Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Drive-through safari park near Glen Rose TX where kids hand-feed giraffes from the car - 1,800 acres of zebras, cheetahs, rhinos and 50+ species
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a 1,800-acre drive-through safari park in Glen Rose, Texas, and the closest thing to an African safari you can do with kids in the state. You drive your own car along a 9.5-mile scenic route while giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and more than 50 other species roam free around you. Unlike a traditional zoo, there are no cages on the drive - animals walk right up to your windows.
What kids love most: Hand-feeding the giraffes. Buy a bag of feed pellets at the entrance and at some point on the drive a giraffe will lean its head straight through your car window - it’s the moment every kid (and honestly every adult) talks about for weeks. The cheetah conservation area is another highlight; Fossil Rim is one of the top cheetah breeding centers in the country.
Tickets and pricing: Admission is around $38 for adults and $30 for kids 3-11, with children under 3 free (verify current rates). Book timed-entry tickets online at fossilrim.org before you go - weekends and school holidays regularly sell out, and online booking guarantees your entry window. The drive takes 2-3 hours at a relaxed pace with feeding stops.
The Overlook halfway point: Midway through the drive you can park at the Overlook, which has restrooms, a cafe, a gift shop, and a petting pasture where kids can stretch their legs. The Hill Country views from up there are some of the best in the region.
Tips for families: Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon - animals are most active when it’s cooler, and midday summer drives can be quiet. Keep windows partially up around the ostriches (they’re bold about grabbing feed bags). A vehicle with windows that all open gives everyone a feeding chance.
Nearby adventures: Fossil Rim pairs perfectly with Dinosaur Valley State Park, 15 minutes away in Glen Rose, where kids can stand in real dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy riverbed - together they make one of the best family day trips in North Texas.
Pricing
Adults ~$38, Kids 3-11 ~$30, Under 3 free (verify)
Common Questions
- How much does Fossil Rim Wildlife Center cost?
- Admission to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is paid. Adults ~$38, Kids 3-11 ~$30, Under 3 free (verify)
- What ages is Fossil Rim Wildlife Center good for?
- Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is best for kids ages 2 to 18+.
- Is Fossil Rim Wildlife Center stroller friendly?
- No, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is not considered stroller friendly.
- Can I bring my dog to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center?
- No, dogs are not allowed at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.
- How hard is Fossil Rim Wildlife Center?
- The difficulty level is easy. Plan for about 3 hours.
- Is Fossil Rim Wildlife Center free?
- No, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center costs paid.
- What should I bring to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center?
- Animal feed bags (buy at the entrance - one per person is worth it), water and snacks for the car, a camera, and sunscreen for the Overlook stop. Feed only from the bags they sell; no outside food for the animals.
- How long does Fossil Rim Wildlife Center take?
- Most families spend about 3 hours at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.
- When is the best time to visit Fossil Rim Wildlife Center?
- Early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active - midday summer heat makes them sleepy. Spring brings baby animals; fall has the most comfortable drive weather. Weekdays avoid the ticket sellouts.
- Is there parking at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center?
- You stay in your own car for the safari drive. Free parking at the Overlook midway (restrooms, cafe, petting pasture) and at the front entrance visitor center.
Plan Your Visit
2155 County Rd 2008, Glen Rose, TX 76043