This Florida Safari Park Lets You Drive Right Through a Wildlife Habitat

Craving a close encounter with Florida wildlife without leaving your car? Wild Florida Adventure Park in Kenansville delivers exactly that, pairing a drive through safari with airboats, gators, and unforgettable animal encounters. With 4.7 stars and rave reviews, it blends thrills, education, and genuine care for the animals.

Plan a stress free day that feels adventurous yet easy, from smooth check in to jaw dropping moments you will talk about for years.

1. Drive Thru Safari Experience

Roll down the windows and take it slow. The drive thru safari at Wild Florida unfurls across open habitats where zebras, bison, antelope, and more wander within camera range. You control the pace, so pull over at designated spots, snap photos, and let the kids spot animals first for bragging rights.

What surprised me most is how calm it feels. No crowds pressing in, just your car and wide Florida skies. Staff keep things organized and clean, so you can relax, learn from posted signs, and appreciate how well the animals are cared for.

Time it around feeding runs if you can. Watching herds gather is unforgettable, and you will leave with dozens of photos worth framing.

2. Gator Park and Alligator Shows

Florida gators are the headliners, and the shows make them unforgettable. Skilled keepers share smart, myth busting facts while demonstrating safe handling and jaw dropping adaptations. You get close enough for great photos, yet everything feels thoughtful and respectful toward the animals.

Between shows, wander boardwalks and ponds where big gators laze like living fossils. Exhibits are labeled clearly, so you learn as you go without feeling rushed. If you are brave, hold a baby gator for that once in a trip snapshot.

What I loved most was the conservation message woven into every moment. You leave understanding why wetlands matter, how gators fit in, and what responsible wildlife care really looks like here.

3. Airboat Tours on Lake Cypress

Strap in and feel the wind as an expert captain carves across Lake Cypress. Airboats glide over marsh where herons, egrets, and sometimes bald eagles share space with sunning gators. Guides call out wildlife with uncanny accuracy and fill the ride with stories about the Everglades ecosystem.

It is thrilling yet surprisingly peaceful between bursts of speed. Winter rides can feel chilly, so bring layers and a windbreaker. You will appreciate the ear protection and the captain’s knack for reading water, weather, and wildlife behavior.

Even locals say this ride reframes the swamp stereotype. It is not just mud and reeds. It is textured, living Florida, and you will step off with a grin and new respect for the wetlands.

4. Giraffe Feeding Platform

Feeding a giraffe here feels like checking off a bucket list dream. Climb the platform, hold out lettuce, and watch that long purple tongue curl with surprising precision. The keepers share fun facts and keep a gentle rhythm so everyone gets a turn and a perfect photo.

From up high, you see the safari from the giraffe’s point of view, which is half the magic. Kids go wide eyed, adults melt, and even teens pause for a genuine smile. It is quick, but deeply memorable.

Bring wipes for sticky fingers and have your camera ready before stepping up. If the line looks long, it usually moves quickly. The moment is pure joy and absolutely worth planning around.

5. VIP and Behind the Scenes Encounters

If you crave deeper interaction, book a VIP or behind the scenes encounter. Small groups meet animals like sloths, capybaras, porcupines, or lemurs with a dedicated guide. Sessions feel unhurried, personal, and full of stories that bring each animal’s personality forward.

What stands out is the staff’s patience and passion. They answer every question, set clear boundaries, and keep the focus on animal comfort. You walk away feeling connected, not just entertained.

These tours often include extra access around the park, so arrive early and wear comfy shoes. Spots sell out on weekends and holidays. If meaningful moments excite you more than rides, this is the experience that lingers long after your photos do.

6. Family Friendly Planning Tips

Make the day smooth with a few simple moves. Book tickets online, arrive near opening, and start with the safari before midday heat. Pack snacks, water, and a full phone battery for photos and the digital map.

Young kids ride happiest when you treat the safari like a scavenger hunt. Let them spot zebras or count birds by color. The animal park pathways are stroller friendly, and accessibility is strong, including smooth routes to the airboat dock.

Check show times at entry so you do not miss gator talks or feedings. Bring hats, sunscreen, and wipes after giraffe snacks. If the forecast shifts, the experience still shines, but layers and a lightweight rain jacket help a lot.

7. Best Times, Tickets, and Hours

Wild Florida typically opens at 9 AM and runs until 6 PM most days, with Sunday closed. Mornings are golden for active animals, cooler temps, and lighter lines. Reserve online to lock in times for airboats and encounters, then build your day around show schedules.

Weekdays feel quieter, while holidays and spring break bring extra buzz. If you love photography, aim for early or late light on the safari loop. Keep your confirmation handy for speedy check in.

Bundle tickets can save money when pairing safari, gator park, and an airboat ride. Call if you have special requests or questions about accessibility. Staff are responsive, friendly, and genuinely helpful in fine tuning your visit.

8. Food, Amenities, and Souvenirs

Refuel at the cafe with barbecue favorites, kid friendly picks, and some thoughtful options for special diets. On hot days, the Safari slushies in souvenir cups are instant mood lifters. Shaded picnic spots and clean restrooms make breaks easy between shows and the safari loop.

The gift shop is packed with wildlife books, plushies, and practical sun gear. If you held a baby gator or fed a giraffe, you will find frames and magnets to match the memory. Prices felt reasonable for a tourist attraction.

All across the park, staff keep areas tidy and welcoming. Refill water, stash snacks in the car, and circle back for dessert. It is simple, satisfying, and keeps energy high for the afternoon.