Kids can’t get enough of the Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park, and it’s easy to see why! Where else can you roll down your windows and see a camel stroll by or watch a zebra trot past your car door?
This drive-thru adventure is one of the best things to do with kids near Orlando, blending wild animal encounters, jaw-dropping views and just the right amount of learning into one unforgettable ride. So get ready to discover something wild and wonderful at every turn!
See Exotic Animals Up Close
One of the biggest thrills for kids? Getting face-to-face with animals they’ve only seen in storybooks or cartoons. At our Drive-Thru Safari Park, bison lumber by just feet away from your windows and antelope graze peacefully in open fields. With more than 150 animals roaming freely, it feels like stepping into a real-life nature documentary, with your car as the front-row seat!
One happy parent said:
“My 2-year-old daughter was excited about seeing all the animals from the car window and waving bye to them.”
Pro tip for families: Arrive earlier in the day when temperatures are cooler and animals tend to be more active. You can also drive at your own pace, stop for photos and even loop back through the safari as many times as you want!
Learn Without Even Realizing It
While your kids are pointing, giggling and saying hi to every animal, something awesome is happening…They’re learning without even realizing it!
When you arrive, you’ll get a Safari Guide packed with fun facts about the incredible animals you’ll see along your route. From the powerful horns of an Ankole-Watusi to the lightning speed of an ostrich, every creature has a story. And your kids get to discover it as they go.
Turn the guide into a game by having your kids match the animals they spot and mark them off like a wild scavenger hunt. It’s a great way to keep little minds (and eyes!) engaged from start to finish.
Looking to prep your little explorers ahead of time? Check out these seven African animals to get a sneak peek at some of the wild stars of the show!
Feed a Giraffe by Hand (Yes, Really!)
Few moments are as unforgettable as feeding a giraffe by hand. At Wild Florida, your kids (and you!) can walk up onto a raised platform and offer crisp lettuce to one of the tallest animals on Earth. For just $5, it’s a silly and sweet experience your family will be talking about long after the visit.
You’ll be feeding Leroy, our lovable reticulated giraffe. He’s easy to recognize thanks to his slightly bent ossicone, which is the name for those horn-like bumps on a giraffe’s head. Leroy is known for his gentle nature, gorgeous eyes and incredible talent for stealing the spotlight in every photo!
The giraffe feeding platform is located at the end of the safari drive, so be sure to stop by before heading into the Gator Park. Kids love getting up close with Leroy, and it’s a perfect chance to snap a photo your whole family will treasure.
Explore the Gator Park for Free
With every Drive-thru Safari Park ticket, you also get free same-day admission to Wild Florida’s Gator Park. That means the wild fun doesn’t stop when the safari ends. Inside the park, you’ll meet over 200 additional animals and discover even more ways to connect with wildlife.
Kids can visit goats, pigs and other friendly barnyard animals in the petting zoo, watch live alligator shows that are equal parts thrilling and educational, and wander through a tropical bird aviary bursting with color and sound.
There are family-friendly activities sprinkled throughout the park, plus a playground and an open recreational field where kids can burn off some extra energy.
The park is flat for strollers, wheelchairs and guests of all ages. Toddlers, teens, parents and grandparents can all find something to love here, making it a place where all types of families create wild memories that last a lifetime!
It’s Easy, Affordable and Kid-Friendly
Parents love the Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park just as much as kids do because it’s designed with families in mind. You stay in your vehicle for the safari portion, which means you’re in control of the music, snack breaks and A/C so that everyone stays happy and comfortable.
The entire experience is self-paced and flexible enough to fit into a quick morning adventure or a laid-back afternoon. With affordable pricing and add-on options like animal encounters, it’s one of the best-value wildlife experiences near Orlando. Whether you’re planning a big family outing or a spontaneous weekend trip, this is one adventure that checks all the boxes.
FAQs About Our Drive-Thru Safari Park
Where is Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park?
Wild Florida is located at 3301 Lake Cypress Rd., Kenansville, FL 34739. This is just south of Kissimmee and only about 45 minutes from Orlando.
How long does the safari drive take?
Most families spend about an hour to an hour and a half in the safari, depending on how often you stop to snap pics or admire the animals. There are two routes to choose from:
- Shorter Trail: Takes up to 45 minutes
- Extended Trail: Can take 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace
No matter if you're looking for a quick adventure or a leisurely cruise through the animal kingdom, you can make the experience as wild (or as relaxed) as you like!
How many times can we go through the Park?
All Drive-thru Safari Park guests are welcome to loop through as many times as they'd like during their visit. So take your time and go back for another round of animal sightings!
What kind of vehicle can we drive through the Safari?
Only closed-top vehicles are allowed through the Drive-thru Safari. Convertibles must have the top up to enter, and motorcycles and buses are not permitted.
Can we feed the animals?
No, the safari animals are all on special diets, so feeding them is not allowed. Even if they approach your car, please do not offer food, as it can harm their health.
Can we bring food or drinks?
Yes! Feel free to pack snacks and drinks for the ride. Just remember, your treats are for humans only!
