If you’re looking for a family adventure that is truly different from your typical zoo visit, let me introduce you to one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had in a long time.
Recently, I visited Safari Stayz in Wanette, Oklahoma, with my mom, my 14-year-old daughter, and two of her friends. It turned into one of those rare outings that everyone loved, from grandparents to teenagers.
As a family that is always searching for unique experiences and great day trips from Dallas, Safari Stayz completely exceeded our expectations.
A Family Adventure Worth the Drive
While Safari Stayz is located in Oklahoma, it’s only about a three-hour drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, making it a fantastic weekend adventure for families looking to try something new.
My mom lives closer to the attraction, so we made it part of a girls’ weekend getaway. What we expected was a fun animal encounter. What we got was one of the most interactive animal experiences we’ve ever had.
Unlike many attractions where you’re simply observing animals from behind a fence, Safari Stayz allows guests to get up close and personal with many of the animals.
And when I say up close, I mean holding, feeding, petting, and interacting with them.
The Experience Starts Immediately
From the moment we arrived, our guides were welcoming, knowledgeable, and entertaining.
We had two guides leading our encounter, and they did an incredible job making sure everyone had opportunities to interact with the animals while also sharing information about each species.
The experience never felt rushed.
Questions were encouraged, photos were welcomed, and the guides genuinely wanted everyone to have a memorable experience.
Kangaroos, Wallabies, and the Softest Animals Ever
One of the first highlights was entering the kangaroo and wallaby area.
We were able to feed them treats and pet them, and I have to say they were probably the softest animals I’ve ever touched.
Even the teenagers couldn’t stop talking about how incredibly soft they were.
Being able to stand among the kangaroos while feeding and petting them created a completely different experience than simply seeing them at a zoo.
The Cutest Part? The Otters
If I had to choose the cutest part of the entire experience, it would absolutely be the otters.
We got to feed them fish and watch them interact up close.
Their playful personalities made them an instant favorite with everyone in our group.
We’ve visited many animal attractions over the years, but feeding otters was something none of us had ever done before.
Holding Animals You Never Thought You Would
One of the most rewarding parts of the experience was watching my daughter.
Before we arrived, she was nervous about some of the animal interactions.
By the end of the tour, she was holding animals she never would have imagined touching.
Safari Stayz allowed her to step outside her comfort zone in a safe and supportive environment.
We held and interacted with a variety of animals, including:
- A fox
- Prairie dog
- Snakes
- Turtles
- Skunk
- Birds
- And many others
Our favorite animal to hold was probably the fox.
It was such a unique experience and something we’ll be talking about for years.
Even Porcupines Are Surprisingly Amazing
One of the biggest surprises of the day was getting to interact with a porcupine.
Most people probably don’t think of porcupines as animals they would want to get close to, but this ended up being one of the most memorable encounters of the entire experience.
The hands-on opportunities throughout the tour kept everyone engaged from beginning to end.
Extra Fun: The Sloth Experience
We added the sloth experience to our visit, and we’re so glad we did.
As a bonus, we also got to see an anteater.
The additional encounter made an already fantastic experience even more memorable.
If you’re considering adding an upgrade, I would definitely recommend it.
Perfect for Multiple Generations
One thing that stood out about Safari Stayz was how well it worked for all age groups.
Our group included:
- Grandma (Mimi)
- Mom
- Teen daughter
- Teenage friends
And every single person had a favorite part of the day.
Finding activities that genuinely appeal to multiple generations can be challenging, but Safari Stayz managed to do exactly that.
Whether you have young children, tweens, teenagers, parents, or grandparents, there’s something here that everyone can enjoy.
A Photographer’s Dream
Families who love taking photos will find endless opportunities here.
Throughout the encounter, we were able to take photos with many of the animals and capture moments that aren’t possible at traditional zoos.
From kangaroos and otters to foxes and birds, there were photo opportunities around every corner.
What We Loved Most About Safari Stayz
After reflecting on our visit, these were the things that stood out the most:
✔ The hands-on animal encounters
✔ Friendly and knowledgeable guides
✔ No feeling of being rushed
✔ Opportunities to hold and feed animals
✔ Great experience for teenagers
✔ Perfect for multi-generational families
✔ Incredible photo opportunities
✔ Clearly well-cared-for animals
✔ Educational and entertaining
Are the Animals Well Cared For?
Absolutely.
One of the things we noticed throughout our visit was how comfortable and loved the animals appeared.
Many of the animals are rescues, and it was obvious that the staff genuinely cares about their well-being.
The guides spoke about the animals with affection and respect, and the experience felt focused on education and responsible animal care.
Is Safari Stayz Worth the Drive from Dallas?
Without question.
We’ve visited zoos, wildlife parks, and animal attractions throughout Texas and Oklahoma, but Safari Stayz offers something completely different.
The ability to interact directly with so many animals creates an experience that feels personal, memorable, and meaningful.
For families looking for unique adventures beyond the typical attractions, Safari Stayz is absolutely worth adding to your list.
Final Thoughts
Our girls’ weekend ended up creating memories we’ll be talking about for years.
Watching teenagers overcome fears, seeing animals up close, feeding otters, petting kangaroos, holding a fox, and sharing the experience across three generations made this one of our favorite family adventures.
If you’re looking for a unique road trip from Dallas that combines education, entertainment, and unforgettable animal encounters, Safari Stayz deserves a spot on your family’s bucket list.
For more family-friendly adventures, explore our collection of Outdoor Adventures and discover even more destinations worth the drive from DFW.
