Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach is such a great place to take the kids during the hot, summer months. The park boasts a forty-year history entertaining people from all over the world. A great history of it can be referenced in Carol Parris Krauss’s Associated Content article. When you first enter the park you will drive through an atmosphere that is very much like a zoo, only the animals, instead of being in cages are roaming free in the “wild.” You view them from the safety of your vehicle (windows rolled up and you remaining inside of the moving vehicles at all times, of course). During this drive you will come across many different types of animals such as wildebeests, lions, or zebra. In fact, it is not at all unusual for traffic to be held up a bit by an ostrich looking in a car window at a car full of laughing people or to have cars waiting in a line for an animal to cross the road (in their own sweet time, of course). Out of all of the places in West Palm Beach, Florida, Gwen Guess, very accurately writes up the experience in her Associated Content article as a must-see. This is especially true if you have children, if you love nature (the trees are simply gorgeous in this place) or even if you just love wildlife.
Once you finish the drive-through self-tour, you are able to go into the walk-through section of the park where you will find many animals such as anteaters, rhinoceros (including White Rhinoceros), deer, peacocks, crocodiles, etc. There are certain areas where you can have interaction with the animals and where feeding them is permitted, including a designated petting zoo where you can reach over or through the fence (preferred by some of the younger children) or where you are welcome to walk inside and walk amongst them. There are also areas of water where you can feed the fish if you choose to. There are live shows that feature interaction with the animals. You might see a show featuring owls, tigers, sharks, or even a reptile show, among many others; all of which prove to be very unique, informative and fun.
After strolling through and visiting the over 900 species of animals you can relax with a round (or few) of miniature golf, race the remote-controlled vehicles or get some sun in the dual paddle boats that go out across the water. There are also fun activities and features scattered throughout the park, such as the fun mirrors. These activities are included in the admission price and are a popular place to sit down and relax and perhaps enjoy a cool drink or something to eat from one of the food stands available throughout the park.
There are also special events that take place throughout the year and those can be accessed on the Lion Country Safari website.
Admission is $21.99 for ages 10-64 and there are discounted prices for Seniors and children under 10. Children under 2 years of age are admitted free of charge. Parking for the park is currently $4.00 per vehicle. According to Shirlene Alusa-Brown’s Associated Content article, a portion of this money is used to help in conservation efforts all over the world.
Another piece of advice, please do not forget to stop by the gift shops either while in the park or on your way in or out of the park. The selections here are not only adorable but unique and we never leave without picking up something charming: It is definitely worth the extra time to browse through.
All in all, Lion Country Safari is not only a great place to take the children but it is also very economical and guaranteed to create memories aplenty. Don’t forget to bring the camera!
