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?
- Fossil Rim Wildlife Center charges admission. 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, there is a cost to visit Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. Adults ~$38, Kids 3-11 ~$30, Under 3 free (verify)
- 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.