a guided tour. This non-profit conservation center, located an hour outside of Dallas , specializes in breeding programs for endangered animals. The center offers a variety of safaris, camps and even a nighttime murder mystery tour. Because, you never know, maybe the giraffe did it in the conservatory with the wrench.

( MORE: Find more kid-friendly attractions around Dallas.)

The Wilds: Cumberland, OH

Ninety miles east of Columbus , this non-profit conservation park sits on 10,000 acres of reclaimed mine land. The Zipline Safari takes you soaring on ten zip lines above more than 350 animals, or you can giddy-up on a horseback safari. The park is open May-October; family and adult camps are offered during summer.

Safari West: Santa Rosa, CA

Who knew that you could find lions and tigers and wildebeests—oh my!—smack in the middle of California Wine Country? Just an hour from San Francisco, the 600-acre Safari West preserve is home to over 600 animals. Cruise through the “Sonoma Serengeti” in an open-air jeep with a coveted roof-top seat that thrills little adventurers, then stay the night glamping in a luxury tent with bunk beds for the kids and on-site wine tastings for the adults.

Wild Animal Safari: Pine Mountain, GA

At this drive-through safari a 90-minute drive from Atlanta , you can take a safari bus tour, rent a zebra van or drive your own vehicle through the 250-acre park with over 650 animals.

Kristi Marcelle, a California-based freelance writer , contributed this to www.MiniTime.com.

Nine of the Best Indoor Water Parks in the US

Puerto Rico’s Best Beaches for Families

The Best Destinations in the UK for Family Weekend Getaways

The Best Destinations for Family-Friendly Wildlife Travel

The Best Destinations in Croatia for Active Family Trips

The Best Places to Stay in Orlando with the Family

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Planning a family vacation with kids? Looking for travel ideas for your next family getaway? MiniTime is different from other travel websites in that it’s 100 percent dedicated to helping parents plan vacations with kids that are better, cheaper, and less stressful. You’ll find reviews of kid-friendly hotels and attractions written by parents that travel with kids, so you will always find the best recommendations for your family on where to go and what to do with kids on vacation. MiniTime also features the best expert advice about how to plan affordable and fun family vacations with kids, with a community of parents dedicated to sharing their own family vacation experiences so that you can find the best family getaway ideas for your own family. Whether you’re planning a road trip, city break, adventure trip, or resort getaway with kids, MiniTime can help you save time and money when planning a family trip. Looking for vacation ideas? Ask us. We just got back.

Jump to navigation

For the latest on COVID-19 (Coronavirus)  click here

Error message

• Lingotek profile ID 4 not found.
• Lingotek profile ID 3 not found.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Like a journey to Africa, a day at this spectacular park lets you see some of the world’s most magnificent—and endangered—animals at close range and in expansive naturalized enclosures. A tram ride leads you past roaming groups of rhinos, gazelles, giraffes, and other species ranging freely through savannah-like expanses. African lions wrestle with their cubs in specially designed enclosures that look like part of the whole, but are safely contained from other animals. There’s plenty to see on foot too: the amazing Tiger Trail exhibit lets you get remarkable underwater views of Sumatran tigers swimming in the Tiger Trail exhibit.

"Static-line hot-air balloon rides and a long, long zip line ride offer great views of the park and surrounding region."

For even more up-close looks at the park’s animals, including premium behind-the-scenes tours, plus unique experiences such as the Cheetah Safari, where you can watch as these amazing cats reach speeds up to 70 mph/113 kph. Special Jungle Ropes Safaris are a great way for your little monkeys to burn off some steam. Static-line hot-air balloon rides and a long, long zip line ride offer great views of the park and surrounding region. And for a California-style hint of what sleeping in the African bush might be like, Roar & Snore Safaris let you spend the night in large tents (some even have beds and electricity) at a campground overlooking the African Plains exhibit.

Come for the animals; then take time to see the plants. The park has extraordinary landscaped areas, all worth strolling. Especially beautiful in spring is the Nativescapes Gardens, focusing on drought-tolerant species adapted to the region’s sunny, dry climate. Free, guided tours are offered at 10 a.m. the second Saturday in April and May.

Southern California

Spotlight: san diego zoo.

Visiting this expansive zoo in San Diego’s Balboa Park is more than a chance to see animals from all over the world: it’s a chance to see one of the world’s finest facilities for seeing and learning about rare and endangered species, all in carefully naturalized enclosures spread across 100 acres/40 hectares in Balboa Park. More than 3,700 animals from 650 species are showcased here, including crowd-pleasers like giant pandas and fuzzy koala bears and intriguing oddities like naked mole rats. (Visiting the San Diego Zoo soon? This  $4 OFF coupon  will save you money on a one-day pass.) 

Plan to spend at least a day at this extraordinary site, and wear comfortable shoes—you’ll likely do a lot of walking. If you have to cut your visit short, no worries: just log onto a collection of entertaining animal cams, which let you see what’s going on with the a variety of species—the koalas and pandas as well as Sumatran tigers, polar bears, California condors, and more—even if you’re not in the park.

Giant pandas

With their cartoon-cute looks and roly-poly gait, the zoo’s giant pandas are no-brainer favourites. The zoo’s resident trio—Gao Gao, Bai Yun and their child, Xiao Liwu (born in 2012)—lumber about in their bamboo-shaded enclosure, munching away on leaves (about 320 kilos of bamboo are harvested per week) seemingly oblivious to their adoring fans. It’s a rare chance to see these charmers—only an estimated 1,600 giant pandas are left in the wild, roaming the high mountains of western China. 

To avoid crowds, consider joining the Early Morning Panda Tour, which includes access to the park before gates officially open. You’ll see the bears get their breakfast, then take a guided shuttle tour of the zoo.

Conrad Prebys Australian Outback

Whether it’s a bounding kangaroo, a feisty Tasmanian devil or a stuffed-animal-cute koala, the fascinating animals of Australia are an entertaining assortment. The extensive Conrad Prebys Australian Outback exhibit at San Diego Zoo aims to let you see and learn about these intriguing creatures—some of them extremely rare—in attractive enclosures that mimic their natural habitats Down Under and provide clever viewing areas.

For example, wide decks wrapping around Queenslander House (a replica of an 1800s house from Queensland, Australia) overlook the koala colony, putting you at eye level with the bear-like creatures. Here you can watch the fuzzy marsupials groom, nap (which they do a lot), lord it over their designated areas (male koalas are territorial) and eat from their high perches in the enclosure’s trees. See if you can spy little koalas, called joeys, clinging to their mother’s backs.

Inside Queenslander House find out more about these animals with a peek inside the koala food prep kitchen, where the keepers prepare the tree-dwellers’ meals of the tender shoots, leaves and twigs of the eucalyptus tree. Walk to the nearby enclosures to hear cockatoos squawk, kookaburras (a bird known as the bushman’s alarm clock) trill, chortle and hoot and see wallabies hop.

If you’d like a more in-depth experience book the one hour Discovery Cart Tour to learn more about koalas, kangaroos and other animals from knowledgeable guides who will answer your questions and relate how the zoo’s conservation efforts are having an impact worldwide. These tours go to areas of the zoo not visited by the bus tours and groups are small so the guides can answer more of your questions.

Special Experiences at the San Diego Zoo

Whether it’s a chance to get an early-morning peek at pandas, or a special sleepover once darkness falls, special tours and insider activities take you from just looking at zoo critters to learning even more about them, and even meeting special zoo ‘ambassador’ animals. Inside Look tours let you learn more about the zoo’s elephants, polar bears and other creatures. Themed sleepovers let families and adults bed down in snug tents in a special area of the zoo, and take private tours and walks after dark. The ultimate way to go? It’s undoubtedly the Exclusive VIP Experience, a totally customised tour where you can design a special tour that best fits your own interests, so you can talk with animal experts, see off-exhibit areas and have special animal interactions. 

Other Exhibits

Sure you’ll want to see lions, tigers and panda bears, but take time to visit some of the zoo’s less familiar species too. In the tropical African rainforest exhibits of Lost Forest, you’ll expect to find gorillas and hippos, but bonobos? Believed to be one of the world’s most rare and intelligent animals, these primates have a fascinating and complex social structures ruled by females. In the Arctic area (fittingly situated at the north side of the park), you’ll find enormous polar bears, but also the beautiful arctic fox with unique features, like hair on the bottoms of its paws to help grip on ice, for living in a wintry world.

Balboa Park

From pandas and koala bears at its iconic zoo, to a remarkable collection of museums and gardens, this oasis in the heart of the city has been a vibrant part of San Diego culture for a hundred years. First and foremost, Balboa Park is a horticultural marvel: the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden alone has more than 130 varieties of rose (learn more about it and the rest of the park’s greenery on free 1-hour Offshoot Tours, offered on Saturday morning). 

Museums abound; local favourites include the Museum of Man, San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego Natural History Museum, Fleet Science Center and the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Culture reigns supreme too: The Old Globe Theatre hosts its famed Shakespeare Festival each summer; live bands and outdoor film screenings abound. 

All this, plus one of the world’s finest zoos. Over 3,700 animals from 650 species—many of them extremely rare— are showcased at the San Diego Zoo, with naturalised exhibits covering roughly 100 acres. Get a special look at the zoo’s three giant pandas by signing up for ‘Early Morning with Pandas’, visiting the panda viewing area before it officially opens for the day. Check the Balboa Park website for special events, and for ticketing deals bundling zoo and museum visits. 

Like a journey to Africa, a day at this spectacular park lets you see some of the world’s most magnificent—and endangered—animals at close range and in expansive naturalised enclosures. A tram ride leads you past roaming groups of rhinos, gazelles, giraffes and other species roaming freely through savannah-like expanses. African lions wrestle with their cubs in specially designed enclosures that look like part of the whole, but are safely contained from other animals. There’s plenty to see on foot too: the amazing Tiger Trail exhibit lets you get remarkable underwater views of Sumatran tigers swimming in the Tiger Trail exhibit.

"Static-line hot air balloon rides and a very long zip line ride offer great views of the park and surrounding region."

For an even more up-close look at the park’s animals, try a premium behind-the-scenes tour, or unique experiences such as the Cheetah Safari where you can watch as these amazing cats reach speeds up to 70 mph. Special Jungle Ropes Safaris are a great way for your little monkeys to let off some steam. Static-line hot air balloon rides and a very long zip line ride offer great views of the park and surrounding region.  And for a California-style hint of what sleeping in the African bush might be like, Roar & Snore Safaris let you spend the night in large tents (some even have beds and electricity) at a campsite overlooking the African Plains exhibit.

Come for the animals; then take time to see the plants.  The park has extraordinary landscaped areas, all worth a stroll. Especially beautiful in spring is the Nativescapes Gardens, focusing on drought-tolerant species adapted to the region’s sunny, dry climate. Free, guided tours are offered at 10am on the second Saturday in April and May. 

This forest-wrapped hamlet of handsome Victorian-era homes and tree-lined streets 60 miles north-east of Sacramento is one...

Sip your way along the Ventura County Wine Trail, where you’ll find nearly 20 wineries and tasting rooms in settings ranging from urban neighbourhoods to the bucolic Ojai...

Even if you’re a pro basketball player, you can’t help feeling downright puny in this stunning preserve, where soaring redwoods line up like living skyscrapers. Start your...

• Choice hotels

Peach Tree Inn and Suites

• Guest Rooms

Featured Amenities

• Free Hot Breakfast
• Fitness Center
• Indoor Pool
• Meeting Space

Lowest price, guaranteed

Earn Choice Privileges points on your eligible stay

San Diego Zoo Safari Park – What You’ll Want to Do & See – 2024

How to do San Diego Safari Park from Africa Tram to zebras. Here’s a gorilla-sized tips guide to animal exhibits, shows & tours. A day planner’s included with animal encounters and entertainment events pre-loaded. You’ll know what you want to do, and when to do it to have a great day.

At San Diego Zoo Safari Park you can have an African Safari experience without going to Africa. Walk and see wild animals in large natural field enclosures and exhibits like Lion Camp. Enjoy activities like Africa Tram, Cheetah Run, overnight camping, ziplining, ballooning, playgrounds, and shows.

* Save with a secret promo code on each San Diego Zoo or Safari Park 1-Day Pass. Go any day. Go directly to the gate. Click  HERE  to get your code, instructions & discounted tickets by email. By clicking the link above you agree to receive an automated email message. Valid only at aRes Travel , San Diego’s local authorized ticket seller. Read my full privacy policy .

If you make purchases through the links in this post, I may be compensated. Read my Advertising Disclosure for more info. Thanks! ~ Nancy

That’s the quick summarized version of what there is to do at Safari Park. But there’s a lot more to discover below. Also, check out my Safari Tours reviews to discover how much time each takes to make organizing your day easier.

What Can You Do At San Diego Zoo Safari Park?

At safari park you’ll walk…a lot .

You’ll be getting your steps in during your day at San Diego Safari Park. It was designed first as a breeding facility for rare and endangered species. Because of this, the animal exhibits have more room here than at a ‘normal’ zoo. And thus you’ll be strolling a bit further between them. 

Safari Park is 1800 acres large. But the area that is open to general admission ticket holders is only about 80 acres ( Link to my page with the maps ). Still, that’s a lot of ground to cover.

If you have limited mobility there are wheelchairs and electric scooters for rent. There’s also an ADA (American With Disabilities Act) shuttle bus to get you around the park. Those who have difficulty with standing in line may request an “Easy Access” pass at the entrance to Safari Park. The pass offers you and 3 more members of your group preferred boarding and seating if needed. Download the park’s “ Guests With Disabilities ” guide for more information.

You Can Take a Safari Tour

There are 9 different types of Safari add-on experiences, and 27 different variations.They range from animal photo and feeding opportunities to sleepovers and activities like zip lining that will get your adrenaline going. You’ll need to make reservations well in advance. They fill up quickly and you can plan your day around them.

TIP: Make sure that you arrive at least 10 minutes early for your Safari. If you’re late or miss it you will not be given a refund or a raincheck in most cases. Cancellations for full refunds must be done 5 days in advance.

Below you’ll find quick summaries of all 9 Safari tours. For detailed information including how much time you’ll need, costs and other requirements see my page on Safari Park Tours .

Caravan Safari Is the Most Popular Paid Tour at San Diego Safari Park

This is our favorite Safari, we’ve taken it several times. You ride a flatbed truck out into the wild animal herds in their large field enclosures. These include even the dangerously unpredictable cape buffalo who are sometimes called “ the black death ”. Fortunately, you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide familiar with their behavior to keep you out of trouble. The guides also point out other (safer) animal behaviors and answer your questions. 

They’ll also help you feed the giraffes and sometimes rhinos if the critters are feeling curious and hungry. There are always so many great photo opportunities on this trip it’s sometimes hard to choose where to point your camera. 

Roar & Snore Safari Is More Than Just Camping Overnight

Experience the sights and sounds of an African safari without the killer plane ticket cost. You get to fall asleep to the sounds of elephants snorting and giraffes walking by. And the sounds of lions roaring may wake you the next morning. You get a tasty, filling dinner and a hearty breakfast. There’s also a night campfire where you can make gooey s’mores. There are guided night walks through some behind-the-scenes areas and a morning keeper presentation. 

For more information, here’s my review of our Roar & Snore evening .

The biggest downside of the Roar and Snore experience is if you need to sleep on a good mattress. If that’s the case, this is not the tour for you. But don’t worry. I’ve written a guide to the best local hotels around Safari Park . There, your sleeping problem is solved!

Behind-the-Scenes Safari Shows You San Diego Safari Park’s Secret Places

Explore behind the scenes into areas not accessible to the general public. This guided safari’s a  great way to get an insider’s view of some of the animals at safari park and the organization’s conservation efforts. You’ll also get a chance to meet and maybe feed some of the Safari Parks animal ambassadors. There are 7 different types of Behind-the-Scenes safari; platypuses, elephants, tigers, rhinos, kangaroos, cheetahs or butterflies. 

Cart Safari is a Relaxed Tour Around the Large Field Enclosures

On the Cart Safari tour you get a chance to observe herds of giraffes, rhinos, antelope and other animals in a natural setting. Your driver is also an experienced guide. They’ll point out significant behaviors and would love to answer your questions about what you’re seeing. 

It’s a more relaxed trip than the Caravan Safari and offers lots of photographic opportunities. 

Flightline Safari -Fly Over San Diego Safari Park

Get your pulse pumping, and feel the wind in your face as you fly 2/3rds of a mile over herds of antelope, rhinos and giraffe. 

You’ll get a training session from professional staff and take a short practice flight to get your landing technique down. Then you’ll take a truck up to a high ridge above the park and fly down. 

TIP : Pay the little extra for a helmet camera to record your trip down. Using your cell-phone to make your own live video is not possible. You’ll need your hands free to hold your harness when you land.

Cheetah Safari – Meet the Spotted Speedsters

Watch the Cheetah Run at speeds close to 70 miles per hour from a prime reserved trackside spot. Then meet the speedy sprinter afterward for an exclusive close-up experience. 

There will be plenty of opportunities to take amazing cheetah close-ups. But don’t waste your time trying for the perfect selfie with a cheetah. The Safari Park employees will make sure that you get a great shot with the big cat. 

Another African animal ambassador will also be brought out for you to meet before the run. This Safari is relatively inexpensive so it fills up fast. Make your reservations early. 

Balloon Safari – Get Above It All

Soar 400 feet above the scenic San Pasqual Valley and the herds of wild animals below. This is a tethered ride, so you don’t have to worry about floating away and landing within Lion Camp. This safari is very dependent upon favorable weather conditions.  

Try to schedule your ride between 9 AM and noon. Winds tend to pick up speed in the valley during the afternoon. And the balloon safari does not fly during the Cheetah Run. It can spook the cats.

Ultimate Safari – Wish Fulfillment for Animal Lovers

Build yourself a custom safari experience with the assistance of the Safari Park’s professionals. Visit off-exhibit areas. Have close encounters with the animal ambassadors that interest you most. Make it as adventurous as you wish, zipline, balloon ride and rope courses, cape buffalo, feeding an elephant. Dream big. Explore Safari Park with your personal tour guide for up to 8 hours.

Board These Safari Park Rides

Africa tram is a must-do safari park activity.

Africa Tram is a must-do activity especially if you aren’t going on one of the paid safaris. When you hop aboard it’s like you’ve been transported to the plains of Africa. You’ll see herds of giraffe, rhino, antelope and birds living together just as you would there. The tour guide drivers are very knowledgeable and quite often funny. They’ll point out unique animal survival tactics and adaptations and new babies in the large field enclosures. 

TIP: The animals are most active when it’s coolest. On hot days try to catch the earliest tram rides or the latest ones. The tram starts running at 10 AM. It stops 45 minutes before the park’s closing. I’ve written an in-depth review with extra tips on my Safari Tours page . 

Conservation Carousel

Have your kids (or you)  ever dreamed of riding a tiger, a bear, or maybe even a zebra? You can do it on this merry-go-round. It features 60 endangered animals and was opened in 2005 . There’s a $6 fee to ride the carousel. (open 10 AM to closing).

Watch Shows and Keeper Talks at San Diego Safari Park

Shiley’s cheetah run is a must-see at safari park.

Don’t even THINK about visiting San Diego Safari Park without attending Cheetah Run . See one of these leggy cats explode out of its carrier and sprint after its prey (a stuffed animal on a motorized tether) at speeds close to 70 miles an hour. Six or 7 seconds later it comes to an abrupt halt at the end of the 100 meter run. It’s long tail whips around for balance and dirt goes flying as its feet dig into the turf. Spectacular. Hang around. Depending upon how the cheetah feels they sometimes run the course twice.

TIP : Get to the Shiley’s Cheetah Run track at least 30 minutes ahead of time. Good viewing areas are on the bridge close to Savannah Cool Zone and on the walkways closest to it. The entire presentation lasts about 20 minutes and usually starts at 3:30 PM. Confirm the time when you arrive at Safari Park.

Tiger Keeper Talk

Get close-up views of tigers and inside information on how they’re cared for at Safari Park. The keepers use this time to provide enrichment to the tigers as well as give them a quick physical exam. The Sumatran tigers are the smallest tiger. But they’re still intimidating as you see them stretch up on their hind legs to reach a meaty treat. 

TIP : Arrive at least 20 minutes early for the 11:45 AM Tiger Keeper Talk. The 15-minute tiger training session is very popular. 

Frequent Flyers Bird Show

(Temporarily canceled due to avian flu)

This is an entertaining show, perfect for an afternoon sit-down break. You’ll experience exotic birds like owls, parrots, and large vultures flying just inches above your head. They’re close enough to reach up and touch (but don’t).

They’re not caged or tethered in any way. It’s an impressive example of the power of positive behavior conditioning and the patience and kindness of the keepers. The 20-minute show is presented twice, once at noon and again at 2:00 PM. 

Animal Ambassador Stage 

Get within a couple of feet of various Animal Ambassadors here. You never know what the keepers will bring out. I’ve gotten up close to tiny Kestrel hawks, echidna (an Australian spiny anteater which has spines like a porcupine, a beak like a bird, a pouch like a kangaroo, and lays eggs like a reptile) to a golden eagle and African serval cats. 

Training Talk

Get an up-close look at free-flight bird training. Most people don’t bother with this presentation. That’s what makes it so good. You can often sit in the front row and see firsthand how expert animal trainers establish trust with their charges. Aside from being able to view exotic birds up close, it’s easier to ask questions in this forum. If you pay attention you can pick up tricks that can be applied to your cats, dogs, and maybe even kids to encourage them to do what you want them to.

Talk with Robert the Zebra

Chat with a digital, interactive zebra. He’s snarky, and clever and will keep your children occupied for 20 minutes with stories about what it’s like to be a zebra. Kids are fascinated by this cartoon zebra that carries on a conversation with them from a large-screen TV. You can talk to Robert every hour on the hour from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Visit These Can’t-Miss Safari Park Animal Exhibits 

The platypus are a must-see at safari park in san diego.

These are the only platypus on exhibit outside of Australia…anywhere. So go see them. Give yourself some time and exercise a bit of patience in this exhibit.

First, it’s dark and you’ll need to let your eyes adjust to the bright San Diego sun.

Second, platypi move fast and rarely stay put in one spot. Getting a good photo can be a challenge. Just have fun looking at these energetic creatures. 

Gorillas have always been one of the most popular animals at Safari Park and the Zoo. Go anytime. They are fed five or six times per day with leaves, stems, fruit, seeds, and roots. Be sure to check out the Gorilla Activity Center. Compare your arms to those of an adult male gorilla on a drawing, listen to their vocalizations, and watch a video on how the keepers care for them. 

Elephant Valley

(Elephant viewing may be limited due to the construction of the new, larger ‘Elephant Valley’ exhibit.)

There are few things as wonderful as seeing elephants playing in the water. There are two swimming pools for the San Diego Safari Park herd in this 5-and-a-half acre habitat.

There are two main yards. One is usually open while the other is being cleaned of copious amounts of elephant dung and stocked with treats. In most cases, the Elephant Viewing Patio will be the best place to watch them. 

NOTE: Open observation points may differ during the construction of the new Elephant Valley exhibit.

The lion exhibit at San Diego Zoo is justifiably famous for its design. It’s both visitor friendly and great for the lions themselves. There are many places to view lions from the large windows by the air conditioned rocks, to rock piles and an ‘abandoned’ jeep that sometimes hosts a very large sleeping feline. The lions have wonderful views of the large field enclosures filled with tasty meals on the hoof. Think of it as must-see cat TV. 

Tiger Trail Sambutan Longhouse

If you love tigers, you’ll love Tiger Trail. It’s green and lush and the perfect place to watch tigers watching you. For more information on what’s there and why you should go there, check out my “ 11 Coolest Reasons to See San Diego Safari Park Tiger Trail ” page. 

Kangaroo Walk in Walkabout Australia

At Kangaroo walk you can go inside the exhibit and see wallabies and kangaroos go bounding by on all sides. And if you’re lucky, maybe one will stop within petting distance. They’re super soft and feel like they’re covered is fuzzy wool. 

Petting Kraal

Kids love brushing and petting the three types of small African goats here. One word of caution. Goats will try to eat ANYTHING. So make sure that your cameras, purses and wallets are tucked away safely. Any children that are intimidated by the rambunctious kraal critters can relax next door at the Village Playground. Because of their proximity, it’s easy to keep an eye on both areas. 

Kids Love These Playgrounds At San Diego Safari Park

Samburu jungle gym .

This will be your favorite playground at Safari Park. Your kids can climb on a rhino or pretend to be driving a jeep across the African plains. And you can watch their antics while relaxing in the shade at Samburu Terrace. Sip a cold one and have lunch while your offspring work off their excess energy. 

Savanna Cool Zone

Your kids can have a wet and wild time here while you sit in the shade and keep an eye on them from tables by Lion Camp Slush and Snacks.. It’s perfect for hot summer days. There are play statues shaped like lions and tortoises with squirt fountains coming from their heads on a soft spongy play surface.

Camp Play Area

Kids climb, slide and run on tree trunks in a simulated logging camp hidden within the lush wooded landscape of Tiger Trail. There are also statues of a tiger mom and her cubs where you can take memorable photos of the kiddos. 

Village Playground

KIds have fun experiences in this interactive play area designed as an African Village. It’s located next to the Petting Kraal in Nairobi Village. This is great planning because some children are frightened by the curious goats poking their noses everywhere looking for treats. It’s much easier for parents with several kids to keep an eye on everyone here. 

Jameson Research Island

Your kids will have buckets of wet fun here…literally. Buckets periodically dump cooling water in one of the play areas on the island. Even though the African Loop that goes past the flamingos and colobus monkeys goes over water, the path can get very warm in the summer and early fall. 

Explore These Gardens at San Diego Safari Park

Bonsai pavilion is the best garden at san diego safari park.

The Bonsai Pavilion at San Diego Safari Park is fascinating even to those who aren’t into gardening.  These aren’t just plants, they’re art.

Bonsai is a Japanese word that roughly translates into “tree in a tray”. Ordinary young trees are shaped by pruning and cutting to mimic the natural effects of centuries of wind and weather on a small scale. 

Baja Gardens, Old World Succulent Gardens, and California Nativescapes Garden

Take a walk on the wild and spiky side in the World Gardens. These three gardens will amaze you with the wide variety of plant shapes, colors, and sizes found in the world’s arid areas. It’s like a journey through a Dr. Seuss book with elephant trees , euphorbias , and over 200 boojums . 

TIP: Bring a water bottle. These gardens are located at the highest elevations in the park that are open to the public. They can be physically challenging, especially during the hot afternoons in August and September. The best time of the year to see these exhibits is early May when many of the plants are blooming.

Epiphyllum Trail

The blooms in this garden are spectacular from April through early July. At other times this garden is rather boring.  

Epiphyllum are cacti indigenous to central America and Mexico. They live in the crooks of trees and get water from the moisture in the air. Almost all of the plants are hybrids that combine the characteristics of several different naturally occurring species. 

Herb Garden

Give your nose a treat. Take the thyme to smell the roses, it won’t cost you a mint because entry to this garden comes with your San Diego Safari Park admission, Herbs have been used for centuries to flavor food, treat illnesses and make us smell good. There are over 20 different species of herbs here. 

Hidden Jungle

Wander through a tropical rainforest complete with towering trees, flowering vines, and exotic birds. Many of the birds are named for their colors like the blue-capped cordon bleu, pink pigeon, and purple grenadier. 

In springtime, half of this exhibit is home to Butterfly Jungle and you’ll see many more colorful wings than usual. The other half of Hidden Jungle is reserved for birds that eat butterflies and other insects. It’s a natural way to keep the butterflies inside.

TIP: Visit this exhibit in the morning or late afternoon. This is an enclosed greenhouse. It can be hot and humid. 

Mombasa Lagoon

Even though this area is listed by Safari Park as a garden, the major attraction here is the birds, not the plants. At any given time there are over 150 avians here from about 25 different species. There are cormorants fishing, storks, ducks, and my favorite, the shoebill. It looks like something out of Jurassic Park. 

If you see some of the birds taking off and flying away, don’t worry. They’re most likely local freeloaders like great blue herons, egrets or migratory birds like mallards. 

Additional Tips for Visiting San Diego Zoo Safari Park

How long does San Diego Zoo Safari Park Take?

People in online forums say that it’s possible to see Safari Park in two hours. They’re wrong.

San Diego Zoo Global recommends allocating at least 4 hours . The only way to “do” Safari Park in 2 hours is to just walk to Africa Tram to ride it and then walk back to the parking lot. Keep in mind that the park is at least 45 minutes of travel time from downtown San Diego…each way. Then add another 30 minutes for parking and walking to and from the entrance. 

If you’ve only got 2 hours and you’re near downtown San Diego, just go to the Zoo in Balboa Park. Take the money that you’d have spent for getting to Safari Park and buy a nice dinner with some wine at Albert’s Restaurant .

What’s the best day to go to San Diego Safari Park?

The best days to visit Safari Park are typically Tuesdays and Wednesdays on weeks without a major holiday. The park is less crowded on these weekdays . If you’re going on a holiday weekend, get there at 9:00 AM when it opens .

Click HERE to check your date(s) to see if Safari Park will be crowded. 

Safari Park can get very warm in late August and September. These are the days when temperatures can be over 100°F (38°C). It doesn’t happen very often, but make sure that you’ve packed hats and refillable water bottles if you decide to go then. 

Don’t let a bit of rain keep you from going to Safari Park. It can be a delightful experience. Here’s a page that I wrote giving you tips and hints for enjoying Safari Park in the rain . 

What’s the Best Time to Arrive at San Diego Safari Park?

It’s best to arrive at San Diego Zoo Safari Park just before opening at 9:00 am. Many of the animals at Safari Park will be more active when it is cool. Also, keepers generally put out enrichment and treats first thing in the morning. That encourages the animals’ natural foraging behaviors and keeps them from getting bored.

Where’s the Best Place to Eat in Safari Park?

The best restaurant in San Diego Safari Park is The Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook. But it may not be the best for you. So I’ve written an entire page about all the restaurants and eateries at and around Safari Park . Chow down!

7 Things You Should Wear to San Diego Safari Park

Closing thoughts.

I hope that you’ve found this post on what to do at San Diego Safari Park useful in planning your day. Because this attraction is not your ordinary zoo, some people can get overwhelmed by all the options and just decide not to go. I didn’t want this to happen to you. Let me know if you have questions on any of the Safari tours, rides, activities, play areas or if you know of a great tip for visiting San Diego Safari Park.

Nancy Ulrich

I'm nuts...about animals, polymer clay, mixed media art & husband Bob. Happily planted in San Diego among good friends, family that I would have chosen if given the choice and optimism for a bountiful future for us all.

Recent Posts

Discover the Best Hotels Near San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido 2024

I've got the scoop on the best hotels near San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido for 2024. These highly-rated spots offer awesome amenities and prime locations. Plus you can score a 20% discount....

3 Best Kid-Friendly Hotels Near San Diego Zoo on a Budget

Discover the top kid-friendly hotels near the San Diego Zoo that are affordable too. My chart compares cost, distance, and number of family amenities. Reviews with room tips help you choose the best...

NEW Operating Hours:

Mon-Thurs: 12 PM until 8 PM 

Friday:  12 PM until 9 PM

Sat-Sun: Noon until 9 PM

701 W. North Avenue Villa Park, Illinois 60181

630-530-4649

Jungle Adventure Attractions and Rides!

Hunt down the Tiger Terror Roller Coaster The Largest, Year-Round, Indoor Roller Coaster in Illinois!

Discover our 8 jungle adventure attractions

Merry Go Round

• Our classic Merry Go Round has both stationary & moving zebras.
• 52” or under – Adults may assist

Monkey Jump

• Your little one will be vertically lifted and then hopped up and down.

Tilt-A-Whirl

• The original carnival favorite…spinning carts on a rotating track.
• 38” min. height w/adult
• 46” min. height to ride alone

Snake Pit Bumper Cars

• Our electric, one seater, bumper cars will have you laughing as you bump, spin and chase others.
• 44” min. height
• 275 lbs. maximum

Tiger Terror Roller Coaster

• The largest year-round, indoor roller coaster in Illinois.
• 36” min. height w/adult
• 48” min. height to ride alone

MaxFlight Simulator!

• This dual seat, 3D ride lets you experience the thrills of a virtual roller coaster.
• 48” min. height

Lion's Den Soft Play

• Treat your little cubs to a huge jungle maze with climbing plus 5 slides.
• 52” or under
• (Socks are required – may purchase at Safari Land front counter)

Leaping Leopard Activity Bouncer

• Your kiddos will love this activity bouncer with ladder, 2 slides, bounce area and basketball hoops.
• 36" - 60" for height requirements
• Regular Socks are required – may purchase at Safari Land front counter