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Wild Florida Drive-thru Safari Park zoo in St. Petersburg, FL
Photo: Wild Florida Drive-thru Safari Park
View of Wild Florida Drive-thru Safari Park in St. Petersburg, FL
Photo: Marta Rivas
View of Wild Florida Drive-thru Safari Park in St. Petersburg, FL
Photo: HAROON Tillman

Wild Florida Drive-thru Safari Park

4.7(3,841 reviews)$$Zoo
🕑 2.5-3.5 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers stay comfortable in their car seats while still enjoying the animal encounters, while elementary-aged kids love the interactive feeding opportunities and can appreciate the different species. Even teens enjoy the novelty of animals approaching the vehicle.

About

Wild Florida Drive-thru Safari Park offers an unforgettable adventure where kids can safely observe exotic animals roaming freely from the comfort of your own vehicle. The drive-through experience is perfect for families with young children who might tire easily at traditional zoos, plus interactive feeding stations let kids get up-close with friendly animals. With an impressive 4.7-star rating from thousands of families, this unique safari experience combines education and excitement.

Highlights

  • Driving through open habitats with free-roaming animals approaching your vehicle
  • Hand-feeding exotic animals like zebras, giraffes, and watusi cattle at designated stations
  • Walking areas where kids can stretch their legs and see additional animals up close
  • Safe wildlife viewing that works great for naptime schedules,little ones can even sleep through parts in car seats
  • Photo opportunities with animals literally sticking their heads into your vehicle windows

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Purchase animal feed at the entrance,kids absolutely love feeding the animals that approach your car, and it makes the experience much more interactive
  2. 2.Keep windows mostly rolled up until you're comfortable with how close animals get; some are quite bold and will stick their heads right in
  3. 3.Bring wet wipes or hand sanitizer for after feeding sessions, and consider bringing a towel to protect car interiors from excited kids with dirty hands
  4. 4.Arrive early (right at 9 AM opening) for the most active animals and fewer vehicles on the route, giving you more one-on-one time with wildlife
  5. 5.Don't rush through,budget at least 2 hours for the drive-through portion and take your time at the feeding stations where animals congregate

Best Time to Visit

Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) right when they open at 9 AM for smaller crowds and more active animals. Animals tend to be most interested in interaction earlier in the day before the Florida heat peaks, and you'll have a more personalized experience with fewer vehicles on the safari route.

What to Know

Note the address discrepancy: despite being listed as St. Petersburg venue, it's actually located in Kenansville (about 90 minutes from St. Pete). The park is closed Sundays, so plan accordingly. Bring cash for animal feed purchases and pack snacks/drinks as options inside may be limited.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round, but Florida summers (June-August) can be extremely hot, making early morning visits essential. Animals may be less active during peak afternoon heat. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for the full experience including walking areas.

Nearby Eats

Pack a cooler with lunch since the Kenansville area has limited nearby dining options. The closest family-friendly restaurants are about 20-30 minutes away in St. Cloud, including chains like Cracker Barrel and Chick-fil-A that work well for hungry kids after the safari.

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