Activities

Activities included with paid admission:

Elephant Enrichment

11:30 a.m.
Watch our elephant herd enjoy morning treats, from the Elephant Viewing Patio.

Discovery Station

11 a.m.–5 p.m.
This kid-friendly area is filled with musical instruments, puppets, books, craft activities, and wildlife “toys” and is designed to give children and their adult companions a playful space for animal-themed fun. Educators facilitate learning and activities every day during Park operating hours. You can stop by for an impromptu animal presentation or do a stone rubbing of your favorite animal track.

Savanna Cool Zone

Walk through palm trees offering a gentle mist to three slippery critters that spout water: a turtle, a lion, and a crocodilian. Located next to Lion Camp, the Savanna Cool Zone is a wild way to cool off!

Jameson Research Island

Interpretive center open noon–4 p.m. Interactive water play open all day.
Stop by this island research outpost to see animals up close, hear real-life animal stories, and play with inventive water games. Located in Heart of Africa.

Fisher-Price Samburu Jungle Gym

Kids love to climb and explore in this safari-themed play area; parents love the shade-covered picnic area! Located below Benbough Amphitheater.

Africa Tram Safari

Guided tour rides depart 10 a.m.until 4:15 p.m. daily (busiest 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on peak attendance days).
The Africa Tram Safari is an exciting expedition with brightly colored tour vehicles and our diverse animal collection creating a relaxing adventure. The ride path takes you around some of the field exhibits, giving you a chance to connect with the animals on a closer level.
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Conservation Carousel

10 a.m.–5 p.m.
For kids and kids at heart, our colorful Conservation Carousel features 60 ride elements to choose from, many of which replicate rare and endangered animals. You can ride a giraffe, rhino, zebra, cheetah, and more—which will be your favorite?

Lorikeet Landing

10 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
Watch our colorful rainbow lorikeets swoop down to enjoy nectar offered by guests. Exhibit entrance if free; lorikeet food is available for purchase to experience the thrill of feeding these birds by hand.

Petting Kraal

10 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Touch gentle deer and antelope.

Other activities (not included with paid admission)

Balloon Safari

10 a.m.–5 p.m.(subject to weather). Best flying conditions are morning and early afternoon.
Get a bird’s-eye view of the entire Park on this unique airborne ride, modeled after the hot air balloon tours of the Serengeti. Located just west of Lion Camp, this quiet, tethered helium-filled balloon can carry up to 30 people and rises up to 400 feet, giving riders a panoramic view of lions, rhinos, giraffes, wildebeest, and gazelle, as well as the beautiful San Pasqual Valley. Tickets for the Balloon Safari are available for $20 (members pay $17) at the balloon site. Balloon Safari operates daily, weather permitting, and each launch lasts approximately 15 minutes.

ZooWerks simulator ride

11 a.m.–5 p.m.
SpongeBob SquarePants™ 4D
Riders join SpongeBob SquarePants as he desperately pursues a runaway pickle in his heartfelt desire to serve the perfect Krabby Patty. Get ready for a hilarious and zany adventure as SpongeBob chases a robotic double of Patrick through Bikini Bottom. This ride is at the Park for a limited time.

Member price is $5.50 for adults (12 and older) and $4.50 for children ages 3–11; nonmember price is $6 for adults, $5 for children. The ZooWerks simulator ride can be found next to the Park’s Petting Kraal in Nairobi Village. Prices and films subject to change.

Note: Park hours, attractions, and animal exhibits are subject to change or closure without notice. Weather may affect some activities and exhibits.