Drive Through Safari Near Houston

Drive Through Safari Near Houston

The drive through safaris near Houston showcase awesome places like the Franklin Drive Thru Safari, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, and the Grapeland Safari!

Houston has a wilder side, filled with amazing animals you can see up close without even leaving your car! That’s right, we’re talking about drive-thru safaris, where lions, tigers, and giraffes aren’t just pictures in a book. So, buckle up because here are our top choices to visit for your next safari Houston TX adventure!


Drive Through Safari Houston – How Far Are They From H-Town?

2-Hour Drive

3-Hour Drive

4-Hour Drive


Quick Summary for Drive Through Safari Houston

Embark on a thrilling journey through Houston’s best drive-thru safaris, each offering a unique blend of wildlife variety, budget-friendly options, and additional activities for an adventurous day out!

For the budget-conscious, you can check out Exotic Resort Zoo ($7) and Franklin Drive Thru Safari ($20)!

If you are an adventurous bunch and want to experience animal encounters, then visiting Wild Animal Safari Aggieland and Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari are your best bet. If it’s your first time driving through Wild Animal Safari Aggieland, I recommend paying a little extra for a guided tour. Your guide can point out some of the hidden wildlife and provide fascinating facts about the wild animals. 

These Houston drive through safari locations offer unique ways to connect with wildlife. Whether it’s feeding zebras by hand or learning about animal behaviors, these safaris near Houston provide a delightful escape into nature, so don’t miss the chance to visit!


Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer before heading out.

Also, remember to check out our other posts: Things to Do in Houston with Kids and Toddlers, Fun Things to Do in Houston for Teens, Things to Do in Galveston with Kids, and Free Museums in Houston!


2-Hour Drive Thru Safari Near Houston

Exotic Resort Zoo

Well, this Houston safari is actually a bonus since it’s only estimated to be 50 minutes away from H-Town.

You can also pay for a guided tour so that you can go off-road but also learn from a wise tour guide on a tractor. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a wide-eyed first-timer, this unique zoo promises an unforgettable experience with tours that run all day long!

Where: 22115 Sherrod Ln, Spring, TX 77389
How Far: 50 minutes
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Saturday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm | Sunday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: $15.95 for children 12 years old and under; $18.95 per adult; $17.95 per senior (60+ years old)


Franklin Drive Thru Safari

Want a drive thru safari near Houston that’s informative and interactive? Read signs along the way to learn all about where the animals come from and what they like to eat. You can even take a guided tour with an animal caretaker who knows all the secrets of the safari! ?For all the details about how the animals are cared for and what their personalities are like, the Private Safari Tour has it all. 

Where: 4324 W Hwy 79, Franklin, TX 77856
How Far: 2 hours and 14 minutes
Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: Entry Price FREE for children under 2 years old; $20 per person | Group of 30+ $20 (Free Tour and Food)


Wild Animal Safari Aggieland

safari houston

Drive Through Safari Houston | Image Credit: Aggieland Safari

Meet nature’s most fascinating creatures by choosing how you want to explore the park! This drive through safari near Houston can be enjoyed with your vehicle, a rental, or a bus with a knowledgeable guide. After taking the drive-thru safari, choose the Animal Encounters experience or visit the Adventure Zoo. 

Where: 18075 FM974, Bryan, TX 77808
How Far: 2 hours
Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: General Admission $25.95 per adult (13 -64 years old); $20.95 per junior (3 – 12 years old); $20.95 per senior (65+ years old); $89 Family Four Pack


Grapeland Safari

Trade your city landscape for a day filled with animals and fun! Grapeland Safari promises an escape to the wild, an immersive experience where you’ll come face-to-face with camels and feed zebra by hand.

Where: 13440 US-287, Grapeland, TX 75844
How Far: 2 hours and 19 minutes
Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday CLOSED | Wednesday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: General Admission is $7 per person


Drive Through Safari Houston – 3 Hours Away From H-Town

Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari

houston safari

Drive Through Safari Houston | Image Credit: Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari

 Nestled in the woods, Cherokee Trace feels like a hidden gem that may not be as big as other safaris but can compete! Cherokee Trace offers a more focused and intimate drive-thru experience which is perfect for families with young children or groups that want to see a zebra up close.

Where: 1200 Co Rd 4405, Jacksonville, TX 75766
How Far: 3 hours and 17 minutes
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm | Sunday 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Cost: $14.95 for children 3 – 12 years old; $ 19.95 per adult; $17.95 per senior (65+ years old)


Blue Hills Ranch Resort

Where: 2032 Blue Cut Rd N, McGregor, TX 76657
How Far: 3 hours and 11 minutes
Operating Hours: By Appointment Only
Cost: FREE for children under 1 year old; $50 per person


Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

drive thru safari houston

Drive Through Safari Houston | Image Credit: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

For another Safari in Houston that you should check out, there are about 6 miles of acres to explore and more than 40 animal species to see! Choose your preferred type of feed and enjoy multiple trips if you dare. The animals here are in a free-roaming environment and the tour takes 1-2 hours.

Where: 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
How Far: 3 hours and 24 minutes
Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $29.99 per adult; $19.99 for children 3 – 11 years old


Houston Drive Thru Safari – 4 Hours Away From H-Town

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

This drive thru safari Houston has to offer gives you the option to join a group or bring your own vehicle for a self-guided drive along 7.2 miles of Texas Hill Country! Get up close and personal with endangered antelopes or feed the giraffes! The drive’s about 1.5 hours and you get a free cone of animal feed per vehicle!

Where: 2299 Co Rd 2008, Glen Rose, TX 76043
How Far: 4 hours and 19 minutes
Operating Hours: Daily 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Cost: Public Guided  Tour FREE for children under 3 years old; $44.95 per person | Self-Guided Drive FREE for children under 2 years old; $24.95 for children 3 – 11 years old; $29.95 per person


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Natalie Dulaney