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Who doesn’t love a day at the zoo? East Texas is home to several amazing spots where you and your family can get up close and personal with some incredible animals. Whether you’re feeding giraffes or watching playful otters, there’s so much to explore!
What’s your favorite animal to see when you’re at the zoo?
CALDWELL ZOO
A beloved zoo in Tyler Texas featuring:
Cheetah,
Black Rhinoceros,
Reticulated Giraffe,
Kudu,
Zebras
African Penguin
African Elephant
Bald Eagle,
Alligator,
Families can enjoy unique animal encounters, including behind-the-scenes experiences with:
penguins,
black bears,
and giant Aldabra tortoises.
During these encounters, expert animal keepers
provide fascinating insights into each species and their care.
Additionally, the zoo offers:
giraffe feedings, $
keeper talks,
a petting zoo (coming soon),
and a wild bird walkabout. $
**Look forward to the new South America habitats scheduled
to open 2024 with new animals including:
Chilean Flamingos,
a flock of different Macaws, and other tropical birds
Golden Lion Tamarin & Cotton-topped Tamarin,
Giant Anteater,
Giant Otters
Leopard
General admission:
$16.50 for adults,
$12.50 for seniors (55+),
$12.50 for children (ages 3-12),
and is free for children 2 and under.
For more information, visit Caldwell Zoo.
2203 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Tyler, TX
Ellen Trout ZOO
This zoo is a great complement to the Caldwell Zoo, offering many animals not found in Tyler. Expect to see fascinating species such as:
Nile hippos,
Giraffes,
Jaguars,
Orange Tigers,
Komodo Dragons,
and Clouded Leopards.
General admission:
adults: $8
seniors (60+): $7
children (4-11) : $4.50
and free for children under 4.
For more details, visit their website.
402 Zoo Circle,
Lufkin, TX
CANTON GRAND SAFARI ADVENTURE
Enter a world where extraordinary animal encounters await.
This sanctuary is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections
between guests and our diverse array of exotic animals,
ensuring each visit is filled with wonder and respect for these magnificent creatures.
Otter Encounter:
Engage with these playful and curious creatures in a safe, controlled environment. You’ll have the chance to observe their natural behaviors up close, learn about their habitats, and enjoy interactive moments that create lasting memories. Ideal for families and animal enthusiasts, this unique encounter combines fun and education in an extraordinary aquatic setting.
Sloth Encounter:
Meet Claude, the charming sloth with an insatiable appetite for treats! Wander into Claude’s jungle realm, where you can interact, feed, and admire his gentle nature up close. While holding isn’t an option for Claude right now, his eagerness to engage and share snacks promises a delightful experience for all.
Lemur Encounters:
Step into the playful world of our lemurs, reminiscent of the beloved characters from Madagascar. These captivating creatures promise endless amusement with their playful antics and soft fur, making each encounter a cherished memory.
Monkey Encounters:
From Mavis, the hug-loving spider monkey, to Theo, the kiss-giving capuchin, and Walter, our mischievous “mini gorilla” who’s a pro at climbing and pickpocketing, our monkeys delight in running, playing, and forming bonds with our regular visitors.
Baby Room Experience:
Don’t miss our enchanting Baby Room Experience, where you can cuddle and play with adorable baby animals. Every visit offers a new adventure and heartwarming moments that will stay with you long after you leave.
General Admission
Explore our zoo at your leisure:
Children (3-12): $12.00
Adults (13-54): $15.00
Seniors (55+): $13.50
Zoo Bundle
Make the most of your visit with our Zoo Bundle:
Includes Zoo Admission, Baby Room, One Exotic Encounter & One Feed Cup
Children (3-12): $40.00
Adults (13-54): $50.00
Seniors (55+): $45.00
For more information and to plan your visit,
visit Canton Grand Safari Adventures.
9515 FM 1255
Grand Saline, TX
TIGER CREEK ANIMAL SANCTUARY
This sanctuary is a haven for majestic big cats rescued from various conditions, providing them with a safe and caring environment to thrive.
Visiting Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge promises an
unforgettable experience for families.
Explore the lush grounds and observe a variety of big cats up close, including:
tigers,
lions,
leopards,
and cougars.
It’s a unique opportunity to learn about these incredible creatures and their conservation needs.
Admission Information:
Adult: $15
Child (ages 4-12): $10
Children under 4 can enter for free.
The refuge operates with a mission to educate visitors
about wildlife conservation, with that said, they only offer
guided tours and educational programs for groups.
For more information and to plan your visit, check out their official website:
17552 FM14
Tyler, TX
CHEROKEE TRACE DRIVE-THRU SAFARI
Don’t forget your camera to capture these majestic animals up close!
As you drive through the park, keep your eyes peeled for these fascinating animals:
Zebras
Giraffes
Bison
Camels
Lemurs
Antelopes
Alligators
Ostriches
Emus
Watusi Cattle
Porcupines
Admission Information:
Adults: $19.95
Kids(age 3-12): $14.95
Seniors (65+): $17.95
Visit their website for more details:
Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari
1200 County Road 4405
Jacksonville, TX
ROCKY RIDGE DRIVE-THRU SAFARI
Drive through a 200-acre animal oasis, where you can get up close and personal with over 25 species of animals—all from the comfort of your vehicle!
Zebras
Emus
Donkey
Highland cows
Llamas
Antelopes
As you see and feed these incredible creatures,
enjoy scenic views and take photos.
Cost for a Family Visit:
Adults (13-64 years): $18.95
Children (3-12 years): $14.95
Children under 2: Free
Seniors (65+ years): $16.95
Each admission ticket includes a pound of feed.
Additional feed bags are available for $5.00 each
For more details, check out their website.
3350 FM1256,
Eustace, TX 75124
LONESOME DROVE DRIVE-THRU SAFARI
This drive-thru safari lets you experience wildlife up close from the comfort of your car. As you journey through the beautiful piney woods of East Texas, you’ll encounter a variety of fascinating animals. Here are eight animals you can expect to see:
Peacocks
Goats
Emu
Kangaroos
Potbelly Pigs
Blackbuck Antelopes
Eland Antelopes
Fallow Bucks
Don’t forget to stop by the petting zoo, where you can interact
with pygmy goats and other friendly animals.
The petting zoo is included in the price of admission,
and you can purchase animal feed for an additional
$5 per bag or $2.50 for a veggie cup.
For a family visit to the Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari,
the cost is:
$18 per adult
$12 per child (ages 4-11)
Children 3 and younger can enter for free.
They also offer discounts for military, first responders, educators, seniors, and large groups.
For more details, visit their official website.
1782 US-59 N
Jefferson, TX 75657
TEXAS ZOOFARI PARK
Drive-thru safari where you can view and feed animals right from your car.
For an even more immersive experience,
hop on a 1-hour wagon ride through the park,
guided by experts who share fascinating animal facts along the way.
Then don’t miss the:
bird aviary,
hand-feeding giraffes,
and the kangaroo walkabout.
Tickets:
$25 per adult,
$20 for children (ages 2-12),
and free for infants under 2.
Family packs are available for a discounted rate.
For more details, visit their website.
9773 Farm to Market 429
Kaufman, TX 75142
TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHERIE CENTER
Since 1996, over 1.1 million visitors have enjoyed the Edwin L. Cox, Jr., Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC), a fantastic spot for family fun and learning. From:
the 300,000 gallon Texas fish dive shows,
tram rides,
fishing ponds,
and educational exhibits,
TFFC has been a favorite for families.
As TFFC gears up for another 25 years, exciting renovations are underway!
What’s New?
Aquarium Upgrades:
Updated habitats, new acrylics, and enhanced life support systems.
New Exhibits:
Large aquariums showcasing Guadalupe Bass, Texas Trout, and more.
Visitor Center Updates:
Fresh exhibits and an upgraded dive theater.
Fishing Ponds:
Renovated ponds with new fishing piers and restored habitats.
Opening Spring 2025:
TFFC will reopen in spring 2025, better than ever. A big thank you to all donors and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation for making these renovations possible!
For more information check out their website.
5550 FM2495,
Athens, TX 75752
FANKLIN DRIVE THRU SAFARI
Along with a self-guided drive through the safari.
They offer some fun animal encounters.
Baby Room:
Have cuddle and play time with baby exotic animals. The baby room is always changing as our babies grow older and new babies are born.
Lemur Island:
Take a short pontoon boat ride across the water to and island filled with different species of Lemurs, where you can: feed, hold and pet their soft fur.
Reptile House:
Inside you can view venomous as well as non venomous
Snakes,
Pythons,
Vipers,
Boas & many other reptiles.
Once you are done spending time with me animals relax on the lazy river.
Learn more on their website.
4324 HWY 79 W,
Franklin, TX
KALEIDOSCOPE RANCH
Book a one of their cozy cabins and spend your days
Hiking with the wandering donkeys and horses.
Cuddle draft horses, alpacas, goats, and the mini pig.
Feed the camels
or Fish in our pond.
Learn more on their website.
1936 Silver Maple Rd,
Big Sandy, TX
BUCKET LIST
GATOR & FRIENDS
Why is this on my bucket list?:
They offer a zipline over the gator pond!!
I am terrified of alligators but I also love experiencing unique excursions.
Plus, it’s good to face your fears right?.
Learn more on their website
11441 US-80,
Greenwood, LA 71033
CHIMP HAVEN
Why is this on my bucket list?
It’s a sanctuary full of monkeys and nothing else like it around.
Learn more on their website.
13600 Chimpanzee PL.
Keithville, LA 71047
OAK MEADOW RANCH
Why is this on my bucket list?
It gives a combination of fine dining and interactive wildlife encounters!
A 5-star chef crafted personalized multi-course for dinner or lunch.
then when you are full, you get up close with exotic animals like:
red kangaroos,
giraffes,
otters,
and sloths,
feeding them, touching them, and taking photos.
You even get to hug a sloth and play with lemurs!
or
And after all that excitement,
you can relax around a campfire with s’mores.
Doesn’t that sound fun?
Then if you are too tired and full to drive home,
they have many sleeping accommodations available to rent.
Learn more on their website.
440 Red Top Rd,
Valley View, TX 76272
ENDANGERED ARK FOUNDATION
This is an Elephant sanctuary
and if you have been following along with me you know
I LOVE ELEPHANTS!!!
I have actually been to this one, but I added it to my bucket list because I would love to stay in one of their cabins and get breakfast trunk delivered to me by an elephant.
Doesn’t that sound dreamy?
Book a tour and get up and personal with the elephants
feeding
watching our residents make beautiful art,
elephie-selfies
& learning what elephants do!
Throughout the Private Encounter, knowledgeable staff share their love and passion for elephants while providing educational demonstrations on elephant husbandry.
**Reservations are required**
Learn more on their website.
2657 E 2070 Rd,
Hugo, OK 74743
BLUE HILL RANCH
For those who love giraffes, this one is for you.
Dining with Giraffes is why this place is on my bucket list.
Enjoy a charcuterie style meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) on an elevated patio while hand feeding the tallest residence at Blue Hill Ranch.
So Cool!!!
They also offer:
Swim & Playtime with Otters
Baby Otter Playtime
Safari Adventure on a UTV
Kangaroo Bottle Feeding
Safari Horse Back Riding
This place offers a ton of unique animal experiences. I can’t wait to go!!
Learn more on their website.
2032 Blue Cut Rd N,
McGregor, TX 76657
FOSSIL RIM WILDLIFE CENTER
This is a drive thru safari, but It is on my bucket list because
you have the option to drive your own car
or
ride in an open-air safari vehicle.
and that just sound so much more fun!!
No one in your group is driving and
everyone gets to enjoy feeding the many animals.
Such as:
Ostrich
Rhino
Oryx
Zebra
Giraffe
Bongo
Learn more on their website.
2299 Co Rd 2008
Glen Rose, TX 76043
