Tips for Planning Your Family Trip to the Safari Park

There’s something exciting about loading up the car, packing a few snacks, and heading out for a family adventure. If you’re looking for a memorable day trip that everyone can enjoy, a visit to Hidden Valley Animal Adventure offers a fun day of animal encounters, fresh air, and unforgettable moments together.

Families regularly visit us from Buffalo, NY; Erie, PA; Rochester, NY; Syracuse, NY; and many other communities throughout the region to experience our safari park and walk through our petting zoo. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been here before, a little planning can help you make the most of your trip.

Choose the Experience That’s Right for Your Family

Before you hit the road, take a few minutes to decide how you’d like to experience the park. Some families love the guided Safari Bus Tour, while others prefer exploring the safari park from the comfort of their own vehicle. If your kids can’t wait to get a little closer to the animals, you’ll also want to make time for our Small Animal Adventure, where you can visit our walk-through petting zoo. For families looking for a more personal experience, our Private VIP Guided Safari offers an exclusive way to explore the park with your group. You can also take some time to relax by our koi pond and enjoy a quieter moment during your visit.

If you’re planning to ride the Safari Bus, it’s a good idea to reserve your seats ahead of time since space is limited. You can also purchase tickets for the self-drive safari and Small Animal Adventure online before you arrive, making it even easier to start your day. Our COMBO packages give you the best value.

Dress Comfortably for a Day Outdoors

One of the best parts of visiting a safari park is spending the day outside, so comfortable clothing and shoes are key. Check the weather before you leave and wear clothes you won’t mind getting a little dusty or muddy, especially if you plan to spend plenty of time exploring the petting zoo.

Closed-toe shoes are recommended because some walking areas may be uneven or wet depending on the weather and petting zoo animals can occasionally step on toes. Bringing a light jacket or sweatshirt is also a good idea, especially if you’re visiting during the spring or fall when temperatures can change throughout the day.

Pack a Few Essentials Before You Leave

You don’t need to overpack, but having a few basics with you can make the day more enjoyable.

Some helpful items include:

• Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Your tickets or reservation confirmation
• A fully charged phone or camera
• Water and any essentials your family may need throughout the day
• A stroller or wagon if you have younger children

Get Your Vehicle Ready for the Safari

If you’re planning the self-drive experience, it’s worth giving your vehicle a quick once-over before leaving home. Make sure you have enough fuel, your tires are properly inflated, and your vehicle is in good operating condition.

Once you’re inside the safari park, remember that everyone must remain inside the vehicle throughout the drive. If you don’t want animals sticking their heads inside your vehicle, keep the windows, doors, and sunroof closed and never close a window with an animal’s head inside for yours, your vehicle’s, and the animal’s safety. (HVAA is not responsible for damages to any vehicle that enters the Safari Park.)

If you’re traveling with children, it’s also helpful to explain the rules before entering the park so everyone knows what to expect. Guest guidelines and park policies are available on our website.

Slow Down and Enjoy Every Stop

It’s easy to get caught up trying to see everything, but some of the best memories happen when you slow down and enjoy the experience.

Watch the animals interact with one another, ask questions during your visit, and don’t rush through the Small Animal Adventure. Kids especially love spending extra time in the petting zoo, where they can see friendly animals up close and create memories they’ll be talking about long after the trip is over.

After your safari, consider grabbing a bite to eat at the Trailside Grill or treating the family to ice cream at Bessie’s Creamery before heading home. It turns your visit into a full-day outing instead of just another stop along the way.

Follow the Park Guidelines for the Best Experience

A few simple guidelines help ensure every family has a safe and enjoyable visit.

Only feed the animals with food provided by Hidden Valley Animal Adventure, follow staff instructions throughout your visit, and always respect the animals’ space. These rules help protect both the animals and the guests while creating a better experience for everyone.

Before leaving home, it’s also worth checking the park’s website for current hours, weather updates, and any operating changes that could affect your visit.

Make Hidden Valley Animal Adventure Your Next Family Day Trip

Safari season runs May – October. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway from Buffalo, NY, a family outing close to Rochester, NY, or a road trip from Syracuse, NY, Hidden Valley Animal Adventure offers something every member of the family can enjoy.

From driving through our safari park to meeting friendly animals in the petting zoo, every visit offers new experiences and lasting memories. With just a little planning before you arrive, you’ll be ready to relax, explore, and enjoy one of the region’s favorite family day trips.