One of my favorite places to visit in San Diego is the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park. I especially love getting to share such a beautiful place with my daughter. It’s a popular place for most parents and their kids, which is why I thought I would share my top five must-dos at the Safari Park.
5. The Conservation Carousel
Carousels are one of the most popular rides for parents to enjoy with their children. At the Conservation Carousel your child can take a ride on some of their favorite animals and you will love watching their faces light up as they do. Riding the Conservation Carousel is also a great way to take a short break from all the wandering you do at the Safari Park. The carousel is $6 for an all-day ticket.
4. Walkabout Australia
This is the park’s latest exhibit and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. You can marvel at the kangaroos and wallabies as they jump through the exhibit. But make sure you keep an eye out as they could potentially bounce across the path right in front of you. And of course, no visit to Walkabout Australia is complete without visiting the sometimes-elusive Cassowary. Also, there should be some new tenants moving into Walkabout Australia in the future so keep an eye out for them as well.
3. Elephant Valley
For me, no trip to the Safari Park is complete without a stop at Elephant Valley. Getting to see the herd move through their habitat and interact as they would in the wild is truly something special. Right now, it’s especially fun to watch the little ones, Zuli and Mhkaya, cruising around and playing together. You can also get lucky and see the keepers interacting with the elephants. It’s wonderful to see the bond they have with these animals. I could just sit and watch the elephants for hours.
2. Enjoy a meal at The Watering Hole
This is hands down my favorite restaurant in the park. Good food with a great view. What’s not to love? The restaurant looks out over the African Plains exhibit so you’ll have the chance to see rhinos wallowing in mud puddles, grazing giraffes, or even antelopes running over the hills. It’s always a different experience which is what lends this spot its charm. My favorite item to order off the menu is the Monte Cristo Panini. And if you’re looking to indulge in an adult beverage, I would strongly suggest the Charging Rhino. The kids menu offers an option of either a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or grilled cheese. Visiting The Watering Hole will let you and the kiddos take a load off while still enjoying the animals and the atmosphere of the Safari Park.
And a drum roll please…
1. The Africa Tram
This is a can’t miss experience at the San Diego Safari Park, and as a bonus, it’s included with your park ticket. It’s like going on safari without having to go all the way to Africa. You’ll get to see countless species behaving and interacting as they would in the wild. If you’re lucky enough you may even get to witness one of the more then 200 births that the park averages each year. You will also get to learn about so many of the Safari Park’s conservation projects. The Africa Tram is both an entertaining and educational experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Hopefully this list will help you make new special memories with your kids on your next visit to the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park.
