DFW Family Directory

Local’s Guide to the Texas Zoofari Park

If you’re looking for a wild adventure the whole family will love, our guide to Texas Zoofari Park will help you plan a day your kids won’t stop talking about.

Located just outside Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, the Zoofari Park is a fun and engaging animal experience perfect for curious little ones and nature-loving parents alike. 

You’ll want to pack the snacks, load the car, and get ready for a drive-thru safari that’s much closer than you’d expect.

Here’s your local guide to the Texas Zoofari Park:

Park Hours, Admission, and Location

Location: Kaufman, TX (about 40 minutes southeast of downtown Dallas)

Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Last Entry: Final car admitted at 4 p.m.

Admission: Charged per person and includes both the drive-thru and walk-thru areas

Kids Under 2: Free admission

Animal Feed: Available for purchase at the entrance

Tickets: Buy online or at the gate

Check out their website.

How Big is Texas Zoofari Park?

 At Texas Zoofari Park, a woman is seen feeding giraffes, enjoying a close encounter with the wildlife.
Photo Courtesy of the Texas Zoofari Park

Texas Zoofari Park spans over 900 acres. That gives animals plenty of space to roam and your family plenty of time to explore. The main attraction is a 6-mile safari-style drive-thru. 

After that, you’ll want to park and explore the walk-thru section. We love that the layout makes it easy to see everything without feeling rushed. 

We reccomend that you plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours minimum at the park.

What Makes Texas Zoofari Park Different

Texas Zoofari Park stands out because your family gets to interact with animals in a way traditional zoos can’t. 

During the safari drive, animals like zebras, llamas, and antelope walk right up to your car. Kids can feed them using special feed bought at the park. 

The walk-thru section adds even more chances to connect with animals. Your kids can pet goats, feed giraffes, and walk through a parakeet habitat where birds land gently on arms and heads.

Attractions

A kangaroo stands in the grass at Texas Zoofari Park, with a bird visible in the background.

In addition to the safari, Texas Zoofari Park offers several family-friendly attractions that keep kids active and engaged after the drive-thru.

Here’s a rundown of the top things to do at the park:

Safari Drive-Thru

The Safari Drive-Thru is the heart of the experience. 

You’ll navigate (in your car) through fields where animals roam freely. With feed in hand, your kids can hold out treats and get face-to-face with gentle creatures like camels and deer. Keep your windows down and your cameras ready. This is one of the most interactive parts of the park.

Walk-Thru Zoo

After the safari, the Walk-Thru Zoo offers smaller enclosures and barnyard animals your kids can pet and observe. 

There are shaded walking paths and benches for breaks. Expect to see goats, pigs, chickens, and even some exotic birds. It’s a good way to let younger kids burn energy in a safe space.

Giraffe Feeding Deck

A highlight of any guide to Texas Zoofari Park has to include the giraffe feeding deck! 

This raised platform lets your kids come eye-to-eye with these gentle giants. Buy special lettuce cups on-site and get ready for some slobbery fun. The Giraffe Feeding Deck is a great photo opportunity and a favorite with families.

Budgie Adventure Aviary

In the Safari Village Walk-Thru, your family can step into the Budgie Adventure Aviary. 

Inside, you’ll be surrounded by colorful budgies(also known as the common parakeet), and small birds that may land right on your hand or shoulder. You can buy a budgie stick at the Trading Post to feed them, which makes the experience even more fun for little ones. 

This up-close interaction gives kids a chance to learn about birds in a hands-on and memorable way. Don’t skip it. It’s a favorite for many families.

Kangaroo Walk-About

Texas Zoofari Park’s newest attraction, the Kangaroo Walk-About, invites your family to step into the habitat of red kangaroos. 

Located in the Safari Village Walk-Thru, this area allows you to observe these marsupials as they hop, rest, and interact in their environment. The Kangaroo Walk-About is a unique opportunity for children to learn about kangaroos up close, enhancing their understanding of wildlife. 

Safari Outpost Gift Shop

Before heading home, stop by the gift shop for fun souvenirs like plush animals, t-shirts, and safari-themed books. There are also snacks and drinks if your kiddos (or you!) need a pick-me-up. This is a good time to review what animals your kids loved most during the day.

Featured Animals

You’ll see a wide range of animals during your visit. We’ll use our guide to Texas Zoofari Park to brag about some of our favorites:

  • Zebras
  • Giraffes
  • Ostriches
  • Camels
  • Bison
  • Watusi cattle
  • Lemurs
  • Parakeets
  • Antelope
  • Kangaroos

Conservation

At Texas Zoofari Park, a young girl smiles while holding two vibrant parakeets in her hands.
Photo Courtesy of Texas Zoofari Park

Know that your experience at the Texas Zoofari Park also supports wildlife conservation. The park is committed to education, specialized breeding programs, and direct support of habitat preservation efforts. A key component of this commitment is the Zoofari Parks Conservation Grants program. 

These grants support projects that directly contribute to the survival of species and the preservation of natural habitats. Preference is given to initiatives in Texas, Virginia, Alabama, Florida, and other U.S. locations. 

The grants are funded through park admissions and memberships, meaning every visit contributes to global conservation efforts. 

Past recipients of the Texas Zoofari grants include the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund InternationalSaiga Conservation Alliance, and the International Rhino Foundation.

Tips for Visiting the Texas Zoofari Park

A man in a hat stands at Texas Zoofari Park, enjoying the wildlife and vibrant surroundings.
Photo Courtesy of Texas Zoofari Park

These are a few of our top tips and tricks for visiting Texas Zoofari Park:

  • Bring wipes and hand sanitizer. Feeding animals can get messy.
  • Buy at least two buckets of animal feed. One never feels like enough.
  • Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and heat.
  • Wear closed-toe shoes for the walk-thru area.
  • Check the weather before you go. The experience is all outdoors.
  • Bring your own water bottles. While snacks are available, water is a must.
  • Print or download tickets in advance to skip lines.

One Last Animal

Your next family adventure is just a short drive away. Use our guide to Texas Zoofari Park to plan a visit filled with up-close animal encounters, fresh air, and memories your kids will cherish!

Have you visited the Zoofari Park, or have any questions about visiting? Let us know in the comments below!

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