best texas safari

Top 12 Must See Drive Through Safaris in Texas

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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.

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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.

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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.

Texas Drive through safari - Red ruffed lemur

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?].

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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.

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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.

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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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These Are the Best Drive-Thru Safaris in Texas

By Catherine Wendlandt and Geneva Diaz March 21, 2022

Image: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Remember going to the zoo as a kid ,

wandering past exotic creatures that you’d only ever seen in movies like The Lion King ? All the magic and joy in the air, as you stand just outside enclosures of zebras, monkeys, and wildebeest, peering inside, ice cream cone in hand? Well, at our state’s many drive-through safaris, the roles are reversed. Animals peer in to your vehicle as you hold in hand food meant for them alone to eat.

At these safaris, you can learn about animals from all over the world as they roam freely like they would in the wild—but, you know, all from the comfort of your own car and only a couple hours from home.

Here are seven drive-thru safaris worth a road trip from Houston.

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Franklin Drive Thru Safari

Franklin | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | $20; Kids 2 and under free

Drive time from Houston: 2 hours

This 100-acre park is home to 500-plus animals. Watch for more than 50 different animal species on the mile-long drive. There’s also a 10-acre walking section where you might spot kangaroos, anteaters camels, or Natalia, a baby giraffe. Get a feed bucket for $5, or make friends with the monkeys with a $2 cup of peanuts. You can go on a private tour of the park, but manager Amber Clay says most people’s favorite part is the Baby Room, where guests can play with some of the park’s exotic babies, such as lemurs and coatimundi, for an extra $20.

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Grapeland Safari

13440 Us Highway 287 N, Grapeland | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | $15.95; kids 1 and under free Drive time from Houston: 2 hours Nona Herring has been in the drive-thru safari business since the 1980s, when her family used to own a safari park outside of Tyler. Since 2005, she’s run the 59-acre Grapeland Safari, halfway between Crockett and Palestine. Bring your binoculars, get a cup of feed (free with admission), and try to identify the 38 species in the park and petting zoo: zebras, emus, axis deer and yaks among them. You can also bring your grill and have a cookout in the safari’s picnic area.

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Exotic Resort Zoo

235 Zoo Trail, Johnson City | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m | $17.95; $14.95 for kids Drive time from Houston: 3.5 hours Cars aren’t allowed to drive through this 127-acre ranch, but take a tour on one of its five trams to learn about the 500 animals and 40 species here—blackbucks, ostriches and Gomar, the kissing camel. The animals are friendly, especially when you’re armed with a $6 feed bucket (not included in the price of your ticket) . Owner Marilyn Bacque says that at any given time there could be 30 to 40 animals surrounding the tram, “begging for tidbits.” After your tour, check out the park’s two petting zoos, or stay the night in one of the ranch’s eight cabins and enjoy evening campfires and the catch-and-release fishing pond.

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Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

2299 County Road 2008, Glen Rose | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | $24.95 per person; $19.95 for kids; 2 and under are free Drive time from Houston: 4 hours This 1,800-acre ranch is an oasis for 1,100 animals from almost 50 different species, but it also happens to have the largest cheetah breeding facility in the world, raising 18 to 20 cubs each year. It takes a couple hours to drive through the park, but there’s so much more on offer here, including 14 different tours (a bike tour and a Murder Mystery tour), photo workshops, tasty burgers at the Overlook Café, and even cool accommodations like the lodge, cabins, and bunkhouses. While Fossil Rim offers an almost unending list of educational activities for its guests, the center’s main focus is on conservation of species in peril. They’ve even reintroduced species back into the wild, like the scimitar-horned oryx in Chad in 2016.

The price is $24.95 per person for a one hour, self-guided drive-thru experience. One cup of animal feed is included with the ticket. The price for a Public Guided Tour on one of Fossil Rim's touring vehicles is $39.95 per person for guests age three and older. Each person will get one cup of animal feed. Note: Due to the pandemic, all tickets must be booked online prior to your visit. Please check the website for any updates before your visit.

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Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari

1200 CR 4405, Jacksonville | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | $18.95; $13.95 kids; 2 and under free Drive time from Houston: 3 hours On your drive through Cherokee Trace’s 5-mile trail, be on the lookout for Minnie the Yak and protect your feedbags from a camel named Rupert, a “professional thief” who will stick his head into your car and gobble the whole bag down. With 700 animals, 35 species, and 300 acres, it takes about two hours to go through the whole thing, but your feedbag is free, so go ahead and make friends with the bison, alpacas, zebras, capybaras and more. Cherokee Trace even has six alligators, which live in their own fenced-off enclosure and, yes, you can feed them. Hours change depending on the time of year, so be sure to check the website before you go.

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Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | $28.99; $19.99 kids; 2 and under free Drive time from Houston: 3 hours Life at Natural Bridge is a moving picture, says wildlife specialist Tiffany Soechting, with 500 animals and 40 species roaming freely throughout the 450-acre ranch. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive through the conservation-minded ranch (you can drive-through again for free too), and about half of the species here are endangered, including a herd of scimitar-horned oryx, the gibbons and reticulated giraffes. In 2017, its staff went on a multi-national research expedition to South Africa to learn more about giraffe breeding in the wild, and are working to produce more outreach programs here in the U.S. Don’t forget to check out the petting barnyard and the great burgers and queso at the Safari Camp Grill. Hours change depending on time of year, so be sure to check the website before you go.

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Animal Encounters at Blue Hills Ranch

2032 Blue Cut Rd N., McGregor | By appointment only | $60 per person Drive time from Houston: 3 hours Boasting 150 acres of bluebonnet hills, and just 15 minutes outside of Waco, is Blue Hills Ranch and Giraffe Sanctuary. Not only is this place the perfect destination for animal-lovers, but it’s also a prime location for a dream wedding surrounded by four-legged friends. Choose to stay overnight at the RV park, or rent an animal or pirate-themed cabin for the whole family to enjoy a weekend getaway. On the private tour called Animal Encounters , you’ll meet giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, otters, mini cows, and can even bottle feed the baby animals. Please note that tours are by appointment only and are booked up to 60 days out. If you’re just coming to take pictures, you will still be charged full price. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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YOU'RE THIS CLOSE

Do you have Mother's Day plans?

We have the perfect Mother's Day adventure gift planned for you with a very exciting special addition tour!

Click here to learn more!

CHOOSE YOUR SAFARI

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.

Guided Tour

Join one of our Safari Animal Rangers and meet animals from around the world. Learn unique facts and hear personal stories from your Ranger Tour Guide.

Giraffe VIP Experience

Start your tour with an intimate encounter with giraffes led by one of our Safari Animal Rangers! Then, enjoy a guided tour of our 500-acre park.

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!

ADD AN EXCURSION

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!

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5 Drive-Thru Safaris in Central Texas Worth the Drive-To!

We have rounded up the best drive-thru safaris in central texas that you and your family can enjoy..

Please be aware that in light of COVID-19, many drive-thru safaris have changed their hours and prices. Some may even be closed. Please check their websites for full details before visiting.

Spring is here! And with the beautiful weather comes the urge to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. One fun way to do that is to take the family to a drive-thru safari in Central Texas.

Families with kids of all ages can all enjoy a leisurely drive checking out fun safari animals. We love to attempt to feed the deer, ostrich and zebras – it always ends up with the car exploding into laughter. And lots of great photos are taken in the meantime!

So we thought it would be helpful to round up all the drive-thru safaris in Central Texas that are worth the drive to. Listed in no particular order:

5 Drive-Thru Safaris in Central Texas

Exotic resort zoo.

Johnson City, Texas (1 hour & 20 minutes from Round Rock)

This exotic zoo has over 100 exotic animals on 187 acres and they typically offer a drive thru their zoo on their own vehicles. But as of now, they are only offering drive-thrus in your own vehicles. You can also stay the night in one of their themed-cabins.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (CURRENTLY CLOSED)

New Braunfles, Texas (1 hour & 23 minutes From Round Rock)

Voted one of USA Today’s 10 Best Safari Parks in the US, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is home to over 500 animals. The drive-thru takes about a full hour to go thru the 450 acres of rolling hills to see at least 80 different species. The ranch also has a great deal of educational content online to go thru with kids prior to visiting.

Here is our experience at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch & some tips before you go.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (CURRENTLY CLOSED)

Glen Rose, Texas ( 2 hours & 23 minutes from Round Rock)

This 9 1/2 mile drive thru the ranch will allow you to see dozens of animals of all different species. The ranch was created to promote the preservation of endangered species and they have done an excellent job. You can drive thru or take a guided tour and lodging is also available.

Topsey Exotic Ranch

Copperas Cove, Texas (1 hour & 10 minutes from Round Rock)

At Topsey Exotic Ranch you will see more than 50 species of animals and you can hand-feed them from your car during the tour.

Franklin Drive-Thru Safari

Franklin, Texas (1 hour & 35 minutes from Round Rock)

This drive-thru safari includes many different species of animals, including a golden buffalo. They also have a lemur island.

Have you enjoyed one of these drive-thru safaris in Central Texas yet? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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One thought on “ 5 drive-thru safaris in central texas worth the drive-to ”.

Check out the new drive-through safari in Central Texas; The Buena Vista Wildlife Safari and RV Park.

Along with the drive-through safari, they have a petting zoo, playground, and event center full of indoor and outdoor games. They have cabins, Rv spaces, a bunkhouse for larger groups to rent out that want to stay the night or a little longer.

Here are the links for more information about this Safari. http://www.buenavistawildlifesafari.com/home http://www.facebook.com/bvsafari http://www.instagram.com/buenavistaevant http://www.twitter.com/BuenaVistaEvant

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Outdoor Adventures , Texas , travel ·

15 Drive-Through Safaris in Texas

Texas is home to some of the most unique drive-thru zoos in the country! From petting zoos to exotic animal safaris, these drive-thru zoos in Texas are sure to delight animal lovers of all ages.

Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity or an educational outing, you find the best drive-through zoo in Texas which will offer a one-of-a-kind experience that can’t be found anywhere else.

Best Drive-Through Safari in Texas

Below is the ultimate list of the best drive-thru zoos in Texas and all the wonderful activities they have to offer.

Looking for more Texas adventure? Check out this list of the best amusement parks in Texas .

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch – San Antonio, Texas

Drive through 450 acres in the comfort of your vehicle while enjoying the rolling hills, live oak trees, creek beds, and beautiful live oak trees. The ranch features over 500 animals that span 40 different species, including several endangered species.

Admission offers multiple trips through the safari as every trek offers different adventures in the free-roaming environment.

Guests can tour in their vehicle or book a guided tour that takes guests on a safari in either the Safari Rover or Safari Shuttle.

Note that there are many discounted days for admission during weekdays. Be sure to check the calendar for detailed information regarding hours and pricing. Guests can also purchase a feed bucket at the gate.

Topsey Exotic Ranch & Drive Thru Safari – Copperas Cove, Texas

Enjoy a Texas safari as you drive along 350 acres. With more than 50 species of wildlife at this safari park, visitors can feed the animals in their natural settings.

READ NEXT: Best Texas Roadside Attractions

Sanctuary Serengeti – West Point, Texas

This is a smaller drive-thru zoo that will take approximately one hour. Animal sightings include lemurs, llamas, goats, pigs, zebras, and buffalo. Open only on Saturday and Sunday.

Buena Vista Wildlife Safari – Evant, Texas

For a unique experience, visitors can book an overnight stay at the RV Park or rent a cabin.

Spend the day exploring and feeding the goats, chickens, pot-bellied pigs, alpacas, llamas, and more. The park features over 23 animal species from 10 different countries.

Exotic Resort Zoo – Johnson City, Texas

Located on 137 acres, this zoo features 700 animals and 45 different species of animals, including some species which were at one time endangered.

When you purchase tickets, you have the option of a Drive-Through or a Guided Tour. Reservations are not required.

Franklin Drive Thru Safari – Franklin, Texas

This drive-thru adventure park sits on over 100 acres and has exotic animals from around the globe.

Guests can take a self-guided safari or book a VIP private tour. The tour is for those wanting a more in-depth experience and information on the animals.

Blue Hills Ranch & Giraffe Sanctuary – McGregor, Texas

Blue Hills Ranch has over 150 acres of gently rolling hills and 4 beautiful ponds that provide the perfect backdrop to world-class sunsets. Relax under the barn, while being surrounded by our amazing animals who call this land home.

Although this isn’t a true drive-through zoo because you are unable to drive your vehicle, I still wanted to include it on the list. However, you book an RV hookup or cabin. Once on the property, you will encounter free-roaming animals that include giraffes, zebra, camel, emus, bison, and more.

The ranch also offers unique experiences such as swimming with otters and bottle-feeding giraffes.

Fossil Rim a Texas Safari Guide | Fossil Rim | Glen Rose | Texas Adventures | Travel Texas | Texas Safari #fossilrim #glenrose #familytravel

Aggieland Safari – Bryan, Texas

Travel through our 250-acre safari land and see many different animals along the way. The safari park is packed with scenic views, dozens of animal species, almost 700 wild animals, and fantastic, knowledgeable Zookeepers.

Guests can also enjoy the animal encounters will you get to meet animals like giraffes and kangaroos and get a more detailed look at how they live.

Before leaving, stroll through the 20-acre adventure zoo. Here you can feed animals at the interactive exhibits.

Aggieland Safari also has a safari dining, gift & souvenir shop.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center – Glen Rose, Texas

A Texas-size safari sits 2 hours from DFW but makes you feel like you are on a different continent. It’s the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

This drive-thru park is a great place to see exotic animals in their natural environment. Each car can purchase one bag of feed for the animals. Be sure to bring binoculars so you can view the animals at the overlooks.

The park consists of a 7 miles drive with over 1,000 animals and expect to spend several hours driving through the park. They have a gift shop and restaurant about halfway through the drive.

Rocky Ridge Drive-Thru Safari – Eustace, Texas

This East Texas wildlife park has 200 acres that are home to over 25 species of animals spread across the diverse terrain of Rocky Ridge.

The self-guided tour allows guests to view and feed the animals, enjoy scenic views, and photograph an abundance of wildlife all from the safety of their vehicle.

North Texas Safari Park – Bonham, Texas

North Texas Safari Park is the place to encounter exotic and endangered animals all from the comfort of your car. It’s located about an hour north of Dallas, making it an easy day trip with the family.

Visitors can enjoy the petting zoo, explore the dedicated Australian exhibit, and feed a giraffe.

Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari – Jefferson, Texas

Over 80 animals roam free on 65 acres. Animal encounters include wildebeests, bison, red deer, donkeys, camels, zebras, and more.

Your entire family will enjoy this Texas safari and even get a chance to feed some animals from the comfort of your car. Guests can also enjoy taking amazing photos, purchasing a souvenir, and visiting the petting zoo.

Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park – Jefferson, Texas

You don’t have to fly to Africa to go on a Safari. This wildlife has plenty of exotic animals and up-close encounters with the wildlife.

The 3-mile driving trail takes you along 125 beautiful acres in East Texas. You will even see the picturesque view from one of the highest points in Marion County all from the comfort & safety of your vehicle.

Grapeland Safari – Grapeland, Texas

Drive thru the 59-acre park to see a llama, zebras, aoudad sheep, camels, Tibetan yaks, buffalo, waterbuck, sulcata turtles, wallabies, kangaroo, beefalo (yes, that’s a thing), fallow deer and more.

The park also offers a gift shop, picnic area, pony rides, train rides, reptiles presentations, and a petting zoo.

Sharkarosa Zoo – Pilot Point, Texas

The zoo sits on 126 acres where guests can drive their vehicles on a self-guided drive, and enjoy a walk-thru petting zoo, private tours, field trips, and an outdoor dining area.

They feature over 180 different kinds of animals in their natural habitat. Animals include beefalo, alpaca, monkeys, lemurs, macaw, Sedona, horses, big cats, albino eastern grey kangaroo, bears, sloths, wallabies, and more.

These are the best drive-thru safaris in the lone star state that the whole family will enjoy. Many of these allow you to purchase a bucket of feed and enjoy the safari from the comfort of your vehicle. You’ll feel like you are in South Africa, viewing a dozen exotic and wide variety of animals.

About Chastity Velasquez

Chastity Velasquez is an outdoor enthusiast based in Fort Worth, TX. Chastity enjoys sharing affordable travel tips and bringing new places to life through her fun writing style. When she’s not writing or planning the next vacation, you can find her hiking, sipping on sweet tea, cheering on her son at his sporting events, or spending time with her husband.

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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)

Baby Dromedary Camel at Sharkarosa Ranch

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 are the best drive-thru safaris in texas.

Published Friday, April 23, 2021 2:00 PM

IMAGE: NATURAL BRIDGE WILDLIFE RANCH

REMEMBER GOING TO THE ZOO AS A KID, wandering past exotic creatures that you’d only ever seen in movies like The Lion King? All the magic and joy in the air, as you stand just outside enclosures of zebras, monkeys, and wildebeest, peering inside, ice cream cone in hand?

Well, at our state’s many drive-through safaris, the roles are reversed. Animals peer in to your vehicle as you hold in hand food meant for them alone to eat.

Here are six worth a drive from Houston.

Franklin Drive Thru Safari

Franklin | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | $18; Kids 2 and under free

Summer Time Is Family Time

Visit South Padre Island.

Presented by Visit South Padre

Drive time from Houston: 2 hours

This 100-acre park is home to 500-plus animals. Watch for more than 50 different animal species on the mile-long drive. There’s also a 10-acre walking section where you might spot kangaroos, anteaters camels, or Natalia, a baby giraffe. Get a feed bucket for $5, or make friends with the monkeys with a $2 cup of peanuts. You can go on a private tour of the park, but manager Sharon Ivey says most people’s favorite part is the Baby Room, where guests can play with some of the park’s exotic babies, such as lemurs and coatimundi, for an extra $20.

Grapeland Safari

13440 Us Highway 287 N, Grapeland | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | $12.95; kids 2 and under free

Drive time from Houston: 2 hours

Nona Herring has been in the drive-thru safari business since the 1980s, when her family used to own a safari park outside of Tyler. Since 2005, she’s run the 59-acre Grapeland Safari, halfway between Crockett and Palestine. Bring your binoculars, get a cup of feed (free with admission), and try to identify the 38 species in the park and petting zoo: zebras, emus, axis deer and yaks among them. You can also bring your grill and have a cookout in the safari’s picnic area.

Exotic Resort Zoo

235 Zoo Trail, Johnson City | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m | $16.95; $13.95 for kids

Drive time from Houston: 3.5 hours

Cars aren’t allowed to drive through this 127-acre ranch, but take a tour on one of its five trams to learn about the 500 animals and 40 species here—blackbucks, ostriches and Gomar, the kissing camel. The animals are friendly, especially when you’re armed with a $6 feed bucket. Owner Marilyn Bacque says that at any given time there could be 30 to 40 animals surrounding the tram, “begging for tidbits.” After your tour, check out the park’s two petting zoos, or stay the night in one of the ranch’s eight cabins and enjoy evening campfires and the catch-and-release fishing pond.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

2299 County Road 2008, Glen Rose | 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. | $24.95 per person; $19.95 for kids

Drive time from Houston: 4 hours

This 1,800-acre ranch is an oasis for 1,100 animals from almost 50 different species, but it also happens to have the largest cheetah breeding facility in the world, raising 18 to 20 cubs each year. It takes a couple hours to drive through the park, but there’s so much more on offer here, including 14 different tours (a bike tour, a Murder Mystery tour), photo workshops, tasty burgers at the Overlook Café, and even cool accommodations like the lodge, cabins, and bunkhouses. While Fossil Rim offers an almost unending list of educational activities for its guests, the center’s main focus is on conservation of species in peril. They’ve even reintroduced species back into the wild, like the scimitar-horned oryx in Chad in 2016. Note: Due to the pandemic, all tickets must be booked online prior to your visit. Please check the website for any updates before your visit.

Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari

1200 CR 4405, Jacksonville | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. | $17.95; $12.95 kids; 2 and under free

Drive time from Houston: 3 hours

On your drive through Cherokee Trace’s 5-mile trail, be on the lookout for Minnie the Yak and protect your feedbags from a camel named Rupert, a “professional thief” who will stick his head into your car and gobble the whole bag down. With 700 animals, 35 species, and 300 acres, it takes about two hours to go through the whole thing, but your feedbag is free, so go ahead and make friends with the bison, alpacas, zebras, capybaras and more. Cherokee Trace even has six alligators, which live in their own fenced-off enclosure and, yes, you can feed them.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | $26.99; $18.99 kids (2 and under free)

Life at Natural Bridge is a moving picture, says wildlife specialist Tiffany Soechting, with 500 animals and 40 species roaming freely throughout the 450-acre ranch. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive through the conservation-minded ranch (you can drive-through again for free too), and about half of the species here are endangered, including a herd of scimitar-horned oryx, the gibbons and reticulated giraffes. In 2017, its staff went on a multi-national research expedition to South Africa to learn more about giraffe breeding in the wild, and are working to produce more outreach programs here in the U.S. Don’t forget to check out the petting barnyard and the great burgers and queso at the Safari Camp Grill. Hours change depending on time of year, so be sure to check the website before you go.

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https://www.houstoniamag.com/travel-and-outdoors/best-drive-thru-safaris-texas

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Drive Thru Safari Fun

Explore 900 acres of drive-thru safari adventure, hundreds of animals, conservation meets adventure, the texas zoofari park is open for the 2024 season. get your tickets, attractions.

At the Texas Zoofari Park, you can spend time with our resident animals in several ways. Observe them from your vehicle on the safari drive-thru or get up close and personal during a stroll through our village walk-thru.

Safari Drive-Thru

Village Walk-Thru

Giraffe Feeding

Now Open - Kangaroo Walk-About

Zoofari Parks, LLC, is excited to be expanding to the great state of Texas.”

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Featured Animals

Get to know our resident animals. We spotlight a few featured animals and teach you about their eating habits, their status in the wild and statistics, like their average weight, height and more.

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Texas Zoofari Park Welcomes Two Southern White Rhinos

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Everything about tourist attractions

Franklin Drive Thru Safari – tickets, prices, what to expect, timings

The massive state of Texas, known as the Lone Star State, is famous worldwide for its rich history and impossibly diverse landscape.

Nestled in the prairies of central Texas, in the county of Robertson, is a massive 100-acre stretch of safari land – the Franklin Drive Thru Safari – where wildlife and adventure meet.

In an exciting journey through vast vistas of beautiful landscapes, a kingdom of exotic animals comes to life.

This article covers everything you need to know before booking Franklin Drive Thru Safari tickets.

Top Franklin Drive Thru Safari Tickets

# Franklin Drive Thru Safari tickets # Las Vegas Pass

What to expect, where to book tickets , how do online tickets work , franklin drive thru safari ticket prices, franklin drive thru safari tickets, how to reach , franklin drive thru safari timings, best time to visit, how long does the safari take, a must-visit, a perfect sight.

At the Franklin Drive Thru Safari, set out on a mesmerizing journey through majestic landscapes and winding trails where bison graze on open plains, zebras gallop through the wind, and 500 species of such animals can be seen in their natural environment.

Take your vehicle through the dusty wilderness of the primal world, or take a guided tour with the sanctuary’s highly qualified staff.

Let your adventurous side shine by petting wild beasts that walk up to your car and feed them from your animal feed boxes, and make many such priceless memories.

Make sure to buy multiple boxes of animal feed!

Visit the area designated for the delightfully cute baby animals for cuddles, and after that, step into a specially designed reptile house to learn about the creatures.

Indulge the kids in a delightful experience that is both fun and educational at the Franklin Safari.

Book a stay inside the Franklin Drive-thru Safari, just off the safari trail, to heal and reconnect in the arms of Mother Nature.

You can book your tickets to the Drive Thru Safari Texas online in advance or at the ticketing counter at the adventure park.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue. When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters. Because Franklin Drive Thru Safari sells limited tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

Go to the Franklin’s Drive Thru Safari ticket booking page, select your preferred date and the number of tickets, and buy them.

Once you purchase tickets, they get delivered to your email address.

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction. Remember to carry your ID.

Tickets for the Franklin Drive Thru Safari are priced at $20 for everyone above three years old.

Children under three years can get in for free. They do not need a ticket.

The Franklin Drive-thru safari is a one-of-a-kind animal adventure park in Texas with a unique blend of firsthand wildlife experience and educational insights.

You can drive through the 100-acre sanctuary following the trail in your vehicle and ask for the sanctuary staff’s assistance at any point.

You can feed the animals with your hands, sitting in your car.

Special food for the giraffes and monkeys is not included in this ticket. However, you can purchase it onsite.

The animals at the Franklin Drive Thru Safari near Houston are well taken care of.

They do not feel threatened, which is why they are as happy to see you as you are to see them.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (3+ years): US$20 Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free

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Franklin Drive Thru Safari requires a huge wilderness space and thus is situated rather away from the hustle-bustle of Texas. The Franklin Safari entrance is on West Highway 79, a major Texas highway.

Address : 4324 W Hwy 79, Franklin, TX 77856, USA. Get Directions.

The nearest bus stop is Hearbe Cefco C store , which is about 10 miles (16 km) away.

You can take a cab from here to reach the attraction.

The best way to travel to Franklin Drive Thru safari is by your vehicle.

If you’re traveling by car, turn on your Google Maps and get started.

If you do not have a car, you can rent one at any car rental enterprise online or in the major cities of Austin or Houston nearby.

They are both about a two-hour drive away.

There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shops for vehicle upkeep within a five-mile radius in Franklin, Robertson County.

The Franklin Drive Thru Safari also facilitates private tours if you want to avoid driving your car. Parking can be easily found in that case.

The Franklin Drive Thru Safari, 130 miles (209 km) away from Houston, Texas, and 100 miles (160 km) from the Texas state capital, Austin, is open seven days a week.

The operating times are from 9 am to 5 pm throughout the week.

However, it is important to note that since the park is open wilderness, visitation can be closed during extreme weather conditions such as storms.

Best time to visit Franklin Drive Thru Safari

The best time to visit the Franklin Animal Safari is right about the time when the park opens at 9 am.

The animals are hungry and will come to your car for the animal feed you carry.

The animal feed can be bought inside the park, around the entrance.

Since it is an open-air park, we strongly recommend you look up the weather forecasts for your planned visit and book your tickets online, picking a day with pleasant weather, as it can get hot in Texas.

The Franklin Drive Thru Safari tour in Texas can take as long as you like. Usually, the trail can be traversed in about fifty minutes.

However, between animals poking their head into your car, visits to the baby animal petting zoo, and a trip to the reptile house, we recommend taking out at least two hours to enjoy the safari to its full extent.

Franklin Drive Thru Safari reviews

Take a look at some of the reviews before you plan the safari.

I have been obsessed with going on safaris since I moved to Texas. I just love seeing the animals, feeding them, and petting them. If you have not gone on a safari, please do yourself a favor and go. Keshia R .

I had a blast at this drive-thru Safari. My companion and I visited on a Saturday morning in October, and the weather felt perfect for the occasion. We spent about two hours driving around. It wasn’t too busy, and there were plenty of animals to watch and feed. Cassandra S.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Franklin Drive Thru Safari.

No, pets are expressly prohibited.

The tickets for Franklin Drive Thru Safari are available online .

Private and VIP tours are provided by the administration of the Franklin Animal Safari, so you do not need to worry if you don’t want to drive your car.

The animals are well cared for and used by humans. They are not hostile toward visitors. However, they should be respectful and not be over-friendly or aggressive toward the animals. Their primal instincts can take over if they feel threatened.

Yes. Wheelchair access is available on request.

Sources # Franklinsafari.com # Trip.com # Tripadvisor.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Vaibhav Raj

Vaibhav Raj is a hyper-dramatic cinema romantic, and it is his life's mission to touch all the memorable landscapes that his favorite movies breathe in, be it a meeting in Montauk from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a walk along Before Sunrise's Vienna, a hideout in In Bruges' Bruges, or frolicking across the lush Swiss landscapes of Yash Chopra. Favourite Cities: Barcelona, Kyoto, and Bruges.

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

About Safari In Texas

Image Source

Safari is now a very popular activity in Texas. A lot of tourists are suggested to go on a safari to reconnect with nature and get a chance to interact with animals. The reason safaris have made such a talk with visitors is because Texas has 2 different ways to gon about a safari. One is the jeep safari where you are taken around the national park or zoo in an open four-wheeler while clicking pictures of animals you can get a chance to see. Another is drive-thru safari. In this kind of safari, you are moving around in the comfort of a closed car while animals roam around freely and sometimes even poke their noses through the windows. Drive-thru Safaris are more popular in Texas as it is considered more comfortable and convenient. However, the conventional jeep safari lets you get a closer look at the way animals react and behave in their natural and desired surroundings.

Best Time To Go For A Safari In Texas

You can go for a safari in Texas at any time of the year. However, you should plan, buy the tickets and inform the safari company the details of whenever you are planning to visit at least one week in advance. Always try to book a safari tour during the weekdays and weekend slots are usually reserved for school children. The best time to go for Safari in Texas is early in the morning. This is the time when the majority of animals wake up and go out hunting for deers and goats or green grass to feast upon. This is also the time animals like the elephant head towards the nearest waterbody for a bath with their groups and young ones. You will also find beautiful species of birds perched on branches scrutinizing the grounds and lakes for a worm and playful fishes that pop out of the water early in the morning. So, early morning is easily the most in-demand slots at safari companies because this is when you will get to see most of the animals.

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4 Best Places To Go For A Safari In Texas

Safari in Texas is one of the many exhilarating things to do in America. However, it is important to know a few details about where and when to go for a safari ride. So, check out the best places in Texas that allow tourists to go on an exciting safari trip and interact with the harmless animals in the wild.

1. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch takes its visitors on the best safari in Texas. It is one and a half hour drive-thru safari where you get to see animals like the southern horned rhino, lemurs, camels, and zebras. You also get to see the proud and tall ostriches. Other than these animals you can catch a glimpse of more than 500 animals belonging to the endemic and endangered species globally. You can also choose to opt for the walking safari where you can see the animals at your own pace. In case you feel hungry, there are shops that provide snacks within the ranch. So, visit the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch for an interesting safari in Texas.

Must Read: 10 Texas Tourist Attractions That You Cannot Miss On Your Maiden Trip

2. Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Safari

Cherokee Trace Drive-thru is considered the topmost place to go on a safari expedition. The drive-thru safari will start with you being given a feeding sack. You can feed the animals from the sack and get to experience the exciting safari to your heart’s content. You will get a chance to see animals like the Canadian wood bison, Barbary sheep, capybara, common eland, camels, and the emu. There are many more animals that you will get to pet and feed but these are the primary animals that you might get to see first. The safari will allow you to also view the kangaroos that you usually only get to see in Australia. Cherokee Trace drive-thru is a good place to go on a safari, especially for first-timers.

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3. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a result of one man’s hard work and cooperation of many people. This wildlife center holds more than 11 animals and is continuously growing every single day. You are allowed to bring your own car for touring the forest and also eat snacks on the way in case you fall prey to hunger. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center also allows you to camp throughout the day while laying in wait to catch a peek of one of the 50 species of animals here. You can see animals like the cheetah, fallow deer, American bison and black foot cats. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center allows its visitors bike tours and murder mystery tours too.

Suggested Read: 5 Best Places To Visit In Texas To Soak In The Warm And Friendly Culture

4. The Exotic Resort Zoo

The Exotic Resort Zoo takes its visitors on a tram safari. This zoo also has a petting area kept separate for viewing and petting purposes. You are allowed to bring your cameras to this place and click pictures of the animals in their natural habitat. The most famous animal here is the kissing camel that loves the attention it gets from the visitors. You can also find other animals like the lemurs, porcupines, deers, antelopes and many more harmless creatures. These animals are usually excited to see people especially when they bring animal food with them. You will get a chance to feed the cute animals repeatedly begging for small tidbits. This is easily one of the best places to go for an exciting animal safari in Texas.

Further Read: 10 Texas Tourist Attractions That You Cannot Miss On Your Maiden Trip

Texas is known as the state in America that provides the best of everything. So, you can be assured that your safari in Texas will be a big hit and leave you wanting for more. The safaris allow you to pet, feed and interact with animals and experience a special bond. You will get a chance to temporarily move away from the hullabaloo of the city and enjoy the green and wild areas of Texas. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your friends and family and plan a trip to the United States and drop by the ranches and safari parks in Texas for an exciting safari tour.

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Drive Through Safari Near Houston 2024 – Go Wild With These 8 Texas Drive Thru Zoo Experiences!

Posted by Clarett C. | Jan 26, 2024 | Family Friendly , Kids , Things To Do In Houston , Travel | 0

Drive Through Safari Near Houston

The drive through safaris near Houston showcase awesome places like the Franklin Drive Thru Safari , Fossil Rim Wildlife Center , and the Grapeland Safari !

Houston has a wilder side, filled with amazing animals you can see up close without even leaving your car! That’s right, we’re talking about drive-thru safaris, where lions, tigers, and giraffes aren’t just pictures in a book. So, buckle up because here are our top choices to visit for your next safari Houston TX adventure!

Drive Through Safari Houston – How Far Are They From H-Town?

2-hour drive, 3-hour drive, 4-hour drive, quick summary for drive through safari houston.

Embark on a thrilling journey through Houston’s best drive-thru safaris, each offering a unique blend of wildlife variety, budget-friendly options, and additional activities for an adventurous day out!

For the budget-conscious, you can check out Exotic Resort Zoo ($7) and Franklin Drive Thru Safari ($20)!

If you are an adventurous bunch and want to experience animal encounters, then visiting Wild Animal Safari Aggieland and Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari are your best bet.

These Houston drive through safari locations offer unique ways to connect with wildlife. Whether it’s feeding zebras by hand or learning about animal behaviors, these safaris near Houston provide a delightful escape into nature, so don’t miss the chance to visit!

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer before heading out.

Also, remember to check out our other posts: Things to Do in Houston with Kids and Toddlers , Fun Things to Do in Houston for Teens , Things to Do in Galveston with Kids , and Free Museums in Houston !

2-Hour Drive Thru Safari Near Houston

Exotic resort zoo.

Well, this Houston safari is actually a bonus since it’s only estimated to be 50 minutes away from H-Town.

You can also pay for a guided tour so that you can go off-road but also learn from a wise tour guide on a tractor. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a wide-eyed first-timer, this unique zoo promises an unforgettable experience with tours that run all day long!

Where : 22115 Sherrod Ln, Spring, TX 77389 How Far : 50 minutes Operating Hours : Tuesday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Saturday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm | Sunday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Cost : $15.95 for children 12 years old and under; $18.95 per adult; $17.95 per senior (60+ years old)

Franklin Drive Thru Safari

Want a drive thru safari near Houston that’s informative and interactive? Read signs along the way to learn all about where the animals come from and what they like to eat. You can even take a guided tour with an animal caretaker who knows all the secrets of the safari! ?For all the details about how the animals are cared for and what their personalities are like, the Private Safari Tour has it all.

Where : 4324 W Hwy 79, Franklin, TX 77856 How Far : 2 hours and 14 minutes Operating Hours : Daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Cost : Entry Price FREE for children under 2 years old; $20 per person | Group of 30+ $20 (Free Tour and Food)

Wild Animal Safari Aggieland

Drive Through Safari Houston | Image Credit: Aggieland Safari

Meet nature’s most fascinating creatures by choosing how you want to explore the park! This drive through safari near Houston can be enjoyed with your vehicle, a rental, or a bus with a knowledgeable guide. After taking the drive-thru safari, choose the Animal Encounters experience or visit the Adventure Zoo.

Where : 18075 FM974, Bryan, TX 77808 How Far : 2 hours Operating Hours : Daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Cost : General Admission $25.95 per adult (13 -64 years old); $20.95 per junior (3 – 12 years old); $20.95 per senior (65+ years old); $89 Family Four Pack

Grapeland Safari

Trade your city landscape for a day filled with animals and fun! Grapeland Safari promises an escape to the wild, an immersive experience where you’ll come face-to-face with camels and feed zebra by hand.

Where : 13440 US-287, Grapeland, TX 75844 How Far : 2 hours and 19 minutes Operating Hours : Monday – Tuesday CLOSED | Wednesday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Cost : General Admission is $7 per person

Drive Through Safari Houston – 3 Hours Away From H-Town

Cherokee trace drive-thru safari.

Drive Through Safari Houston | Image Credit: Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari

Nestled in the woods, Cherokee Trace feels like a hidden gem that may not be as big as other safaris but can compete! Cherokee Trace offers a more focused and intimate drive-thru experience which is perfect for families with young children or groups that want to see a zebra up close.

Where : 1200 Co Rd 4405, Jacksonville, TX 75766 How Far : 3 hours and 17 minutes Operating Hours : Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm | Sunday 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Cost : $14.95 for children 3 – 12 years old; $ 19.95 per adult; $17.95 per senior (65+ years old)

Blue Hills Ranch Resort

Where : 2032 Blue Cut Rd N, McGregor, TX 76657 How Far : 3 hours and 11 minutes Operating Hours : By Appointment Only Cost : FREE for children under 1 year old; $50 per person

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Drive Through Safari Houston | Image Credit: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

For another Safari in Houston that you should check out, there are about 6 miles of acres to explore and more than 40 animal species to see! Choose your preferred type of feed and enjoy multiple trips if you dare. The animals here are in a free-roaming environment and the tour takes 1-2 hours.

Where : 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266 How Far : 3 hours and 24 minutes Operating Hours : Daily 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Cost : $29.99 per adult; $19.99 for children 3 – 11 years old

Houston Drive Thru Safari – 4 Hours Away From H-Town

Fossil rim wildlife center.

This drive thru safari Houston has to offer gives you the option to join a group or bring your own vehicle for a self-guided drive along 7.2 miles of Texas Hill Country! Get up close and personal with endangered antelopes or feed the giraffes! The drive’s about 1.5 hours and you get a free cone of animal feed per vehicle!

Where : 2299 Co Rd 2008, Glen Rose, TX 76043 How Far : 4 hours and 19 minutes Operating Hours : Daily 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Cost : Public Guided Tour FREE for children under 3 years old; $44.95 per person | Self-Guided Drive FREE for children under 2 years old; $24.95 for children 3 – 11 years old; $29.95 per person

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You're in for a Wild Ride at Our Drive-Thru Zoo in Jefferson, TX

Calling all animal lovers, future zoo keepers camp june 18th - 20th sign up deadline is may 25th., encounter exotic wildlife without taking a flight.

There's no need to search far and wide for a place to see exotic animals. Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park, LLC offers residents and visitors of the Jefferson, TX area the chance to have up-close encounters with a wide variety of wildlife. Our drive-thru zoo & drive-thru safari allows you to remain in the comfort of your vehicle while viewing our animal enclosures. With more than 20 years of experience caring for wildlife, we have the skills needed to keep our animals comfortable and happy. Call 903-665-4093 now to plan your visit to our wildlife park.

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Unleash Your Inner Party Animal

Host your next birthday at our zoo, make your visit fun and educational.

Want to impress everyone }|in your vehicle when you visit our drive-thru zoo? Check out the following trivia about some of our animals: Which of our herbivores is also the third largest of its species? The African-spurred tortoise Which of our animals is considered critically endangered? The addax Which of our animals live in herds of ten to twenty and have teeth that never stop growing? The capybaras Now you're ready to spout off your new knowledge and sound like a pro zoologist during your tour. Visit our local family-owned zoo today.

Welcome to Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park located 6 miles North of Jefferson Texas. Join us on a Drive- Thru safari adventure featuring over 50 species of native wildlife & exotic animals from all across the world. Take a tour on over 3 miles of all-weather roads & cover over 125 acres of beautiful East Texas scenery consisting of pastures, creek bottoms, Hardwoods, rolling hills & the heart of East Texas pine plantation. You will even see the picturesque view from one of the highest points in Marion County. All of this is done from the comfort & safety of your own vehicle. Enjoy feeding & viewing our native & exotic animals in their own environment. You can enjoy our animals year round through the various stages of antler development on our males to baby season on our females. Come take a drive on the wild side.

Plan your next special occasion with us

There's no shortage of reasons to visit our wildlife park. You can plan a school field trip at the zoo for your students, give your child a zoo birthday party or book a cabin rental to stay on property. Plus, we host Zoo Boo weekends around Halloween. Ask about our first responder and teacher discounts by calling 903-665-4093 now.

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12 Best Drive-thru Zoos in Texas

As a parent, you know how important it is to keep your kids entertained and having fun! Luckily, there’s no shortage of exciting activities here in the Lone Star state. If you’re looking for an educational adventure full of wild creatures and new experiences, then you have to check out some of Texas’ best drive-thru zoos! Your children get to observe amazing wildlife up close from the comfort and safety of their own car. From tractor rides and petting zoos to interactive exhibits and special events – each site offers something unique that all members of the family can enjoy!

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There are many beautiful things about Texas; one of them is that you can experience a safari drive-thru right in the state. Looking for a wild adventure full of exotic species and majestic creatures? Here is a list of some of the best drive-thru zoos in the Lone Star State:

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (New Braunfels)

This 450-acre ranch offers an up-close view of different species of animals, including zebras, buffalos, and ostriches. Your car will get a bag of animal feed which you can offer the animals to get them to come to your vehicle. The self-guided drive will also take you through live oak trees, rolling hills, creek beds, and endangered species. You can drive in your own car or book a guided tour on the Safari shuttle or Safari rover.

The ranch also has a gift shop where you can shop for souvenirs and a cafe where you can enjoy coffee. Located at 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266. It’s the perfect stop on your way to Schlitterbahn , Gruene , or San Antonio .

Topsey Exotic Ranch & Drive Thru Safari

Another great drive-thru zoo you will find in Texas is the Topsey Exotic Ranch, where you will find 50 species being managed in a natural setting. You should know that Topsey Exotic Ranch is an ‘enter at your own risk’ drive-thru, so it’s essential to stay careful. Also, it’s best not to feed the animals off your hands. Located at 945 Co Rd 118, Copperas Cove, TX 76522.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose

This is one of the largest drive-through safaris in Texas and features about 1,800 acres with 1,100 animals of different species. The self-guided tour at this zoo is a beautiful experience that the entire family will not forget.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center also offers overnight lodging, photo workshops, bike tour, and murder mystery tour. The drive-thru is the biggest cheetah breeding facility, as 17-20 cubs are raised yearly. One of the best parts of this ranch is the different educational activities they offer guests. Located at 2299 Co Rd 2008, Glen Rose, TX 76043.

North Texas Safari Park, Bonham

This is a perfect safari for the whole family to watch endangered species from the comfort of your vehicle. Visitors can also feed the giraffe, explore the petting zoo, and explore the area designated for Australian animals. Located at 2920 US-82, Bonham, TX 75418.

Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari, Jefferson

Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari has over 80 animals of species like camels, red deer, bison, and wildebeests. The animals will come to your car to say hi, and you can purchase food you can share with them. You can also visit the on-site petting zoo to get closer to the animals, get a bucket of feed from the entrance and take photographs with braying donkeys. Located at 1782 US-59 N, Jefferson, TX 75657.

Exotic Resort Zoo (Johnson City)

Exotic Resort Zoo is home to a wild variety of animals ranging from camels to kangaroos and ostriches. Your guided tour will help you get to know about all 40 species of animals here, including ostrich, kissing camel, and blackbuck. If you prefer to tour on your own, you’ll get the option too.

Exotic Resort Zoo has eight cabins where you can spend the night and have conversations around the campfire. Different animals will surround your camp, and you can offer them food from the feed bucket. Kids will love exploring the two petting zoos and catching fish at the catch-and-release pond in this Texas wild animal safari. Located at 235 Zoo Trail, Johnson City, TX 78636.

Aggieland Safari

Aggieland Safari is often known as the Serengeti of the South and offers the opportunity to see 500 animals up close. With a small fee, you can receive a feed bucket you can give out to the animals right from your car. There is also the Adventure Zoo, a 20-acre field with animals you can have better interaction with. Aggieland Safari is one of the top drive-thrus in the Lone Star State. Located at 18075 FM974, Bryan, TX 77808.

Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Safari

Explore the 300 acres of this drive-thru to see Rupert the camel, Minnie the yak, the six enclosed alligators, and other species of animals like zebras, alpacas, and bison. The drive-thru zoo has over 700 animals; you can meet them all if you take the two-hour drive around the safari. You can observe the African longhorn, take a photograph with the Indian antelope, and take the 2-hour drive to go through the whole drive-thru. Located at 1200 Co Rd 4405, Jacksonville, TX 75766.

The Grapeland Safari, Grapeland

Drive through this safari to see gorgeous creatures on 59 acres of land. You will see different species of animals, including axis deer, emus, and zebras. Kids can tour the petting zoo, take photographs with the friendly camels and relax at the picnic area. We recommend you bring your binoculars to get a good view of the 38 species on the field and the petting zoo. You can also bring your grill and enjoy a great lunch at the picnic area. Located at 13440 US-287, Grapeland, TX 75844.

Franklin Drive-Thru Safari

This exotic adventure lets you meet different animals in their natural habitat. Franklin Drive-Thru Safari is one of the best wildlife parks in Texas, and you get to meet critters, donkeys, lemurs, aviaries, sloths, and dingos. You can also lure baby giraffes, play with the park monkeys, or explore the charming baby room, where you’ll find exotic baby animals like coatimundis for an extra $20. The safari has a walking section for guests who want better animal interaction.

Franklin Drive Thru offers VIP private tours where visitors can gain in-depth knowledge about the animals on the field. Don’t forget to purchase feed buckets to attract and feed the animals. Located at 4324 West Highway 79, Franklin TX 77856.

Sanctuary Serengeti

Sanctuary Serengeti is like an actual sanctuary for a wide variety of animals, including lemurs, zebras, llamas, goats, and pigs. It reopens January 2024. Located at 250 Plum Church Rd, West Point, TX 78963.

Blue Hills Ranch & Giraffe Sanctuary

Although this Blue Hills Ranch doesn’t allow visitors to drive through in your car, there’s the option of getting into the ranch safari vehicle. You will see animals like lemurs, emus, bison, zebras, and kangaroos. Visitors can also enjoy other experiences like swimming with otters, bottle-feeding giraffes, and staying overnight at the RV park.

Blue Hills Ranch is also a popular location for people who want to have their wedding while surrounded by 4-legged guests. Tours here are by appointment, and if you want to come here, booking up to 60 days before your trip is best. Located at 2032 Blue Cut Rd N, McGregor, TX 76657 near Waco .

Bottom Line

Texas has some of the most beautiful drive-thru zoos in the country, and a visit here is sure to be a delight for the whole family. Meeting the gorgeous animals in their natural environment is sure to be a thrilling experience.

Need a Weekend Getaway? Texas Has You Covered!

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A Texas Safari

Star S Ranch is a true Texas Safari. Starting in 1996, the Scott family started with a vision of creating a ranch that incorporated the best of their Texas and African hunting experiences. They currently have acquired 14,000 acres of land along the James River in Mason and Kimble county known for superior grazing and browsing. In short, the goal was creating a place they would want to hunt on. Where the success of the hunt was a measure of skill, knowledge, and patience.

It starts with the wildlife. Dedicated to breeding first, the ranch started acquiring herds of superior Trophy Whitetail Deer genetics and African Wildlife. That means slowly acquiring and breeding the largest animals and releasing their young into pastures of 4,000 acres or more. Currently, more than two decades later, the ranch is home to over 30 species including herds of over 100 Sable antelope, Kudu, and Gemsbok as well as sizeable herds of Markhor, Scimitar Horned Oryx, Dama Gazelle, Alpine and Nubian Ibex, Bongo, Nyala, and Sitatunga just to name a few. These animals roam four pastures from 1,000 acres to over 4,000 acres. It is truly fair chase hunting.

Except for in the Trophy Whitetail Hunting area, the animals solely survive on native browse and grass that mimics much of the vegetation in Southern Africa due to the red, sandy soil found in the James River valley. We believe the reason we are starting to break records is this combination of habitat, allowing animals to live naturally in a natural environment, only breeding to the largest sires, and patiently allowing trophies to grow out to reach their full potential.

The land is the second part of our success. With over 6 miles of the James River running through the ranch in addition to native springs throughout the ranch, water is abundant. As you head west through the ranch, valleys lead to miles of a red, sandy plain covered with native grasses and brush. As you get to the western part of the ranch, the Blue Mountains rise above the plain with hidden valleys of Walnut, Shin Oak, and Live Oak until you reach Monument Mountain, the highest point in Mason County at nearly 2300’. This variety of habitats offers each species both food and cover they would find in their native lands. The Whitetail Deer, Kudu, Bongo, and Nyala prefer the thick brush both for browse and cover from predators. In the open grasslands, you will find herds of Gemsbok, Wildebeest, and Blesbok where they can graze and take advantage of their herds to keep an eye out for danger. As you move into the bluffs and steep valleys along the James River and in the Blue Mountains, you will find brush for Nubian Ibex, Markhor, Aoudad, and Alpine Ibex as well as a vantage point that would make it difficult for a predator to scale.

Lastly are the facilities. Our Hunter’s Lodge, Star S Ranch Airport, and a system of roads and trails were designed for comfort and exclusivity. The Hunter’s Lodge overlooks a water hole where it is common to see herds of Sable Antelope and Kudu drinking water. There are 4 casitas, each with two rooms which has three queen sized beds and an on-suite bathroom with 12-foot ceilings, and are wheel chair accessible to both the main lodge and the land by ramps so all can enjoy the surroundings and facilities.

(830) 285-8753 [email protected]

Book your Texas Safari Today

Worldwide Hunting in Texas

Exotic hunts, the trophy whitetail experience, texas whitetail hunts, the serengeti is just a short drive, african game hunts, the star s ranch story, explore star s ranch.

14,000 Acres, over 30 Species, first class amenities

A True Texas Safari

Texas Safari is temporarily closed to house and event rentals. We are in the process of updating our facilities and want to devote our time and efforts to the updates and our beloved animals.

We will reopen Summer 2025. We are so grateful for your support and understanding during this time. Please check our social media for updates!

Our Private Exotic Wildlife Park is the Perfect Venue for Your Wedding, Corporate Event, Family Gathering, or Romantic Weekend Getaway.

Texas Safari is a private park, open to guests to rent year-round. The facility is perfect for weddings, family reunions, corporate events, and parties of all kinds! Come visit our picturesque Western Town and hundreds of exotic animals! We have 3 luxurious cabins on the property that can host up to 27 guests all together.

Click Here To Learn More About Lodging

Texas Safari is no longer open to the public as a drive-through game park.

A minimum two-night stay is required. Our booking system will not accept single-night reservations and will show dates of less than two consecutive nights as "unavailable".

Texas Safari Featured on Texas Today

Texas Safari is honored to have been featured on NBC today! We hope y’all enjoy the wonderful video that Kristin Dickerson TV, Jessica Grose and their team at “Texas Today” put together of the highlights from their stay at the park. Their video turned out great and they were such a pleasure to show around.

Watch the Video

Tour the Giraffe House!

Texas Safari was recently featured in D Magazine as a top 10 place in Texas to visit!

The Oldest Wildlife Park In Texas.

Texas Safari is full of history. It has been in operation since 1975, making it the oldest wildlife park in Texas. The original log cabin, in which the original settlers lived in and fought Comanche Indians out of, was built in 1850 and is still on the property. 2 barns built in 1870 are also located on the land. Today, the facility is run by 6th and 7th generation Texans.

The park sits on the historic Chisholm Trail, which was originally used by Indian hunting parties and later became one of the largest trails for Texas cattle drives.

Texas Safari is known for unforgettable parties, family reunions, and weddings, as well as corporate and private events. Whether it be the picturesque Western Town, or the wildlife roaming before your very eyes, your guests are sure to be amazed!

Kick off your boots and stay a while! Book your stay at one of our luxurious cabins. If you're lucky, you'll be woken by Marsha, our sweet and mischievous camel!

Read the Reviews About the Park

Interact With Over 600 Exotic Animals.

Texas Safari is home to over 600 exotics, from antelope to zebra. We have many Pere David deer from China that are extinct in the wild but exist on facilities like ours due to world-class breeding programs. The Dama Gazelle, Scimitar Oryx, Lechwe, and the Grevy's Zebra are on the endangered list.

As a breeding facility, we strive to expand the population of endangered animals. Our mission is to maintain the wellbeing of each and every animal in our care. All proceeds from our cabin rentals go towards feed and veterinary care.

You can drive around the park to freely interact with the animals. There are 10 miles of paved roads for your use. Please note that while our animals are friendly, they are still wild so treat them as such.

Learn More About the Animals

A World-Class Facility in the Heart of Texas.

Texas Safari is a world-class facility located in the Northern Texas Hill Country outside of the town of Clifton, just forty miles from Waco, ninety minutes from Dallas , and minutes from great restaurants, museums, art venues and golf.

For More Info:

Texas Safari

192 PRIVATE ROAD 4293 • CLIFTON TX 76634

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The 13 best resorts in Texas for a Lone Star State getaway

A s a native Texan, I can tell you firsthand that the old phrase "everything is bigger in Texas" is true. The skies are vast and blue, the mouthwatering barbecue is limitless and the best resorts in Texas span from the Gulf of Mexico, across the Hill Country and beyond.

Whether you're a Texan like me looking for a great in-state vacation or you're from elsewhere heading down to experience Tex-Mex and two-stepping, the resorts in Texas have something for everyone. Options include everything from luxurious, high-end properties to working ranches where you can get your hands dirty with the whole family.

In the Texas Hill Country, you can fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and experience a taste of Texas cool. Or, you can head to San Antonio International Airport (SAT) for the Mexican- and Spanish-infused spirit that permeates the culture before heading off to a spa resort. Both the Houston and Dallas areas have multiple airports, making it pretty easy to get to two world-class cities and the regions beyond.

The majority of the best resorts in Texas are classic (think: wide open spaces, pools and activities). Others emphasize spa services or offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of a major city like San Antonio .

Either way, you can't go wrong with any of these fabulous Texas resorts.

Austin may be an oasis for music, technology and tacos, but it also offers plenty of places to get outside in nature and relax, including the all-inclusive Lake Austin Spa Resort , found 30 minutes from downtown by car or via water taxi.

Forty rooms with private porches, tall ceilings and soaking tubs await guests looking for a tranquil escape; all of your meals are included in the rate, plus snacks, juices and smoothies.

Outside of the airy rooms, activities abound. Take advantage of the included lake equipment like stand-up paddleboards, kick it in a hammock by the water with a book or splash around the resort's two pools.

Related: The best hotels in Austin, Texas

But the real star of the show here is the 25,000-square-foot spa that includes treatments (for an additional cost) like signature facials or deep-tissue massages, plus saunas, whirlpools and steam rooms. Sure, it's on the pricey side, but after a full day of hiking, a few hours in the spa and an order of room service will be worth it.

Rates at Lake Austin Spa Resort start at $1,100 per night, based on double occupancy.

There are many reasons to love Lost Pines , a TPG favorite resort and one that offers something for the whole family — seriously. You can spend your days lounging along on the 1,000-foot lazy river , learn the art of archery, go horseback riding or play a round of golf on the resort's 18-hole course. Parents can rest easy knowing there's a kids club (open for ages 3 to 12) where you can drop off the little ones and then spend a few leisurely hours at the on-site spa.

It's just 20 minutes from the Austin airport, and the food is as diverse as the Texas capital. Start the day with a classic buffet breakfast (biscuits are a must), grab a wood-fired pizza and a patio seat for lunch; then, look forward to a range of dinner options, including a Texas-style roadhouse with chicken fried steaks (also a must), an upscale steakhouse and a 10-seat sushi restaurant.

Rooms are airy and modern with a just touch of Texas twang (think: western posters on clean white walls and the occasional sliding barn door). For larger groups, consider booking a family suite or even the 2,600 Littleton House, which has a living room, kitchen and two bedrooms.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa start around $349 per night or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

San Antonio is one of Texas' most vibrant cities, and it's full of good food, great attractions and an impressive resort called La Cantera. The resort puts you close enough to all the action, yet it has so much to offer that you might not want to ever step foot off the property.

At La Cantera, rooms have an elegant but rustic feel with highback leather armchairs, huge leather headboards and a muted sensibility that makes relaxing easy. While the resort is totally family-friendly, it also happens to offer an exclusive adults-only floor and experience called "Seven" that offers a private check-in area and lounge.

While at the resort, activities abound. Kids can enjoy activities at the kids club while the adults hit up the spa. Guests can also lounge by the pool in a cabana, roast s'mores as a family around a fire pit, play a round of golf on the 18-hole course or take the free shuttle to Six Flags Fiesta Texas for some scream-worthy thrill rides.

Just don't forget to eat: Food options range from casual Tex-Mex to a high-end restaurant for dinner and everything in between.

Rates at La Cantera Resort & Spa start around $280 per night.

For a wellness-centered retreat, there's nowhere in Texas better than Miraval Austin . It's an adults-only resort — and TPG favorite — that offers an all-inclusive-like experience with all meals and many activities included in the nightly rate. Even better, the resort is mostly "unplugged," meaning that you can feel good about disconnecting for a bit while you're there.

During the day, hit the Life in Balance Spa for healing spa treatments, take wellness classes like Rise and Shine Yoga or Cardio Drumming, then spend the afternoon conquering the challenge course or taking a cooking class. Or, simply relax by the pool and bask in the warm Texas sun. (Just note that spa treatments and some activities are an additional fee.)

At the resort, guests are invited to enjoy three daily health-conscious meals at The Hilltop Crossings Kitchen; they can also learn about their gut health or healthy eating habits through sessions with nutritionists or classes.

Rates at Miraval Austin Resort and Spa start around $1,200 per night or 65,000 points, based on double occupancy.

Luxury knows no bounds with Auberge, and that's exemplified at the Commodore Perry Estate — a resort spread over 10 acres in Austin that'll have you wondering if you're in Texas or actually somewhere in Europe.

At Commodore Perry, rooms are grand and chic and can be found in the resort's historic mansion or the Inn. In either location, expect beautiful spaces full of art, four-poster beds and a cheeky in-room shopping experience called "The Estate Sell."

Days at this Auberge can be as relaxed as you want. Soak up the sun by the pool and then learn the ins and outs of tequila during a tasting. Or, opt for an experience that'll keep your mind and body active (think: yoga, hiking or joining a HIIT class). For something extra special, you can even set up an experience where you shop for custom boots with a glass of Champagne in hand.

Fresh meals full of ingredients from local farmers and Texas ranchers are on offer at Lutie's Garden Restaurant — a Ken Fulk-designed space that pays tribute to the woman originally behind the former estate.

Rates at Commodore Perry, Auberge Resorts Collection start around $520 per night.

A member of Preferred Hotels and its I Prefer program , the Houstonian is a classy and classic city resort. It's near all the fabulous shopping of Houston's Galleria area, lush parks full of hiking trails and the arts, culture and diversity of America's fourth-largest city .

Set on 27 acres and decked out in a swanky Texas style, the property actually used to be home to former president George H.W. Bush. Now, the resort has 284 rooms and suites; a Trellis spa with a new outdoor soaking pool and a garden; tennis courts; and three different climate-controlled pools, including one with a waterslide and one perfect for swimming laps. In fact, the resort actually doubles as a sports club, so don't be shocked if you see high-performance athletes training.

Houston has no shortage of incredible dining, and the Houstonian is absolutely part of the scene. It offers a handful of restaurants, including an upscale option serving up flavors of Texas, Louisiana and Mexico; a patio bar and grill; a poolside dining area; and a coffee and juice shop.

Rates at the Houstonian start around $469 per night. Or, members of I Prefer can book with points or cash and receive elitelike perks, including potential room upgrades, early check-in or late checkout and more.

Slightly west of Austin in the rolling hills, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa is an oasis of relaxation and fun that serves up a side of gorgeous Texas sunsets. Here, you'll wake up in a room with huge windows that provide natural light and views of the surrounding hills; then, you can set off for all the adventures the resort has in store.

For starters, head to the Mokara Spa for a rejuvenating treatment then relax on your favorite level of a tiered pool deck. (It offers three different pools, including an adults-only option for people without kids.) The rest of the day is whatever you decide to make of it: Play a round at one of four golf courses, join in on one of 30 weekly fitness classes or take a private tennis lesson. You can also see what the seasonal activities schedule offers; it normally includes things like bounce houses for kids, arts and crafts and miniature golf.

Eight restaurants, bars and dining experiences — including a true Texas-style steakhouse, a Latin restaurant, an in-room dining option and poolside bites — round out the resort.

Rates at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa start around $343 per night.

North of sprawling Houston, Hilton Honors fanatics can book a vacation with points at The Woodlands Resort, a Curio Collection property that makes for a great trip, whether you want to stay for a weekend or an entire week.

There, 402 rooms and suites offer comfort for all. Some rooms open right up to a patio or balcony, and club-level rooms offer access to the Canopy Lounge. For even more fun, book a room that opens up directly to the pool.

Other on-site activities include golfing on 36 holes; a water park with a 30-foot waterslide and lazy river stretching over 1,000 feet; biking and jogging pathways; and even access to water sports equipment like pedal boats, kayaks and standup paddleboards. Feeling sore after all that activity? Book an in-room massage.

Food options include the Back Table Kitchen & Bar overlooking the golf course, a poolside grill, breakfast and lunch at Harrison's, and a lobby bar serving Texas classics until midnight.

Rates at The Woodlands Resort start around $230 per night or 60,000 Hilton Honors points.

Down in Galveston on the Gulf of Mexico, there's no hotel more iconic than the pink-hued Grand Galvez, aptly called "the Queen of the Gulf." Dating back to 1911, this resort has seen it all: It has hosted presidents, served as a wartime command center for the U.S. Coast Guard and managed a handful of brands before landing as a Marriott Autograph Collection property in 2023.

Now, it has been restored to its century-old splendor, featuring stunning and stately public spaces. Founders Bar has massive red chandeliers and a specialty cocktail called the Ghost Bride, named after a ghost that allegedly still calls the resort home. (If you're curious about the otherworldly, sign up for a ghost tour around the property.)

Guests can enjoy a luxurious spa, a popular Sunday brunch, an Instagram-worthy pink cabana at the pool and even soon-to-open private beach access. There's also an on-site boutique with stylish resort wear, an espresso bar and a restaurant serving seafood and steak.

Rates at The Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection start around $184 per night or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Marfa, Texas, is a haven for art lovers and a great entry point into rugged West Texas. About 30 miles away, Cibolo Creek Ranch offers a homey way to experience life in the west — Texas style — on a 30,000-acre ranch that dates back to the late 1800s.

At Cibolo Creek, guests get an immersive experience that starts in accommodations. Options range from poolside rooms to haciendas and forts full of rustic furniture, many rooms with fireplaces and included breakfast. Plus, guests to the ranch can enjoy an outdoor pool, pickleball courts, dining on Mexican food inside an adobe fort and more.

While at the ranch, newbie cowboys and cowgirls can enjoy activities like horseback riding, ATV tours, birding, mountain-view yoga, spa treatments, shooting sport clays or learning about the area's history.

Rates at Cibolo Creek Ranch start around $408 per night.

In San Antonio, you definitely won't forget to "remember the Alamo," and you're sure to enjoy a rush of excitement at Six Flags Fiesta Texas or SeaWorld. After days packed with activity, if you're looking for a relaxing resort that packs a powerful punch, don't pass up a stay at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country. It has more than enough to keep your crew entertained.

At the 600-acre resort, you don't even have to leave for a full-on water park experience thanks to the resort's on-property water park, River Bluff Water Experience. It features 9 acres of fun, multiple pools (including one strictly for adults), a 1,100-foot lazy river, waterslides and cabanas you can rent.

For a more relaxing day, a spa offers a wide menu of treatments, or guests can enjoy an 18-hole championship golf course. Afterward, retreat to the upscale steakhouse 18 Oaks for a true Texas-style dinner or indulge in Mexican food at Cibolo Moon. When it's time for bed, rest easy in one of more than 1,000 rooms and suites designed to fit any traveler's need.

Rates at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country start around $280 per night or 41,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

As it turns out, big resorts in Texas love to have an on-property water park, and the Hyatt Regency Hill Country is no different. It features a 5-acre park with a 950-foot lazy river, an activity pool, a zero-entry beach, a baby pool and a waterslide.

Come for the water park but stay for everything else, including some great dining ranging from casual bar snacks to upscale lodge food. Other amenities include a 27-hole championship golf course, a spa and a calendar full of activities to keep the young and young-at-heart busy.

As for the rooms, expect fresh and modern design with a little Texas flair tossed in (think: dark wood and rich leather combined with framed art depicting cowboys and ranch life); there are also large suites so that families in need of more space can spread out.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa start around $230 per night or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

While some resorts in Texas are sprawling, Loews' latest major project in the Lone Star State is a massive convention hotel that might as well be a resort. It is smack in the middle of Six Flags Over Texas, Hurricane Harbor, Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium, making it the perfect place to stay for concerts and sporting events.

At the 800-plus room property, guests can take in stadium views from floor-to-ceiling windows or spread out in a large suite loaded with amenities like bathrobes, smart TVs, coffee makers and more.

While there's plenty to experience outside Lowes Arlington, be sure to block off plenty of time to take advantage of the hotel's pool complex, which features two decks. One deck is heated and open year-round, and one is seasonal; plus, there are cabana rentals and a bar to grab a drink.

No good resort is complete without a spa: The Spa at Loews Arlington has six treatment rooms and a 24-hour fitness center.

Food comes in many shapes and sizes here, from pan-Asian cuisine at the chic Soy Cowboy restaurant to Farena, an Italian restaurant with service three times daily. If you're still hungry, grab poolside cocktails and Mexican snacks at Tomar El Sol or order room service for a meal in bed.

Rates at the Lowes Arlington Hotel start around $229 per night.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

10 of America’s Best Water Parks

Make a splash at these fun-filled oases.

family on water slide at aquapark, romania

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Whether you’re four or 40, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of zipping down a waterslide on a hot summer day, feeling the rush of adrenaline that comes with every twist, turn and drop, then plummeting into a shallow pool, climbing out, and doing it all over again. Waterparks are some of life’s most nostalgic places, where sore feet and sunburns are the mark of a day well spent.

From innovative theming to record-breaking attractions, here are 10 of America’s best waterparks.

Universal’s Volcano Bay | Orlando, Florida

grand opening of universal's volcano bay

Schlitterbahn New Braunfels | New Braunfels, Texas

waterslides at schlitterbahn waterparks and resorts in new braunfels, texas

Claiming the title of “World’s Best Waterpark,” the Schlitterbahn park in New Braunfels, Texas, packs more than 51 attractions into 70 acres. The name nods to the area’s German heritage, with dedicated sections housing slides, coasters, rivers and pools interspersed through natural landscaping.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park | Orlando, Florida

disney’s typhoon lagoon water park in orlando, florida

No one does a theme quite like Disney, and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is no exception. Telling the story of a legendary storm that struck a tropical island, the focal point of the park is a shrimp boat stuck on top of Mt. Mayday. The surrounding 56 acres are filled with waterslides, a surf pool and the kid-friendly Ketchakiddee Creek playground.

LEGOLAND California Resort | Carlsbad, California

an inside look around sea life aquarium at legoland during covid 19 shutdown

Bare feet and LEGOs finally go hand-in-hand at LEGOLAND California’s waterpark. Interspersed with the park’s waterslides and wave pools are activities like the “Imagination Station,” where kids (and let’s be honest, adults) can build bridges and dams with DUPLO bricks, build a boat to race or build a LEGO raft in the lazy river.

Noah’s Ark Waterpark | Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

waterslide at noah's ark waterpark in wisconsin dells

Wisconsin Dells may be known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” but one rises above the rest with an impressive record: it claims “America’s Largest Waterpark.” Noah’s Ark Waterpark is often a pioneer in water rides, introducing a glowing slide this year (Chameleon) to enjoy alongside the world’s largest king cobra slide (Raja) and the country’s first nearly vertical looping slide (Scorpion’s Tail).

Six Flags White Water | Marietta, Georgia

silhouette of person sliding down water slide

Six Flags Over Georgia has a dedicated water park onsite, Six Flags White Water . As its name suggests, there are plenty of adrenaline-inducing rides like the tropical storm-themed Typhoon Twister or the ultra-tall Dive Bomber with a 90-degree drop. For casual park-goers, Six Flags White Water also has a wave pool and lazy river.

Splashin’ Safari | Santa Claus, Indiana

In a town called Santa Claus, a holiday-themed amusement park just makes sense. Navigating through Holiday World park sections with themes like Halloween and Fourth of July will lead you to Splashin’ Safari, a sprawling tropical park with nearly 50 attractions, including the world’s longest water coaster. Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari promise value, with one ticket admitting entry to both parks and free soft drinks and sunscreen offered throughout.

The Boardwalk at Hersheypark | Hershey, Pennsylvania

carefree man having fun while sliding into the swimming pool

The sweetest waterpark around, the Boardwalk at Hersheypark is the waterlogged counterpart to the adjacent candy-inspired amusement park. Challenge your friends at the world’s longest mat racing slides, get an adrenaline rush on a watercoaster, or opt to float down the (more than) 1,300-foot lazy river.

Great Wolf Lodge | Multiple Locations

We’d be remiss not to mention the largest chain of indoor waterparks in the country, Great Wolf Lodge . Contrary to most others on the list, these parks stay open year-round for aquatic adventure no matter the weather. From California all the way to Massachusetts, guests can enjoy wave pools, slides and lazy rivers all day long, then retire to their resort-style accommodations without ever leaving the property. 2023 will welcome two new properties: Great Wolf Lodge Maryland and Great Wolf Lodge Poconos .

Cowabunga Bay | Multiple Locations

nevada reopens water parks as part of phase 2 reopening amid covid 19 pandemic

There are two outposts of Cowabunga Bay , a retro surfer-inspired waterpark in Las Vegas and Draper, Utah. Skip the strip and head to the Nevada location, where more than 25 attractions like body slides, racers and an all-dark tube slide add to the thrill. The Utah counterpart has 11 colorful slides and a dedicated area for little adventurers.

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What the New Overtime Rule Means for Workers

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One of the basic principles of the American workplace is that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay. Simply put, every worker’s time has value. A cornerstone of that promise is the Fair Labor Standards Act ’s (FLSA) requirement that when most workers work more than 40 hours in a week, they get paid more. The Department of Labor ’s new overtime regulation is restoring and extending this promise for millions more lower-paid salaried workers in the U.S.

Overtime protections have been a critical part of the FLSA since 1938 and were established to protect workers from exploitation and to benefit workers, their families and our communities. Strong overtime protections help build America’s middle class and ensure that workers are not overworked and underpaid.

Some workers are specifically exempt from the FLSA’s minimum wage and overtime protections, including bona fide executive, administrative or professional employees. This exemption, typically referred to as the “EAP” exemption, applies when:

1. An employee is paid a salary,

2. The salary is not less than a minimum salary threshold amount, and

3. The employee primarily performs executive, administrative or professional duties.

While the department increased the minimum salary required for the EAP exemption from overtime pay every 5 to 9 years between 1938 and 1975, long periods between increases to the salary requirement after 1975 have caused an erosion of the real value of the salary threshold, lessening its effectiveness in helping to identify exempt EAP employees.

The department’s new overtime rule was developed based on almost 30 listening sessions across the country and the final rule was issued after reviewing over 33,000 written comments. We heard from a wide variety of members of the public who shared valuable insights to help us develop this Administration’s overtime rule, including from workers who told us: “I would love the opportunity to...be compensated for time worked beyond 40 hours, or alternately be given a raise,” and “I make around $40,000 a year and most week[s] work well over 40 hours (likely in the 45-50 range). This rule change would benefit me greatly and ensure that my time is paid for!” and “Please, I would love to be paid for the extra hours I work!”

The department’s final rule, which will go into effect on July 1, 2024, will increase the standard salary level that helps define and delimit which salaried workers are entitled to overtime pay protections under the FLSA.

Starting July 1, most salaried workers who earn less than $844 per week will become eligible for overtime pay under the final rule. And on Jan. 1, 2025, most salaried workers who make less than $1,128 per week will become eligible for overtime pay. As these changes occur, job duties will continue to determine overtime exemption status for most salaried employees.

Who will become eligible for overtime pay under the final rule? Currently most salaried workers earning less than $684/week. Starting July 1, 2024, most salaried workers earning less than $844/week. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, most salaried workers earning less than $1,128/week. Starting July 1, 2027, the eligibility thresholds will be updated every three years, based on current wage data. DOL.gov/OT

The rule will also increase the total annual compensation requirement for highly compensated employees (who are not entitled to overtime pay under the FLSA if certain requirements are met) from $107,432 per year to $132,964 per year on July 1, 2024, and then set it equal to $151,164 per year on Jan. 1, 2025.

Starting July 1, 2027, these earnings thresholds will be updated every three years so they keep pace with changes in worker salaries, ensuring that employers can adapt more easily because they’ll know when salary updates will happen and how they’ll be calculated.

The final rule will restore and extend the right to overtime pay to many salaried workers, including workers who historically were entitled to overtime pay under the FLSA because of their lower pay or the type of work they performed.

We urge workers and employers to visit our website to learn more about the final rule.

Jessica Looman is the administrator for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. Follow the Wage and Hour Division on Twitter at  @WHD_DOL and LinkedIn . Editor's note: This blog was edited to correct a typo (changing "administrator" to "administrative.")

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NFL draft best available players: Who are top options after Day 2?

The marquee names in the 2024 NFL draft have already found their landing spots, but there's still some notable talent available after the first two days of the event.

In the first round, a historic run on quarterbacks helped push down several players who had been considered solid bets to make the Day 1 cut. And while this class' depth might be hurt by having just 58 early entrants – the lowest total since 2011 – there still are several prospects who figure to be potential quality starters in short order.

With the second and third rounds wrapped up, here's a look at the best players available entering Saturday:

2024 NFL draft: Best players available

35. troy franklin, wr, oregon.

Any team looking to open up its offense might gravitate toward Franklin, who will make his living picking up yardage in chunks on deep shots. The 6-2, 176-pounder can mix in some quick hits for run-after-catch opportunities, but he likely will be more of a complementary piece in a passing attack rather than a focal point.

NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.

41. Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas

The 6-4, 245-pounder looks bound to follow many other college tight ends in essentially becoming a supersized receiver who is most often split wide and asked to do little as a blocker. That role should still leave him plenty of opportunities to make his mark, however, as Sanders can create mismatches all over the field in the passing game.

48. T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State

At 6-1 and 189 pounds, Tampa has the tools and mentality to drape himself around receivers at the line of scrimmage and catch point. His long speed could leave him vulnerable in some matchups, but he could thrive as a playmaker in zone coverage.

64. Brandon Dorlus, DT, Oregon

68. Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State

74. Christian Jones, OT, Texas

75. Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina

80. Javon Baker, WR, UCF

84. Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee

87. Austin Booker, DE, Kansas

88. Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina

90. Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State

91. Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU

92. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S, Texas Tech

94. Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri

95. Malik Wasington, WR, Virginia

98. Mohamed Kamara, DE/OLB, Colorado State

102. D.J. James, CB, Auburn

103. Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon

104. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson

105. Brenden Rice, WR, USC

106. Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame

107. Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College

108. Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville

109. Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina

110. Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona

112. Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest

114. Jared Wiley, TE, TCU

116. Jarvis Brownlee Jr., CB, Louisville

117. Malik Mustapha, S, Wake Forest

118. Brennan Jackson, DE, Washington State

120. Jacob Cowing, WR, Arizona

122. Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame

123. Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State

124. Mason McCormick, G, South Dakota State

125. Decamerion Richardson, CB, Mississippi State

NFL Draft best available players for Kansas City Chiefs: T.J. Tampa, Christian Mahogany

Iowa State Cyclones' defensive back T.J. Tampa (2) warms up during the university's Spring Football game at Jack Trice Stadium Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Ames, Iowa

Day 3 of the NFL Draft , which starts at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday, should be a busy day for the Kansas City Chiefs . The team enters the day with five picks, including two in the fourth round.

General manager Brett Veach and his personnel staff have already addressed their two biggest needs, selecting speedy receiver Xavier Worthy in the first round and offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia in the second round.

The Chiefs started the draft Thursday with a draft board featuring 221 players, so the team should have plenty of options to consider in the late routes. Many of the top prospects who are still available fit into one of the Chiefs’ positional needs and would also have a specific role within the team’s scheme during their rookie season.

NFL Draft 2024 tracker: Live blog, pick-by-pick grades and analysis Big board best available: Who’s left from Dane Brugler’s Top 300? Draft pick grades: Nick Baumgardner, Scott Dochterman rate Rounds 2-3 Full draft order: Team picks for all 257 selections “The Athletic Football Show”: Watch live reaction to the draft

Here’s how the Chiefs’ wish list could look for Saturday.

T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State

Tampa could be the perfect option to help replace traded cornerback L’Jarius Sneed . He’s a physical, press-man cornerback who is the Chiefs’ prototypical prospect. He has long arms, big hands and enjoys getting into tussles with receivers.

PICKED 🔒 @Tamp1A gets the ball back for @CycloneFB pic.twitter.com/aKWom9VL4n — FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 14, 2023

Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

Franklin, who is listed at 6-foot-2 and 178 pounds, is one inch taller and a few pounds heavier than Worthy, who ran the 40-yard dash in a record-setting 4.21 seconds. Franklin can be effective in the intermediate and deep areas of the field as he recorded eight receptions of 40-plus yards last year.

Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College

The Athletic draft expert Dane Brugler projected the Chiefs to select Mahogany with the 95th pick in his seven-round mock. Mahogany’s play style includes plenty of intensity and passion.

Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina

In a weaker-than-usual linebacker class, Gray has the talent to make the Chiefs’ initial roster if he does well in training camp and the preseason. He could be a strong contributor on special teams.

Kansas City Chiefs draft Kingsley Suamataia: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel

Drake Nugent, C, Michigan

Nugent could learn behind Creed Humphrey, the league’s best pass-blocking center. He also has the versatility to be a capable backup at guard if necessary. One of Nugent’s best traits is his durability as he started 39 games in college at Stanford and Michigan.

Rasheen Ali, RB, Marshall

Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee

Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon

Dillon Johnson, RB, Washington

Johnson could be the Chiefs’ future third-down back and an above-average special teams contributor. He recorded 173 receptions in college, including zero drops last season.

“Johnson is best suited for a complementary role at the next level that showcases his decision-making, traffic burst and diversity on passing downs,” Brugler wrote. “Although teams understandably have concerns about his body holding up, he has plenty to offer an NFL offense.”

Chiefs excited to see what Xavier Worthy can do with Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid

Khristian Boyd, DT, Northern Iowa

Boyd played high school football at Blue Springs, which is just 12 miles from Arrowhead Stadium. One possible negative is he’ll be entering the league at age 24. But he is a capable player who appears to be athletic enough to stop the run and give some support as a secondary pass rusher. His 38 bench-press reps at the pro day set a school record. The Chiefs also interviewed Boyd at the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Solomon Byrd, DE, USC

Byrd would give the Chiefs another developmental defensive end to develop for the next two years.

“Byrd has NFL-worthy flashes, because of his length and always-revving motor,” Brugler wrote. “But his consistency — especially as a run defender — must improve for him to make it in the NFL.”

Anthony Gould, WR, Oregon State

Javon Foster, OT, Missouri

Kalen King, CB, Penn State

Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona

McLachlan will enter the league at age 25, but he is an athlete who has a basketball background. His best skills are as a blocker and a receiver who can gain yards after the catch.

Chau Smith-Wade, CB, Washington State

Tyler Owens, S, Texas Tech

Kansas City Chiefs NFL Draft picks 2024: Grades, fits and scouting reports

Below the Mason-Dixon Line CBs

OK, let’s have some fun here. In the Veach, the Chiefs have found several cornerbacks from towns or colleges below the Mason-Dixon Line — Charvarius Ward , Rashad Fenton , Sneed, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams . The tradition could continue on Day 3.

Decamerion Richardson, CB, Mississippi State

We have found our perfect fit for this year’s class. Richardson is long (6-2) and fast (4.34 40-yard dash) and didn’t record a single interception in his college career. He’s perfect for the Chiefs. Richardson led his team in pass breakups (seven) last season.

Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Auburn

Pritchett is another prototypical cornerback for the Chiefs. He enjoys tackling just as much as playing coverage against receivers. He also started 40 games during his college career.

Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri

D.J. James, CB, Auburn

Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest

Marcellas Dial, CB, South Carolina

In Dial’s 29 starts in college, the statistic that jumps out is his 31 pass breakups. On film, you can tell that Dial enjoys trying to make receivers uncomfortable early in their route. Dial also played snaps at safety and nickel in college.

Jarius Monroe, CB, Tulane

He was the defensive MVP at the East-West Shrine Bowl. In 58 college games, he produced 51 pass breakups and seven interceptions.

“Monroe has big-time on-ball production, but his lack of speed will be tough to overcome,” Brugler wrote. “He will be viewed as a possible safety convert for several schemes.”

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(Photo of T.J. Tampa: The Des Moines Register)

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Nate Taylor has been a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Kansas City Chiefs since 2018. Before that, he covered the Indiana Pacers at The Indianapolis Star for two years. He has also been a sports features writer for The New York Times and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A Kansas City native, he graduated from the University of Central Missouri. Follow Nate on Twitter @ ByNateTaylor

Texas football's best available players in NFL draft: Top prospects for Day 2

The NFL draft included a pair of Texas Longhorns in the first round: defensive tackle Byron Murphy II to Seattle with the 16th pick and receiver Xavier Worthy to Kansas City with the 28th pick .

Which Longhorns will go in the second or third rounds, which start Friday at 6 p.m.? It shouldn't take long, especially with a coveted receiver like Adonai Mitchell still available.

More: History says Texas' later-round picks and undrafted prospects can still thrive | Golden

Adonai Mitchell, WR, junior

The 6-foot-4, 196-pounder, who had a career year in his lone season at Texas after transferring from Georgia, surprisingly fell out of the first round and enters the second day of the draft as the top-rated receiver on the board. Buffalo opens Round 2 with the 33rd over pick, and the Bills need a receiver. Mitchell may not last long on the draft board.

More: Dallas Cowboys pick Manor graduate Tyler Guyton in 2024 NFL draft

Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, junior

One tight end went in the first round when Las Vegas took Georgia's Brock Bowers with the 13th pick. Could Sanders be the second tight end drafted? The 6-foot-4, 245-pounder, Texas' all-time leader in receptions at the position, is especially appealing to teams searching for a vertical threat at the position.

More: Who did the Dallas Cowboys draft? See NFL draft tracker for round-by-round picks

Jonathon Brooks, RB, junior

Despite lingering concerns following season-ending knee surgery in November, the 6-foot, 216-pound Brooks remains the consensus top running back in the draft with his blend of speed, size, balance and vision. Keep an eye on Dallas, which has the 56th overall pick and a desperate need for a starting-caliber running back.

T'Vondre Sweat, DT, senior

Widely regarded as the best run-stuffing interior defensive lineman in the draft, the 6-4, 366-pound was originally projected as a second-round pick with first-round potential. How much will a recent arrest in Austin for a DWI affect his draft status? We'll find out today.

IMAGES

This Texas Drive-Thru Safari is an Adventure with Exotic Animals
Top 12 Must See Drive Through Safaris In Texas
Safari In Texas: A Guide To An Exciting Animal Tour In USA
Cherokee Trace Is The Best Drive-Thru Safari In Texas
Texas Safari Ranch
Review of the San Antonio Texas Wildlife Safari

COMMENTS

THE 10 BEST Texas Safaris (Updated 2024)
2. Enzuri Safari Co. 29. Safaris • Private Tours. Oak Lawn. By mko795. Our trip to Masai Mara in Kenya with Faizel and Jessica was an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime! 3. Saints Roost Expedition Company.
Top 12 Must See Drive Through Safaris in Texas
Table of Contents. Drive Through Safaris in Texas. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, San Antonio. Aggieland Safari, Bryan. Rocky Ridge Drive Thru Safari, Eustace. Franklin Drive Thru Safari, Franklin. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose. Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari, Jacksonville. Grapeland Safari, Grapeland.
Drive-Thru Safaris to Visit in Texas
Grapeland Safari. 13440 Us Highway 287 N, Grapeland | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | $15.95; kids 1 and under free. Drive time from Houston: 2 hours. Nona Herring has been in the drive-thru safari business ...
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
Enjoy a 500-acre, six-mile, drive-thru safari featuring 40+ species from around the world. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is home to giraffes, cheetahs, rhinos, zebras, exotic species of antelope, primates, & more! top of page. Animals. Visit. ... San Antonio, Texas 78266.
5 Drive-Thru Safaris in Central Texas Worth the Drive-To!
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (CURRENTLY CLOSED) New Braunfles, Texas (1 hour & 23 minutes From Round Rock) Voted one of USA Today's 10 Best Safari Parks in the US, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is home to over 500 animals. The drive-thru takes about a full hour to go thru the 450 acres of rolling hills to see at least 80 different species.
15 Drive-Through Safaris in Texas
Topsey Exotic Ranch & Drive Thru Safari - Copperas Cove, Texas. Enjoy a Texas safari as you drive along 350 acres. With more than 50 species of wildlife at this safari park, visitors can feed the animals in their natural settings. READ NEXT: Best Texas Roadside Attractions. Sanctuary Serengeti - West Point, Texas
Texas Safari Parks & Wildlife 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.
All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Write a review. About. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is an African Safari, Texas-Style. View and feed more than 700 animals representing over 45 species from all over the world in the comfort of your own car. Since 1984, 450 acres of rolling hills, creek beds, and magnificent oak trees that make up the safari drive-thru in ...
THE 10 BEST Texas Safaris (Updated 2023)
Safaris • Private Tours. Oak Lawn. By mko795. Our trip to Masai Mara in Kenya with Faizel and Jessica was an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime! 3. Saints Roost Expedition Company. 4. 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Safaris. By TXPanhandleBirdNerd.
These Are the Best Drive-Thru Safaris in Texas
Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari. 1200 CR 4405, Jacksonville | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. | $17.95; $12.95 kids; 2 and under free. Drive time from Houston: 3 hours. On your drive through Cherokee Trace's 5-mile trail, be on the lookout for Minnie the Yak and protect your feedbags from a camel named Rupert, a "professional thief" who will stick his ...
Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari & Wild Animal Park
Nestled in the lush piney woods of East Texas, 12 miles East of Jacksonville, TX. Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari is a wildlife park that is home to an amazing variety of wildlife. See over two dozen exotic and endangered species that thrive in an open habitat similar to their native territory. At your own pace, enjoy a self-guided drive ...
Texas Zoofari Park
Texas Zoofari Park, located 30 miles outside of Dallas, gives you a front-row seat to see and feed animals from all over the world. ... Observe them from your vehicle on the safari drive-thru or get up close and personal during a stroll through our village walk-thru. Safari Drive-Thru. Village Walk-Thru. Giraffe Feeding. Now Open - Kangaroo ...
Franklin Drive Thru Safari
The Franklin Drive Thru Safari also facilitates private tours if you want to avoid driving your car. Parking can be easily found in that case. Franklin Drive Thru Safari timings. The Franklin Drive Thru Safari, 130 miles (209 km) away from Houston, Texas, and 100 miles (160 km) from the Texas state capital, Austin, is open seven days a week.
Drive Thru Animal Safari Near Dallas and Fort Worth
Less than an hour south of the DFW Metroplex, Rocky Ridge Drive Thru Safari is a 200 acre wild animal refuge and drive-up safari. ... Our drive up zoo features over 25 species of animals nestled in the beautiful East Texas. A free bag of feed comes with each ticket purchase, and our animals will walk right up to the car to get a bite. ...
Wildlife And Safari Park in East Texas
Rocky Ridge Drive-Thru Safari is a drive-thru wildlife and safari park located in Eustace, TX right outside of Athens, TX and Canton, TX in East Texas. 903-502-2100; MENU; Our Animals; ... at Rocky Ridge Safari. 3350 FM 1256 Eustace, Texas 75124. To ensure unsafe conditions and weather is not affecting our hours, please call or check our ...
Safari In Texas: A Guide To An Exciting Animal Tour In USA
1. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. Image Source. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch takes its visitors on the best safari in Texas. It is one and a half hour drive-thru safari where you get to see animals like the southern horned rhino, lemurs, camels, and zebras. You also get to see the proud and tall ostriches.
Drive Through Safari Near Houston| 8 Drive Thru Zoos in TX
After taking the drive-thru safari, choose the Animal Encounters experience or visit the Adventure Zoo. Where: 18075 FM974, Bryan, TX 77808. How Far: 2 hours. Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Cost: General Admission $25.95 per adult (13 -64 years old); $20.95 per junior (3 - 12 years old); $20.95 per senior (65+ years old); $89 ...
Drive-Thru Zoo & drive-thru safari in Jefferson, TX
Welcome to Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park located 6 miles North of Jefferson Texas. Join us on a Drive- Thru safari adventure featuring over 50 species of native wildlife & exotic animals from all across the world. Take a tour on over 3 miles of all-weather roads & cover over 125 acres of beautiful East Texas scenery consisting of pastures, creek ...
12 Best Drive-thru Zoos in Texas
With a small fee, you can receive a feed bucket you can give out to the animals right from your car. There is also the Adventure Zoo, a 20-acre field with animals you can have better interaction with. Aggieland Safari is one of the top drive-thrus in the Lone Star State. Located at 18075 FM974, Bryan, TX 77808.
Best Texas Zoos, Safaris, & More Places to See Animals
Safaris and other animal encounters around Texas. See exotic animals up close and personal at Fossil Rim. Photo courtesy Fossil Rim. Fossil Rim - Glen Rose Located near one of our family's favorite campgrounds, Dinosaur Valley, Fossil Rim is a drive-through safari in the heart of Texas. Drive in your own car or hop into a group safari tour to ...
A Texas Safari
Star S Ranch is a true Texas Safari. Starting in 1996, the Scott family started with a vision of creating a ranch that incorporated the best of their Texas and African hunting experiences. They currently have acquired 14,000 acres of land along the James River in Mason and Kimble county known for superior grazing and browsing.
Texas Safari
Texas Safari is a private park, open to guests to rent year-round. The facility is perfect for weddings, family reunions, corporate events, and parties of all kinds! Come visit our picturesque Western Town and hundreds of exotic animals! We have 3 luxurious cabins on the property that can host up to 27 guests all together. Texas Safari is no longer open to the public as a drive-through game park.
Texas Safaris
For Reservations or Info, please call 830-998-5412 or e-mail us Mailing Address: Texas Safaris P.O. Box 3154 Fredericksburg, TX 78624
The 13 best resorts in Texas for a Lone Star State getaway
Rates at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa start around $230 per night or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night. While some resorts in Texas are sprawling, Loews' latest major project ...
Cicadas 2024: What to expect from the 2024 periodical cicada ...
What to expect. When small holes that can resemble tiny chimneys appear in the ground near tree roots, it's a signal periodical cicadas will soon emerge from their underground lair. Once the ...
10 of America's Best Water Parks
Claiming the title of "World's Best Waterpark," the Schlitterbahn park in New Braunfels, Texas, packs more than 51 attractions into 70 acres. The name nods to the area's German heritage ...
What the New Overtime Rule Means for Workers
Starting July 1, most salaried workers who earn less than $844 per week will become eligible for overtime pay under the final rule. And on Jan. 1, 2025, most salaried workers who make less than $1,128 per week will become eligible for overtime pay. As these changes occur, job duties will continue to determine overtime exemption status for most ...
2024 NFL draft best players available: Top options after Day 2
Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame. 123. Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State. 124. Mason McCormick, G, South Dakota State. 125. Decamerion Richardson, CB, Mississippi State. Keep track of the best players available ...
NFL Draft best available players for Kansas City Chiefs: T.J. Tampa
One of Nugent's best traits is his durability as he started 39 games in college at Stanford and Michigan. ... Texas Tech. GO DEEPER. Kansas City Chiefs NFL Draft picks 2024: Grades, fits and ...
Best available Texas football players heading into Day 2 of the NFL draft
Texas football's best available players in NFL draft: Top prospects for Day 2. Thomas Jones. Austin American-Statesman. 0:03. 1:36. The NFL draft included a pair of Texas Longhorns in the first ...

Top 12 Must See Drive Through Safaris in Texas

Drive Through Safaris in Texas

Aggieland Safari , Bryan

Rocky Ridge Drive Thru Safari , Eustace

​ Franklin Drive Thru Safari , Franklin

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center , Glen Rose

Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari , Jacksonville

Grapeland Safari , Grapeland

Exotic Resort Zoo , Johnson City

Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari , Jefferson

North Texas Safari Park , Bonham

Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park , Jefferson

Buena Vista Wildlife Safari and RV Park , Evant

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These Are the Best Drive-Thru Safaris in Texas

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YOU'RE THIS CLOSE

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CHOOSE YOUR SAFARI

Self-Guided Tour

Guided Tour

Giraffe VIP Experience

Group Adventures

Educational Adventures

ADD AN EXCURSION

Prehistoric Experience

Aviary Experience

Conservation

Wild About Education

5 Drive-Thru Safaris in Central Texas Worth the Drive-To!

5 Drive-Thru Safaris in Central Texas

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (CURRENTLY CLOSED)

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (CURRENTLY CLOSED)

Topsey Exotic Ranch

Franklin Drive-Thru Safari

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15 Drive-Through Safaris in Texas

Best Drive-Through Safari in Texas

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch – San Antonio, Texas

Topsey Exotic Ranch & Drive Thru Safari – Copperas Cove, Texas

Sanctuary Serengeti – West Point, Texas

Buena Vista Wildlife Safari – Evant, Texas

Exotic Resort Zoo – Johnson City, Texas

Franklin Drive Thru Safari – Franklin, Texas

Blue Hills Ranch & Giraffe Sanctuary – McGregor, Texas

Aggieland Safari – Bryan, Texas

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center – Glen Rose, Texas

Rocky Ridge Drive-Thru Safari – Eustace, Texas

North Texas Safari Park – Bonham, Texas

Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari – Jefferson, Texas

Busy B Ranch Wildlife Park – Jefferson, Texas

Grapeland Safari – Grapeland, Texas

Sharkarosa Zoo – Pilot Point, Texas

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Franklin Drive Thru Safari , Franklin