grapeland safari hours

Grapeland Drive Thru Safari

Review Highlights

“ Wanted something fun todo while in the Nacogdoches area since my hubby and I decided to give East Texas a try. ” in 4 reviews

“ We paid the admissions, bought two cups of feed (which wasn't enough), and went on our adventure. ” in 5 reviews

“ SUV or pickup truck is helpful * either open your window fully or leave it fully closed. ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

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13440 US Hwy 287 N

Grapeland, TX 75844

Amenities and More

About the business.

59 acre drive thru park located in Grapeland Tx. We have a large picnic area for birthday parties reunions and other get-togethers. We have many species from all over the world roaming free on our property. We also have a petting zoo, gift shop, pony rides and train rides. …

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Overall rating

This place was cute and my toddler enjoyed it! If you're comparing it to the bigger drive-thrus it doesn't compare but we felt it was well worth the price. There was a friendly bird that even told us "hello" and "bye"! Definitely make sure you are driving a SUV or truck. There are no paths to drive on and our SUV almost got stuck in the sand. Not having a road allows you closer interaction with the animals which you don't have with some of the larger drive-thurs.

Me and my husband saw this place and got curious and decided to come , so worth it it's a good size and nice but fun ! Totally recommend getting the big bucket to feed the animals we were a bit scared at first but overall very fun the place was affordable as well and the people were very welcoming will definitely come back

Nice little drive through safari off the beaten path! Recommend paying the extra money for a bucket of feed. Wanted something fun todo while in the Nacogdoches area since my hubby and I decided to give East Texas a try. We found Grapeland Safari via Google wasn't mentioned much on Yelp so off we went. You really have to pay attention or you'll pass it. This Safari starts you inside of their shop where for most people it's $12.95/pp and they do take credit cards. You get one free cup of feed per person but like I said before I recommend purchasing a bucket of feed. We bought the $10 one and felt that it even wasn't enough. Bought a few souvenirs they gave cute little magnets and nice ball caps. The lady behind the counter said they would be getting new items in soon representing their little park. Now on to the animals! You enter and exit the same gate so be mindful of others. This Safari does not have a set path and you're welcome to drive all over the fields just be careful of the animals.

See all photos from Victoria H. for Grapeland Drive Thru Safari

Giving 3 stars because I've been to other drive thrus that were much much better. This one has a small selection of animals, there were no roads/path. Just an open field. Overall was fun for the kids but will not return.

Having gone through the Glen Rose drive-thru safari, my wife decided to try this one. Honestly, I wasn't expecting a lot, given that this safari is off the beaten path, but I was pleasantly surprised. The facility is well taken care of and so are the animals. No lethargic, emaciated animals. If you get there early (right at 9am when they open), you may have to call the number to get them to open the front gate. Once open, pull to the right to the gift shop/ticket booth. They will give you a sheet of instructions -- READ THEM. Once you are let in through the gate, you are free to drive almost anywhere you want. (Hint: READ the instructions. They say where you are not allowed to drive.) See an animal you want to visit? Drive up to them. Do it slowly and carefully, of course, and watch for "road apples" and holes in the ground dug by the deer. Regular cars should have little problem navigating the facility but SUVs are ideal. If the animals get a little too aggressive, carefully pull forward and/or close your windows. They understand. They also know how to gather around your car so you are stuck for a while, so be patient. You are in their house. Feeding the animals is easy, but make sure you have a strong, two-handed grip on the feed cup. The animals know to try and bite the cup and get ALL the food at once. Speaking of feed, the standard cups will do if you are stingy with the food. Otherwise, getting the $10 feed bucket is a great idea and you will be very popular with the animals. Bigger feed buckets are available. If you are afraid of animals, keep your windows up. As my pictures show, they will get up close and VERY personal with you. Also remember sanitizing wipes for your car after your safari. You will need it.

Great for kids and adults alike! Highly recommend it. Even though it was 2.5 hours each way driving from our home, it was worth it! There is a petting zoo (it looked like mostly little goats and one pig), but the main attraction is a really large area where the animals can freely roam & you can drive your vehicle within that large area. With admission, you get a cup of pellets that you can feed the animals. They know that cars = food, so they will approach your vehicle & allow you to see them up close and personal! They will also stick their head inside your car through an open window (and probably slobber on you) so if you want to discourage that, then either close your windows or stick your hand & the food cup out the window. Our 3 year old loved it. With small children, though, consider leaving the window closed or at least not having the child right by the window, in case they get scared. BONUS: the restroom is clean! (I did see a roach crawling on the paper towel roll, but we can't blame the staff. It's Texas & with the outdoors, roaches get everywhere.) Tips: * the terrain is uneven in places, so drive carefully and slowly... SUV or pickup truck is helpful * either open your window fully or leave it fully closed. don't open it partway - I saw another reviewer mention that a partially opened window was broken by an overzealous animal * don't drive your nicest car. it could get some minor dings and scrapes from animal horns, and there will probably be some dirt, slobber, and/or snot on it from the animals * the camels are very "into" getting their food -- we saw them snatch entire cups of food through another vehicle's windows

This is more of a free-for-all than most of the drive thru safaris we've been to. You can pretty much drive all over as much as you want instead of on a set path. The animals are reasonably friendly and the employees are even more so.

I have never been to a place like this before, so I have nothing to compare it to. Pay at the office up front, you can purchase a cup of pellets for $1, drive though the gate and begin your safari! There are a few marked trails to drive across but mostly you just drive wherever you want. Lots of animal species here, from zebra, camels, hogs, antelope, gazelle, and more. They will all flock to your car since they have been trained to feed from the passengers. Great experience for kids and adults alike, just be sure to follow the safety rules! Would return.

So entertaining for the whole family (well, except for babies, who are too young to appreciate it). Every admission includes a cup of pellets that you can feed to the animals. Great value. Many different species of animals. We stayed for about 2 hours (including eating a brown bag lunch that we packed, in the car, while admiring the animals through our windows). Our 3 year old had a blast, but we didn't let her directly hold the cup while the animals ate out of it. She probably would have dropped the cup or gotten nervous and let go.

Planned our detour today to be able to stop and visit this little place. We stayed for 2 hrs and had a blast. We did the drive-thru and then spent time loving the animals in the petting zoo. Great value for $10 per person and a bucket of feed for $10. We had plenty for the two of us and even enough for the petting zoo critters. The animals looked healthy, they ladies checking people in were fun and informative and overall I'd definitely recommend this as a stop-off and we might even be back!!!

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Grapeland Safari

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

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

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Grapeland Safari Guide - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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• (4.61 km) Lake Fork Vacation Rental, Water View
• (9.56 km) NEW AND IMPROVED FARMHOUSE BUNGALOW!Location: Grapeland
• (0.90 km) Wildwood Grill
• (0.90 km) The Grapeland Cafe
• (2.41 km) Subway
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Grapeland Safari

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

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

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

Also popular with travellers

GRAPELAND SAFARI: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (3.07 mi) Logan Springs Ranch - 142 Acres with Lake, Ponds and Trails
• (9.86 mi) Crockett Lakefront RV Resort & Marina
• (9.98 mi) The Gregory, A Beautiful Lake Area Rental with Private dock.
• (2.88 mi) Lake Fork Vacation Rental, Water View
• (5.98 mi) NEW AND IMPROVED FARMHOUSE BUNGALOW!Location: Grapeland
• (0.56 mi) Wildwood Grill
• (0.56 mi) The Grapeland Cafe
• (1.51 mi) Subway
• (2.40 mi) Las Rosas
• (2.59 mi) Sulli's Small Fries

• Grapeland Tourism
• Grapeland Itineraries
• Grapeland Hotels

Grapeland Safari Ticket Price, Hours, Address and Reviews

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• Things To Do In Grapeland

Grapeland Safari

• Address: 13440 US-287, Grapeland, TX 75844, USA, United States Map
• Timings: 09:00 am - 07:00 pm Details
• Phone: +1-9366875292
• Tags: Wildlife Safari, Family And Kids

Spread across a vast green land, Grapeland Safari is where you will get to interact with many exotic animals. A private ranch run by the Herring family, this is home to numerous wild creatures. Here you can see zebras, camels, antelopes, yaks, and ducks freely moving around. Since there is no paved route, you can travel through the land at your will to watch the variety of animals. You can feed them through the cups provided to you by the authorities. All the animals are well cared for and you will find them to be in the pink of their health. At an entrance fee of just 8$, this might be the cheapest safari you could ever have.

More about Grapeland

Find the joy in planning a D.I.Y. trip by using this awesome Grapeland trip planner .

Your worry of where to stay in Grapeland is sufficed by bunch of interesting and comfortable lodging options in the Grapeland like Crockett Family Resort.

Create your own Grapeland vacation packages or choose from the ones made by travel experts. Also explore the best ways for how to reach Grapeland .

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Love this? Explore the entire list of places to visit in Grapeland before you plan your trip.

Fancy a good night's sleep after a tiring day? Check out where to stay in Grapeland and book an accommodation of your choice.

• Grapeland Safari Address: 13440 US-287, Grapeland, TX 75844, USA, United States
• Grapeland Safari Contact Number: +1-9366875292
• Grapeland Safari Timing: 09:00 am - 07:00 pm
• Try the best online travel planner to plan your travel itinerary!

95% of people who visit Grapeland include Grapeland Safari in their plan

80% of people start their Grapeland Safari visit around 09 AM

People usually take around 1 Hr to see Grapeland Safari

95% of people prefer to travel by car while visiting Grapeland Safari

People normally club together First United Methodist Church and Rising Star Baptist Church while planning their visit to Grapeland Safari.

Grapeland Safari Reviews & Ratings

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Grapeland Drive Thru Safari

13440 US Hwy 287 N, Grapeland , Texas 75844 USA

• Independent
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Wheelchair Accessible

Learn more about this business on Yelp .

Drive thru safari, petting zoo, train rides. Great place for birthday parties, reunions, field trips.

Reviewed by Adriana V.

Me and my husband saw this place and got curious and decided to come , so worth it it's a good size and nice but fun ! Totally recommend getting the big bucket to feed the animals we were a bit... Read more

Reviewed by Tapley S.

This place was cute and my toddler enjoyed it! If you're comparing it to the bigger drive-thrus it doesn't compare but we felt it was well worth the price. There was a friendly bird that even told... Read more

Reviewed by Kaitlin L.

Giving 3 stars because I've been to other drive thrus that were much much better. This one has a small selection of animals, there were no roads/path. Just an open field. Overall was fun for the... Read more

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Grapeland Safari

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

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

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

Also popular with travellers

Grapeland Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• (4.91 km) Logan Springs Ranch - 142 Acres with Lake, Ponds and Trails
• (15.78 km) Crockett Lakefront RV Resort & Marina
• (15.96 km) The Gregory, A Beautiful Lake Area Rental with Private dock.
• (4.61 km) Lake Fork Vacation Rental, Water View
• (9.56 km) NEW AND IMPROVED FARMHOUSE BUNGALOW!Location: Grapeland
• (0.90 km) Wildwood Grill
• (0.90 km) The Grapeland Cafe
• (2.41 km) Subway
• (3.84 km) Las Rosas
• (4.14 km) Sulli's Small Fries

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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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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.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Franklin Drive Thru Safari (@franklinsafari)

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.  

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Brian Stephens (@grapelandsafarionline)

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.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by The Exotic Resort Zoo, Inc. (@exoticresortzoo)

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.

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

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.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Cherokee Trace (@cherokeetrace)

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.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (@naturalbridge.wildliferanch)

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.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Blue Hills Ranch (@bluehillsranch)

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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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.

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 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.

Filed under

Animals ,  Safari

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

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This Drive-Thru Safari Park In Texas Is Also A Petting Zoo, And Animal Lovers Will Have A Blast

Katie Lawrence

Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015. Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).

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If you have animal lovers in your family (and/or are one yourself), it’s time to plan a trip to Grapeland Safari. One of the best safari parks in Texas , this unique day trip destination doubles as a petting zoo, so you can feed exotic animals out of the palm of your hand, then snuggle up with adorable goats and other furry friends.

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Please visit the Grapeland Safari website or Facebook page for information, including current hours and ticket prices.

Have you ever been to Grapeland Safari? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments. Don’t forget to check out our previous article for one of the best train rides in Texas that’s just a few towns over.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Complete Guide to Drive Thru Zoos in Texas

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One thing that is unique about our state is all the drive thru zoos in Texas.

From camels, to giraffes, to zebras, you can find all types of wild animals living at ranches in the lone star state.

We adore animal-based activities when we travel.

We saw some incredibly rare species of Amazon River Animals (including pink dolphins!) while in Peru, we went on a pretty cool safari experience when searching for the Best Things to Do in Sonoma County , and even (accidently) snorkeled with sharks while staying on a Private Island in Fiji.

If you’re Texas-based, you don’t have to spend hours on an airplane to get into some amazing animal experiences. 

We’ve had some pretty amazing animal encounters at Texas drive thru zoos and wanted to share them with you!

Drive Thru Zoos Close to Austin, Texas

Blue hills ranch.

Blue Hills Ranch is located 30 minutes from Waco, and an hour and a half from Austin.  It’s a giraffe and wild animal sanctuary that has a ton of offerings.

At the ranch they have probably the coolest experience options in all of Texas. 

They feature a giraffe dining experience, an otter experience where you can swim with otters, and a driving safari.

We started our day with a dining experience with giraffes. After loading into a dune buggy, we traveled to the part of the ranch where there is a platform amongst the giraffes.

We enjoyed our charcuterie board while Blue and Google the giraffes ate their snacks right from our hands. 

Once Blue was out of his own grapes, he started eating the grapes off of our platter!

It was a very intimate and sweet experience to share with the gentle giants.

After the giraffe dining experience we took a ride in the dune buggy to see zebras, camels, kangaroos, emus, bison, goats, donkeys, and deer.

You can not drive through in your own car, but can ask for a tour in the open air ranch vehicles.

If any of the wildlife centers on this list were a date on the show the Bachelor it would be held at Blue Hills Ranch. This spot is perfect for an anniversary date night, birthday celebration, or even a romantic proposal!

On the private tour and experience side, we’ve truly never seen a place like Blue Hills Ranch in the United States, you can only find something as special as this in South Africa and a few other countries in Africa. 

Book a stay at their cabins for an immersive experience with animals.

For a full property buy out you could even have your wedding here! 

https://www.bluehillsranch.com/ 2032 Blue Cut Rd N, McGregor, TX 76657

The Exotic Resort Zoo

Probably the most notable drive thru zoo in Texas is The Exotic Resort Zoo .  

This exotic zoo is in Johnson city which is an hour drive from Austin, and a 30 minute drive to Fredericksburg where you can hit the Texas wine region or stay at our Fredericksburg Bed and Breakfast . 

At the Exotic Resort Zoo you have many ways to experience over 700 species of wildlife from baby giraffes, to zebras, to ostriches, to ring-tailed lemurs. 

They offer drive-thru tickets where you can use your own vehicle.  Before entering the drive thru zoo be sure to buy a bucket of feed so you can hand feed animals from your own vehicle.   

If you don’t want to drive through in your own car you can join a guided tractor ride tour.  

The main benefits of the guided tour are that you have an educated guide, and in the tractor they can go off-roading so you get even close to animals if they’re not on the normal car path. 

It was so much fun because the animals come in extra close in the open-air tractor experience. 

Do note that for the drive through option they don’t allow RV’s, and you’re not allowed to ride in your truck bed. 

Outside of the guided safari and drive-thru safari, they also have a petting zoo and safari cabins.

The petting zoo is included in your ticket price.  There are a range of animals like kangaroos, antelope, and deer to pet.

Karen made the mistake of wearing a green dress with flowers on it and the deer at the petting zoo started to eat the bottom of her dress!

They also give you the option of buying lettuce to feed their giraffe from the feeding platform.

If you want to stay at the zoo, they offer 8 cabins of different sizes. 

The benefits of staying in their cabins is that your tour and petting zoo is included in the price of the rental. They also have a pool, and bbq area to get the feeling of cooking in the outback. 

From the comfort of your own vehicle or their trailers you can drive through the animals open habitat which they try to make close to their natural environment for their enjoyment. 

This is definitely one of the best drive-thru safaris near Austin.

https://www.zooexotics.com/ 235 Zoo Trail, Johnson City, TX 78636

Topsey Exotic Ranch & Park

Topsey Exotic Ranch & Park is an hour and a half north of Austin. 

The Topsey Park is split into three sections: the drive thru safari, a walkaround area, and a petting zoo. 

The drive thru zoo is the main portion of the park.  You can expect this part of the adventure to take around an hour, but if you want to do it a second time you can do so at no additional charge.  

On the safari you can buy food at their gift shop to feed the animals, and you will most likely run into zebras, camels, and a ton of other exotics.  

For the walking area they have kangaroos, monkeys, lemurs, and more.

For the petting zoo it’s nice that they have more activities, but the animals are mainly sheep and goats. 

https://www.topseyranch.com/ 945 Co Rd 118, Copperas Cove, TX 76522

Buena Vista Wildlife Safari and RV Park

The Buena Vista Wildlife Safari and RV Park is located in between Austin and the Dallas/Fort Worth metros.  

If you’re road tripping through Texas this is a great destination to break up driving because they offer both overnight cabins and they have an RV park. 

This wildlife safari park is packed with items for your entire family.  

They have their drive thru safari that has over 250 animals, there’s a petting zoo, a pool, a fishing pond, and a sports game area. 

They even have a petting zoo cam so you can see this area of their animals online. 

https://buenavistawildlifesafari.com/ 1830 S, S Hwy 281, Evant, TX 76525

Aggieland Wild Animal Safari

Aggieland Wild Animal Safari is a zoo chain that has a few locations in the US, and this location is a great east Texas zoo. 

At their 250-acre safari land they have the standard drive thru zoo, they have a safari bus you can join, they have a normal zoo that you walk around, and they have close animal encounters. 

The animal encounters are very different from others in Texas.

They have reptile encounters, but the special ticket is the cute tamanduas experience. 

If you haven’t heard of tamanduas before, you’ve definitely heard of their bigger cousin the anteater.  If in the area do not skip Aggieland Safari. 

https://animalsafari.com/aggieland-home-about-us/   18075 FM974, Bryan, TX 77808

Drive Thru Zoos Close to San Antonio, Texas

Natural bridge wildlife ranch.

The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a top 10 rated safari park in the nation by USA Today . 

There are multiple things that make this wildlife ranch special.

The top of the list has to be the fact that they have and are preserving extinct animals in the wild as well as critically endangered animals. Outside of that, they have most of the general public’s favorite exotic animals. 

Special animals to be on the lookout for are a female cheetah, giraffes, monkeys, zebras, rhinos, and other endangered species. 

After you’ve had an amazing experience at the wildlife ranch you can dine at their restaurant the Safari Camp Grill or bring your own picnic.  

You will truly enjoy your zoo experience at this San Antonio zoo.

https://www.wildliferanchtexas.com/ 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

Drive Thru Zoos Close to Dallas, Texas (and Fort Worth)

Fossil rim wildlife center .

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a non-profit conservation center that is an hour drive from Fort Worth.  The center is well over 1,800 acres of land, and this wildlife preserve houses over 1,000 animals. 

They specialize in captive breeding specifically for endangered species, and even participate in projects to release them back into the wild.  

One noteworthy recent example is with the Mexican Gray Wolf which only had an estimated 700 left in the wild. 

This wildlife center is packed with family fun.  They have the standard self-guided drive through safari trek, but they also offer behind the scenes tours, and really special “T.W.A.N.G.” photo tours with a professional wildlife photographer. 

To finish off the night they have night tours with a campfire, and they also have lodging. 

https://fossilrim.org/   2299 Co Rd 2008, Glen Rose, TX 76043 

Sharkarosa Zoo

Sharkarosa Zoo located north of Dallas is a 126 acre park.

This spot features lions, tigers, and bears!  

They also have unique private animal experiences. 

You can pay for the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with sloths, ruffed lemurs, and even a skunk that won’t spray you. 

It’s a stink free way to learn about more animals!

https://sharkarosa.com/ 11670 Massey Rd, Pilot Point, TX 76258

Drive Thru Zoos Close to Houston, Texas 

Bayou wildlife zoo.

Bayou Wildlife Zoo is the closest you’ll get to a drive thru zoo close to Houston.  

This zoo is located 30 minutes south of Houston towards Galveston.  

It is home to over 60 species of animals, and you can visit them via their tram ride or through their barnyard encounter experience.  

There are not a lot of drive through zoos near Houston, so consider making a road trip through Texas to visit some of the larger zoos!

https://www.bayouwildlifezoo.com/ 5050 FM517, Alvin, TX 77511

Drive Thru Zoos Close to College Station, Texas

Franklin drive thru safari.

Franklin Drive Thru Safari is a 45 minute drive from College Station.  

They have cabins, a drive thru self-guided drive safari, a baby room for newborn animals, and a reptile house. 

If you’re a fan of cute baby animals, you can buy a specific ticket for it, and get an up close experience with the cute new animals.  

Every time you visit there will be different species of animals since animals are only babies for a short period of time before they’re fully grown. 

The reptile house features snakes of both venomous and non-venomous varieties in their animal enclosures, as well as other reptiles (if you’re brave enough to enter!)

https://www.franklinsafari.com/ 4324 W Hwy 79, Franklin, TX 77856

Grapeland Safari

Grapeland Safari is a super affordable drive-thru safari.  It’s under $10 bucks for this animal experience! 

This is a smaller park, but it features beefalo’s which is a cross between a cow and a bison. They also feature kangaroos, zebra, and more.  

This is a good affordable break from a road trip because it’s not that close to a major city. 

https://www.grapelandsafari.net/ 13440 US-287, Grapeland, TX 75844

Drive Thru Zoo FAQs:

Are dogs allowed at drive thru zoos in texas .

Although you’re enjoying these from the comfort of your vehicle, dogs are not allowed at drive thru zoos as they can disrupt wild animals.  

It also puts your dog at risk.  Dogs could be viewed as a predator or prey, and both of those situations aren’t worth bringing your dog to.

So keep fido at home for everyone’s safety.

What are the Big Five Safari Animals? 

The term “Big Five” was originally coined by big-game hunters and refers to the five most challenging animals to hunt on foot in Africa. We were lucky enough to see all of them live in the wild on our Luxury African Safar i prior to visiting the Best Things to do in Cape Town .

Today, the term is widely used in the context of wildlife tourism and conservation. 

The Big Five safari animals are:

African Elephant: The African elephant is the largest land mammal and one of the most iconic animals in Africa. It is known for its impressive size, long tusks, and distinctive trunk.

African Lion: Lions are majestic and powerful big cats that inhabit the grasslands and savannas of Africa. They are highly social animals, living in prides led by a dominant male known as the “king of the jungle.”

African Leopard: Leopards are elusive and solitary cats known for their agility and camouflage abilities. They are excellent climbers and often retreat to trees with their prey to avoid competition from other predators.

African Buffalo: Also known as the Cape buffalo, African buffaloes are large bovines that live in herds and can be quite aggressive when threatened. They are formidable creatures with strong horns and are known for their resilience and toughness.

African Rhinoceros: Both the black rhinoceros and white rhinoceros are part of the Big Five. Rhinos are large, herbivorous mammals with prehistoric origins. They are heavily poached for their valuable horns and are critically endangered.

These five animals are highly sought-after by safari enthusiasts due to their size, beauty, and significance in African wildlife. However, it’s important to note that the term “Big Five” does not necessarily reflect the ecological importance or conservation status of these species.

There are so many drive-thru zoos with different animals in areas that the parks try to keep close to their natural setting with Texas having a similar climate to parts of Africa.  We were shocked at the wide variety of animals you will find at each pack.  So, no matter where you are in Texas you’ll most likely have a safari drive-thru near you. 

It’s amazing that you don’t have to book a flight to Africa to see many of these exotic animals in an open habitat, all you have to do is take a drive through Texas.

So hop in a car, take a road trip, and have fun!

Looking for More Texas Travel Inspiration?

Here are amazing adventures and food guides for places all across the lone star state!

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Click this link to pin this guide on Drive Thru Zoos in Texas on Pinterest.

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Super helpful drive through Texas zoo list!

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About Grapeland

Welcome to the Grapeland, Watermelon Capital of East Texas. Grapeland and the surrounding area is the place for music, fun, recreation and relaxation. Grapeland is centrally located and easily reached from Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. There is much to see and do year round while enjoying the small town charm and hospitality.

Salmon Lake Park is home to two of the largest Bluegrass festivals in Texas. Each Memorial Day Weekend, Salmon Lake Park hosts the Bluegrass Gospel Music Festival. This event features bluegrass bands from all over the country performing the very best gospel music.

Each Labor Day Weekend Salmon Lake Park is home of one of bluegrass music’s biggest events. This annual festival features the very best bluegrass bands across America.

Grapeland’s Peanut Festival each year is a harvest celebration in October to highlight Grapeland’s agricultural industry – past and present. Coincident with the Grapeland Sandies’ homecoming football game the weekend is filled with sports, dancing, parade, festival, and the Queen’s Coronation and Pageant. This year October 20th marks the 62st celebration of this event. Come celebrate with a carnival, arts & crafts, and food.

Grapeland Drive Thru Safari on the northern edge of Grapeland is a must stop for the young and old alike. It features a drive through a fenced natural environment for many rare species. Open everyday 9 a.m. until dark.

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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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. 

READ NEXT: Best Zoos in Texas

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.

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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Electrostal History and Art Museum

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

Electrostal History and Art Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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