Lion Country Safari Review: Toddler-Friendly Animal Adventure in Florida + Tips, Prices & What to Expect
- D Siesta House
- Jul 6
- 12 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
📌 Table of Contents
🦁 A Wild Family Day at Lion Country Safari & Adventure Park with a toddler – Full Review
After a relaxing one-night stay in Fort Pierce, we decided to make Lion Country Safari our final stop before heading home—and we’re so glad we did. At 30 weeks pregnant with an almost two-year-old toddler, we were looking for something low-stress, educational, and toddler-friendly. Visiting on a Monday turned out to be a great decision—the park was peaceful and uncrowded, allowing us to move at our own pace and enjoy everything without long waits or overstimulation.
Located near West Palm Beach, Florida, Lion Country Safari is a drive-through and walk-through wildlife park featuring animals from around the world, hands-on encounters, toddler-friendly rides, a petting zoo, and even a water play area. It’s a fantastic option for families with young children—especially if you're road tripping through South Florida or looking to break up a travel day with something exciting and easy.
Since I was in my third trimester and navigating the day with a stroller and snacks in tow, a little preparation made a big difference. Two things that helped tremendously:
This stroller fan kept our toddler (and pregnant mom!) cool throughout the day.
These toddler snack boxes made the drive-through safari so much smoother—perfect for keeping little hands busy and bellies happy.
This Freezable Snack Box I always bring with me when we have a long day planned.
Insulated water bottles – keep water cool for hours.
This blog post covers everything we experienced: what to expect, what we loved (especially the rhinos!), ticket prices, discount options, and tips for making the most of your visit with a toddler. Whether you’re a local considering the annual pass or just passing through Palm Beach County, read on for our full review from a real mom’s perspective.
But before we begin our review of our experience at Lion Country Safari with a toddler:
Hey there! We're the D Siesta Family!
We’re a family of three (soon to be four!) who love to travel, explore new places, and make sweet memories together—without the stress. From beachy weekend getaways to toddler-friendly day trips, we’re all about finding the best spots that help parents relax and keep little ones happy. We share real-life travel tips, family-friendly reviews, and helpful gear guides to make your adventures a little easier and a lot more fun.
✨ Want more travel ideas, toddler hacks, and free printables? Subscribe to our blog and come along for the ride! You can also follow us on social media for more behind-the-scenes fun.
🐾 Part 1: The Drive‑Through Safari at Lion Country Safari: A Real‑Life Storybook for Toddlers
There’s something deeply magical about seeing your toddler encounter animals they’ve only seen in books—right outside the car window. That’s exactly what the drive‑through safari at Lion Country Safari delivers.
This isn’t a typical zoo excursion. You stay in your car and slowly drive through 7 themed habitats over a 4‑mile paved loop, spotting animals in a naturalistic setting. For families with young children, it’s contained, engaging, and calming.
How It Works & Practical Info
Park Hours:
Drive‑through safari: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm daily
Walk‑through Adventure Park: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm daily
Admission Pricing (as of 2025):
Adults (ages 10–64): ~$28.50–35.00
Seniors (65+): ~$25.50–31.50
Children (3–9): ~$21.00–26.00
Kids under 3 are FREE
Audio tour is included with admission—they provide the narration via smartphone or a device at the gate.
Bring your own snacks and drinks to keep toddlers happy in the car—especially if they’re not fans of being strapped in for an extended time.
Toddler-Ready Moments & Rhino Love
For us, the highlight was the rhinos. In the Hwange National Park section, our toddler watched them graze peacefully only a few feet from our window with wide-eyed fascination. Their massive, quiet presence brought an unexpected serenity to that stretch—truly unforgettable.
Other toddler-favorite sightings:
Zebras crossing just ahead of the car.
Ostriches staring at us with their giant eyes.
Giraffes leaning over the car and munching trees.
Parent Perspective & Tips
Driving the safari is a breeze compared to a traditional zoo:
All in your car: No lines, no stroller hassle—just smooth driving with toddler safety.
Pace controlled by you: We lingered by the rhinos and moved on when ready—the experience never felt rushed.
Snack strategy: We came with a few favorite snacks and water. Between slower sections or longer stretches, having the crackers helped calm the ride
As I mentioned earlier in this post, these items made my day so much easier:
Best time to go: Weekday mornings are golden. We had nearly no other cars, most animals were active, and the park felt like it was ours. By mid-afternoon, crowds trickle in but never feel overwhelming on weekdays.
Notes to Consider
Lions are in a fenced-off area behind barriers (since 2005), so they’re less interactive than other animals—but you can still see them resting or pacing
The narration occasionally runs ahead, so we sometimes paused and replayed to sync with the habitats.
Watch your mirrors—ostriches love to peck at windshields, so keep the windows firmly rolled up (as the rules require).
Discounts, Tickets & Annual Pass Love
Online discounts: You can often find coupons on sites like Groupon or discount aggregators. Many hotels in the West Palm Beach area offer brochures with $5–$10 off per ticket.
Third-party attraction passes like the USA Sightseeing Pass or Go City include Lion Country Safari, offering free admission with a multi-attraction pass (approx. $58 adult value).
Annual Pass: Perfect for locals or frequent visitors.
Regular (10–64): $120–$128 (+ tax)
Child (3–9): $100–$105
Senior: $110–$120
Perks: free parking, 20% off food and gifts, 20% guest discount, and KOA campground benefits. If we lived nearby, we’d 100% commit to an annual pass—the savings and flexibility are unbeatable.
Final Thoughts on the Safari Drive
We left feeling utterly refreshed and exhilarated. The beauty of the drive-through safari lies in its simplicity: no meltdowns, no waiting, just wonder. Our toddler’s squeals at the rhinos alone made the visit worth it. That moment—shared from the front seat, frozen in our memory—is exactly why we’d staple this experience into our routines.
🌳 Part 2: Walk-Through Adventure Park – Rides, Encounters & Cafeteria Treats
After the exhilarating drive-through safari and unforgettable rhino sightings, we transitioned into the Walk‑Through Adventure Park (aka Safari World). Spanning 33 lush acres, this portion feels like a vibrant mini-theme park filled with play zones, animal interactions, and yummy refreshment spots.
Giraffe Feeding: A Toddler Epic Moment
One of the standout experiences of our entire day was feeding the giraffes. From a raised wooden platform, visitors get face-to-face access to these tall, gentle giants—and it’s as magical as it sounds.
We loved it so much, we did it twice!
Cost: $6 for a small cup of 3 romaine lettuce leaves.
You pay directly at the feeding station—no reservations needed.
Our toddler’s reaction was priceless as the giraffe leaned in, took the lettuce gently with its long, blue tongue, and munched with slow, expressive movements. He giggled, gasped, and asked to “do it again”—which we happily did!
This experience is 100% worth the cost, especially for toddlers who love animals and tactile interactions. It’s controlled, safe, and close enough to feel special without being overwhelming.
Petting Zoo
The interactive petting zoo is fantastic for small children. Soft goats and sheep roam freely, and trust us, our son spent a lot of time hugging a friendly doe who seemed equally smitten.
For a deeper experience, there’s a Toddler Tour back-of-house petting zoo: $15 for kids 2 and under, $55 for ages 3–9, and $65 for adults.
Consider joining this guided tour if you want your toddler to interact more closely with the animals and enjoy a small-group environment.
Bird Feeding Aviary: Bright Colors & Gentle Nibbles
Right around the corner, we spotted the Lorikeet feeding aviary and decided to give it a try—another win with our little one.
Cost: $3 per cup of nectar.
You step inside the aviary, and the birds fly right onto your arms and hands to sip the sweet treat.
Some birds perched on us, some hovered, and a few were more curious than hungry—but the whole experience was a fun and colorful burst of energy.
Important tip: Make sure your toddler is comfortable with birds up close. The lorikeets are friendly, but they can be quick and fluttery—our son was wide-eyed but happy with us holding the nectar while he watched them from our arms.
Kiddie Rides & Boat Trips
The park includes several charming toddler-friendly attractions:
Carousel, mini train, and flying elephant rides priced individually but typically included in general admission. Kids delight in these gentle classics.
The Safari Queen pontoon boat ride glides around Lake Shannalee and is included in your ticket.
There's also a mini-golf course and paddleboats to explore—great for kids aged 3+.
Water Area Peek (No Swim This Time)
We didn’t dive in, but our walk passed by Safari Splash Pad, Safari Falls, and a full waterslide area sealed off for toddlers who aren’t swimming yet.
Safari Splash pad is open daily, and even though we stayed dry this time, it looked perfect for slightly older toddlers.
Families with swim-ready kids might love this fully once potty-trained.
Cafeteria & Snack Experience: Tasty & Moderate Pricing
Lunchtime brought us to Table67, the main cafeteria near the Adventure Park entrance.
Menu: Burgers, pizza, wraps, salads, kids meals, and Dippin’ Dots.
Pricing: Mid-range—typically $10–$15 per entrée. Quick snacks like popcorn, churros, wraps cost around $5–$10 .
Taste: Everything we tried was fresh, hot, and flavorful—including the kids’ chicken tenders and our burgers. It felt like quality cafeteria fare, delivered in a clean, kid-friendly environment. We felt it was moderately priced and tasty—a nice balance of convenience and flavor.
There are also multiple kiosks and food trucks offering hot dogs, fries, Dippin’ Dots (opens 11 am), and more scattered across the park.
Weekday Tranquility: No Crowds, Full Relaxation
Heading to the park on a weekday was a game-changer. The entire Adventure Park had minimal foot traffic, and we rarely waited more than a minute for a ride or encounter.
We didn't have the usual hustle of families, strollers, or line-ups—just calm, spontaneous exploration.
Our toddler happily napped in the stroller at several points without being disturbed by crowd noise or jostling.
We could move between attractions with ease, finding shaded benches and quiet corners to rest or snack luxuriously.
Summary of Walk‑Through
Attraction | Toddler Appeal | Cost Info |
Giraffe Feeding | Magical one-on-one animal moment | $6 per feed |
Petting Zoo | Soft animal interactions & farm fun | Included $15+ for behind-the-scenes tour |
Kiddie Rides | Classic carousel, train, flying elephants | Included in admission |
Safari Queen Boat Ride | Calm lakeside cruise with scenic beauty | Included in admission |
Water Play Area | Fun splash pad (we skipped) | Included in admission, splash pad open daily |
Cafeteria & Kiosks | Balanced lunch, tasty and reasonably priced | Most entrees $10–$15, snacks $5–$10 |
Final Thoughts on the Adventure Park
The Adventure Park is the perfect, seamless continuation of the safari story. It offers sensory-rich toddler fun without overwhelming crowds or complexity. Here’s why we loved it:
🦒 Up-close animal interaction—especially with the giraffes, which captivated our son.
🚂 Gentle rides and boat trips perfect for toddlers.
🍔 A clean, satisfying cafeteria experience—tasty, moderately priced, and just right for fueling up.
⭐ Weekday quietness made it feel like a private playground.
💦 Part 3: Water Park Peek, Pricing Details, Discounts & Tips for Families
After our walk through the animal exhibits, rides, and toddler-friendly attractions, we took some time to explore—but not enter—the Safari Splash water park area. While we didn’t bring swimsuits or plan to get wet on this trip, we wanted to see what the water park offered for future visits.
And spoiler alert: if we lived closer, we’d absolutely buy the annual pass just for the option to come back and spend a whole day in the splash pad area alone.
Safari Splash Water Park: A Quick Look
Lion Country Safari's water zone is called Safari Splash—and it’s designed with families in mind. While it’s not massive like a full-blown waterpark, it’s absolutely ideal for young kids.
Here’s what we saw as we walked through:
Safari Splash Pad: A zero-depth splash zone with water jets, sprinklers, and soft padding. Perfect for toddlers and younger children.
Safari Falls: A more interactive zone with tipping buckets, spray cannons, and gentle fountains—great for ages 3–10.
Lagoon Play Area: A small, shallow pool area with mini slides and plenty of space for supervised water fun.
Changing rooms and restrooms nearby made it easy for families to transition between water play and dry activities.
We didn’t use the water area this visit since our toddler isn’t swim-trained yet and we hadn’t brought towels or a change of clothes. But it’s definitely on our list for next time—especially knowing it’s included in the price of admission.
🧼 Tip: Bring water shoes, sunscreen, and swim diapers if you plan to use the splash area. The ground can get slippery, and swimwear is required for children to enter.
Ticket Prices, Annual Passes & Discount Options
One of the best parts about Lion Country Safari is that it’s surprisingly affordable, especially for families. And there are multiple ways to save depending on how you book.
General Admission (as of 2025):
Adults (10–64): ~$28.50–$35.00
Children (3–9): ~$21.00–$26.00
Seniors (65+): ~$25.50–$31.50
Children 2 and under: FREE ✅
👉 All tickets include:
The drive-through safari
Walk-through adventure park access
Animal exhibits and encounters
Rides, giraffe and bird areas (feeding costs extra)
Mini-golf and paddleboats
Safari Splash water park
Tickets can be purchased:
Directly from the Lion Country Safari website
At the gate (but you’ll usually pay full price)
Via discount sites like Groupon, Undercover Tourist, or Go City Pass
Hotels and visitor centers in Palm Beach County sometimes offer printed coupons ($5–$10 off)
Discount tip: We’ve seen tickets discounted by up to 20% online. If you’re planning ahead, booking directly from their site during promotions or checking reputable discount platforms can save you a decent chunk—especially for larger families.
Annual Passes: Worth It?
Yes. If we lived closer, we’d absolutely buy the annual pass.
The math is simple. If you go more than twice a year, the annual pass pays for itself—and then some.
🏷️ 2025 Annual Pass Prices:
Adults (10–64): ~$120–$128
Children (3–9): ~$100–$105
Seniors (65+): ~$110–$120
Perks include:
Unlimited visits for one year
Free parking
20% off food, drinks, and retail
20% off guest tickets
Discounts at select reciprocal zoos and attractions
Discounts on Safari KOA campground stays
For a family of three or four, this is a huge value—especially if you live within 1–2 hours of the park. Between the giraffe feedings, splash pad, and drive-through serenity, it’s the kind of place toddlers don’t tire of easily.
Parent-to-Parent Tips for Visiting
After spending a full day here with our almost-two-year-old, we picked up a few useful insights that can make your visit smoother and more enjoyable.
What to Bring:
This stroller fan kept our toddler (and pregnant mom!) cool throughout the day.
These toddler snack boxes made the drive-through safari so much smoother—perfect for keeping little hands busy and bellies happy.
This Freezable Snack Box I always bring with me when we have a long day planned.
Insulated water bottles – keep water cool for hours.
Swim diapers – required for all kids not fully potty trained.
Quick-dry microfiber towel – compact and dries fast.
Change of clothes – because wet + toddler usually equals messy.
We also tossed a small tube of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes in our bag for feeding stations and quick clean-ups after the petting zoo.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Overpack
You don’t need a full diaper bag if you’re bringing a stroller. We packed everything into a lightweight backpack and attached essentials to the stroller with hooks.
Stroller hooks – great for hanging your water bottles or small bags.
Mesh stroller organizer – kept wipes, sunscreen, and fans within easy reach.
When to Go:
Weekdays = peace. We went on a weekday and saw no lines, no crowds, and no stress. Highly recommend.
Early mornings = active animals. We started the safari around 9:30 a.m., and the animals were lively, alert, and roaming around. By mid-day, some were napping or tucked in the shade.
Avoid holidays if possible. We’ve read that weekends and school breaks can draw heavy crowds.
What We Loved… and What We Didn’t
What We Loved:
The rhinos were our favorite part of the whole experience. They were massive but calm, and our toddler was mesmerized.
The giraffe feeding—so memorable, we did it twice.
The ability to enjoy a safari without leaving the comfort of our car.
No lines or crowds on a weekday—just pure, relaxed family time.
Affordable cafeteria food that actually tasted good!
Clean, shaded areas, stroller paths, and lots of things to do without over-stimulation.
What We Didn’t Love So Much:
The lion exhibit was a little underwhelming. They’re kept behind barriers, so the magic is more distant than the rest of the safari.
When you are driving with a toddler, sometimes you need to move ahead a little faster than the car in front of you and some vehicles just took FOREVER to move on to the next exhibit.
I would of liked more healthy food options for kids.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It for Families?
Absolutely.
Lion Country Safari is one of those rare places that strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation—especially for families with young children. Whether your toddler is obsessed with animals or just needs a calm day out of the house, this park offers an unforgettable experience.
You get the thrill of wildlife up close, the comfort of your own car, and the option to walk, splash, and snack your way through a full day of fun. It’s not flashy or commercialized—it’s authentic, peaceful, and surprisingly budget-friendly if you plan ahead.
If you live nearby? Get the annual pass. If you’re just visiting the area? Make this a must-do day trip. If your toddler loves animals? Watch their little face light up like never before.
📌 Coming Soon to the Blog: We’ll be sharing our Toddler Day Pack Checklist for safari-style trips, plus a printable itinerary for visiting Lion Country Safari with kids under 3.
👉 Follow us on Instagram at @dsiestafamily and subscribe to our blog at www.dsiesta.com for more family travel ideas, tips, and free planning tools!
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