Drive Thru Safaris and Zoos Around Austin

Load up the animals lovers and check out the nearby drive thru safaris around Austin. Also find a couple of zoos, a snake farm and an aquarium in the Austin area, perfect for a day trip.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Explore a 450-acre property to spot animals, like zebras and giraffes. This safari doesn’t allow feeding from your vehicle.

Located at 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio. This is northwest of San Antonio and west of New Braunfels. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the summer. Adult admission (12+) starts at $22 and kids start at $13.50 (3-11). 

Exotic Resort Zoo

Drive through a park featuring hoofed animals and large birds, like emus. This safari allows feeding from your vehicle.

Located at 235 Zoo Trail in Johnson City. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission (12+) 16.95 and kids (2-12) are $13.95. 

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Austin’s Murals 

Topsey Exotic Ranch and Drive Thru Safari

With 350 acres, drive through a safari with zebras, camels and even peacocks. Feeding is allowed at Topsey Exotic Ranch. 

Located at 945 County Road 118 in Copperas Cove, west of Austin. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March through September and 4 p.m. the rest of the year. Adult admission (13+) is $12.00 and kids (3 to 12) are $10. 

Franklin Drive Thru Safari

Drive through an 100-acre property to see exotic animals, like camels. Specialized animal feed starts at $1. 

Located at 4324 W. Hwy 79 in Franklin, northeast of Austin. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $18 per person. 

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State Parks around Austin

Austin Zoo

As a zoo full of rescue animals, find over 300 animals from 100 different species. This facility also features a train. Pre-purchased tickets only during the 2020 summer season. 

Located at 10808 Rawhide Trail in Southwest Austin. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (and 5 p.m. in the winter). Adult admission (12+) is $14.95 and kids (2-12) are $11.95. 

Capitol of Texas Zoo

With over 500 animals see hippos, lions and more. The Capitol of Texas Zoo also offers affordable animal feedings. 

Located at 376 A Jenkins Road in Cedar Creek, east of Austin. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission (12+) is $11.25 and kids (2-11) are $8.79.  

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Day Trip to Bastrop

Animal World and Snake Farm

Don’t let the name confuse you, more than a snake farm. Find bison to hyenas to capybara to macaws. 

Located at 5640 North Interstate 35 in New Braunfels. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (and 5 p.m. for the rest of the year). Adult admission (12+) is $15.99 and kids (2-12) are $12.99. 

Austin Aquarium 

Not just fish, find lemurs, amphibians and parakeets. Additionally see sharks, tropical and cold water fish. 

Located at 13530 N. Hwy 183 #101 in Austin. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Adult admission is $15.95 and kids are $10.95.