If you are hunting for one easy day trip that will wear the kids out and give you a whole camera roll of best day ever photos, this is the one. We packed up the crew and drove about an hour north to Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee, just west of West Palm Beach, and came home with sandy feet, happy kids, and a new family favorite.
Here is the part that makes it perfect for us Miami moms: it is two adventures in one ticket. First you drive your own car through a four mile safari, then you park and spend the rest of the day in a walk around park with rides, animals, and a splash pad. Easy.
The drive through safari
You stay in your own car and wind through four miles of open preserve while the animals roam right up to you. Our kids lost their minds when a rhino walked past the window and a herd of zebras crossed the road in front of us. You will also spot giraffes, ostriches, antelope, wildebeest, and yes, lions (this is Lion Country, after all).
Plan on about an hour and a half for the drive, longer if the animals are feeling social. And here is the best part: your ticket covers unlimited trips through the preserve, so you can loop right back around and do the whole drive again. We went through twice.
Roll down a window for the photos? Nope. More on that below.
Safari World, the walk around park
Once you park, the day really opens up. The best part is that almost everything inside is included with your admission, so the kids can do it all. Here is what you will find:
- Safari Splash water park. A sprayground with 23 water features and slides to cool off when the Florida heat kicks in. Bring suits and a towel.
- Rides for the littles. The Flying Elephant, a carousel, and other kiddie rides, all included.
- The Rio Grande train. A relaxing ride around the park that doubles as a stroller break for mom.
- Paddle boats and pontoon boats. Get out on the water and let the kids burn some energy.
- The Safari Queen boat tour. A guided cruise around Lake Shannalee, included with your ticket.
- 16 hole mini golf. Complimentary and a fun way to wind down the day.
Then there are the animal encounters. These cost a small extra fee, but they were the moments my kids will not stop talking about:
- Feeding the giraffes. Hands down the highlight. The kids held up a leaf and a giraffe leaned right down to take it. Worth every penny.
- The rainbow lorikeets. Bright little birds that land right on your hand. Every one of my kids wanted a turn.
- The petting zoo. Friendly goats the kids can feed and pet.
If you want to go all out, premium experiences like giraffe painting and flamingo feeding are available for an additional fee too.
Food, and yes you can pack a cooler
You have options here, whether you want to grab something or bring your own:
- On site dining. Table67 for a sit down meal, Cones for ice cream, the Safari Food Truck, the Base Camp refreshment trailer, and concession stands around the park.
- Bring your own. Pack a cooler and your favorite foods and spread out in the outdoor picnic area just inside Safari World. Coolers and picnics are welcome, just no barbecues and no alcohol.
- Picnic spots are first come first served, and you can rent a pavilion in advance if you want a reserved shady spot for a birthday or a big group.
- Good to know: the park is cashless, so bring a card or your phone to pay.
The need to knows
- Hours: Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the last car let in at 4:30 p.m.
- Where: 2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, about an hour from most of Miami.
- Tickets: One general admission covers unlimited trips through the safari plus all the rides, boats, mini golf, and water park in Safari World. The animal feedings are a small extra.
- Time: Give yourself four to six hours to do it all without rushing.
Where to save on tickets
A few easy ways to bring the cost down this summer:
- Buy online in advance. Tickets are cheaper online than at the gate, and you skip the line.
- Summer weekday savings. Lion Country Safari runs summer specials with the best deals on weekdays. Tuesday and Wednesday are usually the sweet spot when you book online ahead of time.
- Florida resident discount. Show a valid Florida ID and save on general admission. Look for the resident rate when you buy online.
- Check their tickets page first. Promos change through the summer, so confirm the current deal before you go.
Mom to mom tips
- Go early. Mornings are cooler, the animals are more active, and you beat the afternoon heat.
- Windows up, the whole drive. It is a real rule. No convertibles, soft top Jeeps, or open air vehicles in the preserve, and sunroofs stay shut too. Blast the AC and shoot your photos through the glass.
- Pack water and snacks, plus swimsuits and a towel for the splash pad and a change of clothes for the ride home.
- Grab the audio tour or Safari Guide so the kids learn fun facts about each animal as you drive.
- Do the drive first, then save Safari World and the splash pad for the heat of the day.
- No pets, so leave the family dog at home for this one.
We went in not sure what to expect and left already planning our next trip. If your crew loves animals, put Lion Country Safari at the top of your summer list. Pack the patience and the sunscreen, mamas, it is so worth it.