Activities
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
Noon–4 p.m.
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.
Activities included with Best Value admission package
(*may also be purchased separately)
Journey into Africa tour
Guided tour rides depart 9:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m. daily, including all holidays, with extended hours during the summer.
The Journey into Africa tour 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. *Journey into Africa is not included with general admission, only with the Best Value admission package. Separate tour price is $10 for adults, $7 for children ages 3–11.
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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? *Conservation Carousel is not included with general admission, only with the Best Value admission package. Separate carousel price is $2 per ride or $4 to ride all day.
Other activities (not included with general admission or Best Value admission package)
Balloon Safari
10 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Get a bird’s-eye view of the entire Wild Animal 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 (121 meters), 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 either the main entrance or 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.
October 16–November 19, our ZooWerks ride theater features the 4-D ride film “Curse of Tutankhamen.” Travel back in time to ancient Egypt, and explore the spooky catacombs beneath the Great Pyramid. When the temple guardians come to life, can you escape the curse of Tutankhamen?
Member price is $5.50 for adults (12 and older) and $4.50 for children ages 3–11; nonmember price is $6 for adults and $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.
