Otherworldly landscapes teeming with exotic flora and fauna are seemingly a juxtaposition in the United States. However, US wildlife safari parks absolutely exist within our borders, and they provide an unparalleled look inside the biodiversity of the animal kingdom from around the world. Kindergarten through high school students will learn about the importance of habitat and animal conservation, environmental science, zoology, animal behavior and a variety of other curricula-aligned learning opportunities.
Explore recreated exotic terrains, including vast savannahs, sandy deserts, wetlands, jungles, and more, where hundreds of unusual and rare animals roam free. Students will also learn about ecosystems and animal and plant life from the local region, giving these parks the respect and pertinence they deserve.
Learning Opportunities at US Wildlife Safari Parks
What can your students learn during a wildlife safari park field trip? Numerous areas of study correlate to experiential opportunities on US safaris, which provide kindergarten through high school groups with a blend of theoretical, practical and observational knowledge.
- Biology & Zoology—Study animal behavior, explore recreated natural habitats and identify species. Guided tours led by expert zoologists provide in-depth subject knowledge. Research projects offer high school students a chance to engage in studies related to aspects of ecology.
- Environmental Science & Conservation Science—Listen to educational conversations about wildlife conservation efforts and learn about endangered species and the importance of their protection.
- Hands-On Learning—Animal feeding allows all students to experience wildlife up close while petting zoos teach younger children empathy for domestic and wild animals.
- STEM—Middle and high school students can learn about ecological engineering and what it takes to design and maintain artificial habitats. Data collection and analysis help students understand how information collected on animal populations and their health can help preserve species.
- Visual Art & Creative Writing—High school photography students can photograph unique landscapes and moving wildlife, while creative writing students can document their experiences and what they learned through storytelling.
- Practical Safety Skills—Zoologists and expert staff members will engage with students of all ages and discuss safety measures when interacting with wildlife.
- Virtual Field Trips—Many US safari parks include virtual field trip opportunities on their websites suitable for all school grades.
1. Wild Animal Safari™ (Georgia, Missouri, Texas)
With locations in Georgia, Missouri and Texas, Wild Animal Safari™ offers opportunities for kindergarten through high school field trip groups to explore US wildlife safari parks on drive-thru tours led by knowledgeable guides. Animal Encounters for students five years and older provide hands-on learning opportunities while Walkabout Adventure Zoos give groups a chance to explore animals in a zoo-like setting with zookeepers ready to answer questions. On-site air-conditioned restaurants provide lunch options and souvenir shops offer reasonably priced memorabilia.
Wild Animal Safari – Pine Mountain™
Students in the South can experience the Southeast’s largest wildlife safari park in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Hop aboard a drive-thru safari bus tour on an hour-long journey with behind-the-scenes experiences and opportunities to come face-to-face with more than 75 animal species on 250 acres. Sloth and reptile encounters teach students about habitats and animal behaviors. The Walkabout Adventure Zoo provides groups chances to meet exotic animals in a zoo-like setting, showcasing acres of exhibits, an animal barn, a petting zoo area and animal feeding opportunities.
ADDRESS: 1300 Oak Grove Road, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
TELEPHONE: (706) 663-8744
WEBSITE: Group Outings | Safari Georgia | Drive Through Zoo
Wild Animal Safari – Strafford™
Student groups near Springfield, Missouri, will have the chance to encounter animals like coatimundis (relatives of raccoons), lemurs, giraffes, sloths and reptiles on a drive-thru safari tour. The 350-acre park is home to more than 150 species of exotic animals from around the world, including elk, water buffalo, wildebeest, tigers, hyenas, zebras and others. Stroll through the Walkabout Adventure Zoo and glimpse African lions, monkeys, peacocks and more.
ADDRESS: 124 Jungle Rd., Strafford, MO 65757
TELEPHONE: (417) 859-5300
WEBSITE: Groups | Safari Park | Drive Thru Safari Strafford, MO
Wild Animal Safari- Aggieland™
Called the Serengeti of the South, this wildlife safari park in Bryan, Texas, is brimming with exceptional exotic animals from all over the globe. Glimpse hundreds of animals during a 2.5-mile wildlife safari park tour, including bison, Emus, zebras and more. Animal encounters at Aggieland include animal interactions with tamanduas, reptiles and amphibians, giraffes and capybaras. Students will hear from expert zookeepers on habitats, feeding, conservation efforts and more on an exploration of the Walkabout Adventure Zoo.
ADDRESS: 18075 FM 974, Bryan, TX 77808
TELEPHONE: (979) 599-5440
WEBSITE: Groups | Drive Thru Safari | Safari Park Aggieland
2. Out of Africa Wildlife Park (Arizona)
In Camp Verde, Arizona, midway between Flagstaff and Phoenix, Out of Africa Wildlife Park is a multi-faceted park that offers a bush safari tour, entertaining and informative shows, interactive animal opportunities and more. Kindergarten through high school groups can glimpse ring-tailed lemurs, white rhinos, marmosets, antelopes, hyenas, lions and many more exotic animals in their natural habitats.
On Bush Safari & Wildlife Tour Field Trips, school groups will board a safari vehicle led by an expert guide on an expedition through the Serengeti preserve. Provided treats give students opportunities to feed free-roaming wildlife, such as water buffalo, zebras and giraffes. A guided tram service takes groups to the Walkabout Preserve for self-guided tours among small animals, large predators, birds and reptiles. Field trip tours include all of their daily shows like Creature Feature, Tiger Splash, Predator Feed and other unique exhibits.
ADDRESS: 3505 W. Camp Verde Bridgeport Highway Camp Verde, AZ 86322
TELEPHONE: 928.567.2840
WEBSITE: Teachers Corner – Out of Africa Wildlife Park
3. Virginia Safari Park (Virginia)
The only one of its kind in Virginia, this drive-thru wildlife safari park in Natural Bridge allows kindergarten to high school groups to explore 180 acres on a three-mile wildlife safari tour adventure. Field trip groups can engage with wildlife during animal encounters, discover unique species on a Village Walk-Thru Tour, and get hands-on during animal feedings. The Gift Shop supplies souvenirs, drinks and snacks. Student groups can enjoy lunch at the many picnic tables under a covered pavilion.
Virginia Safari Park offers two educational field trip options:
Safari Packages include a one-hour guided safari wagon tour, ½ bucket of grain to feed the animals and a self-guided tour on a Village Walk-Thru to discover animals in their natural habitats.
Adventure Packages provide everything in the Safari Package plus romaine lettuce and a budgie stick to feed giraffes and other wildlife.
ADDRESS: 229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge, VA 24578
TELEPHONE: 540-291-3205
WEBSITE: Field Trips at Virginia Safari Park
4. Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari (Nebraska)
In Ashland, Nebraska, student groups of all ages can marvel at wild wonders at a four-mile drive-thru safari park. Educational field trips here include the opportunity to embark on one-of-a-kind adventures during two different trips. Guests have the chance for animal encounters and to listen in on educational Keeper Talks. Other itinerary options include two Conservation Backstage Experiences featuring tigers and cheetahs.
A one-hour Standard Step-On Tour lets knowledgeable guides board your school bus and share information about the park’s animals and native Nebraska species.
Premium Step-On Tours include an extra hour of exploration into the Wolf Woods area, teeming with bears, wolves, bald eagles and cranes. Students are invited to deboard the bus for a trip along the boardwalk and stretch their legs on a climb of Crane Tower.
Student Workshops provide in-depth learning opportunities including:
- Plant & Animal Needs (K- Grade 2)
- Animal Habitats (K- Grade 2)
- Animal Adaptations (Grades 3-5)
- Food Webs (Grades 3-5)
- Ecosystems (Grades 6-12)
- Zoo Careers (Grades 6-12)
- Exhibit Design (Grades 6-12)
- Animal Behavior (Grades 6-12)
- Behavioral Husbandry (Grades 6-12)
ADDRESS: 16406 N. 292 Street, Ashland, NE 68003
TELEPHONE: 420-944-9453
WEBSITE: Field Trip Experiences
5. San Diego Zoo Safari Park (California)
San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers kindergarten through high shool groups educational field trips immersed in recreated wild landscapes and terrains. Photo credit: San Diego Zoo Safari Park
School groups visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park have numerous learning opportunities at the 1,800-acre expanse home to more than 300 species from six continents, have numerous learning opportunities. This wildlife safari park covers curricula for kindergarten through high school, providing on-site exploration, student and teacher discounts, virtual field trips and meal vouchers.
Educational field trip safaris include seven unique adventures, including a Wildlife Safari, Behind-the-Scenes Safari, Cart Safari, Sun Up Cheetah Safari, Ultimate Safari, Roar & Snore Safari and a Flightline Safari soaring over the landscape on a zipline.
Guided Wildlife Treks are available for students to explore different animals and habitats with a tour guide who shares insights into animal behaviors and how staff care for them. Learn about conservation projects and walk through areas not available to other visitors.
ADDRESS: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California 92027-7017
TELEPHONE: 619-231-1515
WEBSITE: Student & Youth Groups | San Diego Zoo Safari Park
6. Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Florida)
Student groups can experience exotic animals up close on a Kilimanjoro Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Photo credit: osseous via Flickr
Groups traveling to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for educational field trips will have plenty of experiences to choose from, including a wildlife safari park tour.
Kilimanjaro Safaris invites visitors to explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, where over 30 species coexist in 110 acres of open plains, forests, and rocky wetlands. On an 18-minute guided expedition in a rugged safari vehicle, spot hippos, lions, white rhinos, giraffes, elephants, zebras and more.
Kilimanjaro Safaris | Animal Kingdom Attractions | Walt Disney World Resort
Caring for Giants brings groups up close to elephants to learn about their day-to-day care, gain insights into the inner workings of elephant herds, and hear educational stories about conservation efforts and populations throughout the world.
Caring for Giants Elephants Tour at Animal Kingdom | Walt Disney World Resort
Up Close with Rhinos is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students to meet the endangered white rhino. A 60-minute guided tour invites students to ask questions and learn about Earth’s second-largest land animal. Rhino keepers introduce groups to fascinating insights into the species’ behaviors and biology.
Up Close with Rhinos Tour at Animal Kingdom | Walt Disney World Resort
Wild Africa Trek adventures provide students eight years and older with a three-hour wildlife tour through recreated natural habitats. Discover a variety of exotic animals on a privately guided tour of Safi River Valley, recreated to resemble African plains.
Wild Africa Trek | Walt Disney World Resort
ADDRESS: 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
TELEPHONE: 407-939-1942 (GROUP RESERVATIONS), 407-939-2273 (INFORMATION), 407-939-5277 (ASSISTANCE)
WEBSITE: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park | Walt Disney World Resort
7. Six Flags Wild Safari Adventure (New Jersey)
Six Flags offers field trips for students a Safari Off Road Adventure where groups will encounter a variety of animals throughout this unique US wildlife safari park.
The Safari Off Road Adventure at Six Flags in Jackson, New Jersey, provides ample wildlife experiences for school field trips. Students will set off on an exhilarating expedition to glimpse some 1,200 exotic animals, from lions and zebras to giraffes and elephants. Informative guides educate guests about the animals and their habitats while interactively entertaining groups on a 30-45-minute trek. Discover wildlife roaming freely in recreated vast African plains, Serengeti grasslands, Australian outbacks and other diverse landscapes and terrains. Students will also gain an understanding of the conservation efforts put forth by the park and how they promote future species’ survival.
ADDRESS: 1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson, NJ 08527 (Off I-95 West)
TELEPHONE: 732-928-1821 (INFORMATION), 732-928-2000 Ext. 2845 (GROUP SALES)
WEBSITE: Wild Safari Adventure – Six Flags
8. The Wilds (Ohio)
An amazing 10,000-acre wildlife safari park awaits kindergarten through high school field trip groups in Cumberland, Ohio. The Wilds is one of the largest conservation centers worldwide and offers field trip groups nine unique daily tour opportunities showcasing a diverse array of animals and environments.
Take an Open-Air Safari in a customized tour bus for up-close encounters. The Wildside Safari is an off-road expedition in a customized truck, perfect for smaller field trip groups. For an unparalleled way to explore the landscape, try a Horseback Safari, where all experience levels are welcome. Other educational experiences include Zipline Tours over animal pastures and diverse landscapes, Fishing Safaris for small groups who want to get out on the water, Winter Wildside Tours for a winter setting, Rhino Barn Tours, and Beginner and Advanced Birding Tours.
ADDRESS: 14000 International Rd., Cumberland OH 43732
TELEPHONE: 740-638-5030
WEBSITE: Tours at The Wilds | The Wilds
9. Lion Country Safari African Adventure (Florida)
Diverse animal species coexist in recreated natural habitats at Lion Country Safari African Adventure in Palm Beach County, Florida. Photo credit: Lion Country Safari African Adventure
In Palm Beach County, Florida, student groups can witness hundreds of animals roaming free on over 300 acres of natural landscapes on an exceptional US safari. Explore the four-mile drive-through wildlife safari park tour and glimpse some of the largest herds of zebra, rhino and giraffe in the country.
Educational programs are offered at Lion Country Safari for preschool and kindergarten groups, elementary school groups, middle school groups and high school groups. Hands-on STEM labs are also available during field trips. The 55-acre Adventure Park offers added experiential opportunities through animal encounters, such as the petting zoo, giraffe feeding and lorikeet feeding.
ADDRESS: 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, Florida 33470
TELEPHONE: 561-793-1084
WEBSITES:
Group Visits | Lion Country Safari
School Programs | Lion Country Safari
10. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park (Washington State)
Eatonville in Washington State is home to the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, where student groups can enjoy a 50-minute narrated wildlife electric tram tour through the safari park. Discover towering moose, elk, mountain goats and more as they meander the 435-acre park along your tram ride, where full windows offer panoramic views.
The Cheney Family Discovery Center showcases educational exhibits, games and hands-on learning for students up to age eight. Supervised Trailside Encounters with beavers, porcupines, and other North American animals are on the itinerary. Animal Walking Paths allow groups to explore on foot and gaze at grizzly bears, cougars, exotic birds and other wild creatures.
ADDRESS: 11610 Trek Drive East, Eatonville, WA 98328
TELEPHONE: 360-832-6117
WEBSITE: Field Trips & Groups – Northwest Trek
Wildlife safari parks across the US offer in-person and virtual explorations of untamed species across diverse landscapes for kindergarten classes to high school students. Start planning a safari field trip today for an unforgettable educational experience.
By Heather Dale – Managing Editor
Updated: October 31, 2024
