Photo: Eureka Springs Safari Park
Photo: Eureka Springs Safari Park
Photo: Keiana Lopez
Eureka Springs Safari Park
★4.3(477 reviews)$$Zoo
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers are thrilled by animals approaching the car windows, while elementary-aged kids enjoy learning about different species and taking charge of feeding. The contained vehicle environment makes it comfortable even for very young children.🧡 Saved by 30 families
About
Eureka Springs Safari Park offers an unforgettable drive-through safari adventure where kids can feed exotic animals right from your car window! This interactive wildlife experience lets families get up close with zebras, camels, bison, and more as they roam freely around your vehicle, making it perfect for children who love animals but might be intimidated by walking through traditional zoos.
Highlights
- ✓Hand-feeding exotic animals including zebras, camels, and water buffalo from your car
- ✓Drive-through format perfect for families with young children or those needing accessibility accommodations
- ✓Close-up photo opportunities with animals literally sticking their heads in your windows
- ✓Educational experience learning about species from around the world
- ✓No walking required,entire experience done from the comfort of your vehicle
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring cash for extra feed buckets,kids will definitely want more than one as the animals are very friendly and persistent!
- 2.Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) when crowds are lighter and animals are more active and hungry
- 3.Keep windows partially rolled up initially if you have nervous kids; you can gradually lower them as they get comfortable
- 4.Bring hand sanitizer and baby wipes for immediate cleanup after feeding,you'll need them!
- 5.Drive a vehicle with good ground clearance if possible, as some larger animals like bison get very close
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 10 AM-12 PM) offer the best experience with fewer vehicles and hungrier, more interactive animals. Avoid weekends and summer afternoons when it's crowded and animals may be less interested in feeding.
What to Know
Note the location discrepancy: despite the name, this park is actually in Eagle Rock, Missouri (not Little Rock, Arkansas), about 50 miles from Eureka Springs. The drive-through experience is done entirely from your vehicle, with feed buckets available for purchase at the entrance.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with varying hours. Weekend hours (Saturday-Sunday) start earlier at 9 AM, while Friday has reduced hours (12-5 PM). Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures, while summer visits can be hot with windows down. Animals may be less active during peak summer heat.
Nearby Eats
The park is in a rural area, so plan to pack snacks or drive into Eureka Springs (about 30 minutes away) for family dining options like Local Flavor Cafe or Ermilio's Italian Home Cooking.
More Activities Near Little Rock
Zoo
Little Rock Zoo
★4.2$$❤️26
Little Rock Zoo offers an exciting animal adventure with over 500 creatures from around the world, perfect for curious young minds. The zoo combines traditional exhibits with hands-on interactive experiences and splash pads, making it ideal for both learning and cooling off on warm Arkansas days. Its beautiful riverside location adds scenic charm to your family outing.
Park
Macarthur Park
Free
Macarthur Park offers families a perfect blend of natural beauty and active play in the heart of Little Rock. Kids can cool off in the splash pad during summer months, explore scenic hiking trails along the Arkansas River, and burn energy at well-maintained playgrounds. The combination of water features, nature paths, and play equipment makes it an ideal spot for a morning or afternoon family outing without leaving the city.
Restaurant
Outdoor Soul Food Cafe
★5.0$
Outdoor Soul Food Cafe brings family-friendly comfort food to Little Rock with a casual, no-fuss vibe that welcomes kids with open arms. This food truck-style spot serves up crispy fried chicken, BBQ favorites, and chicken wings at prices that won't break the family budget, making it a stress-free dining option where parents can relax while kids enjoy familiar flavors.
Adventure
Razorback Greenway Trail
★5.0Free
The Razorback Greenway Trail offers families 40+ miles of beautifully maintained paved pathways perfect for bikes, scooters, strollers, and rollerblades. This scenic trail winds through Northwest Arkansas with multiple access points, rest areas, and playgrounds along the route, making it ideal for families wanting outdoor exercise without the challenges of rough terrain or traffic concerns.