Lion Country Safari: A hidden jewel in South Florida

I recently discovered what I think is a hidden jewel in South Florida! Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee Florida.

As someone who is on baby watch (the super no fun time in my life when I am supposed to do nothing but wait) I decided that my family and I should venture out Memorial Day and explore something new. I came up with visiting this park, which I had heard about but never visited. In my mind this would be a totally safe trip…sit in the car and do a drive through tour of a safari where the animals run free within the confines of the park.

I packed a bag of snacks for my troop: water, juice, gold-fish and pretzels and off we went. Upon arriving at the park you are charged per person in your car (coupons are available and easily found online) and you are armed with a CD and instructions to lock all doors and keep windows up at all times. Into the wild we went!

This was a great ride/experience for our whole family. We drove around and saw all kinds of animals from
Zebras to Lions and the ever popular giraffes. We even had Rhinos cross the street in front of our car….the highlight of my day as I looked on in awe AND panic’d for my car.
All in all I would recommend this park for all families!

Now after going through the Safari you can drive to another area of the park where you can enjoy other activities with your family. I was completely surprised by this part of the park. There is plenty to do, paddle boats, small rides, mini water park, nature walk and you can also feed the giraffes! I was not prepared. We stopped to eat at the restaurant (which was not my favorite) my recommendation would be to pack your lunch, the park had Picnic tables that you can eat your home brought meal at.

Unfortunately it was super hot in the park and for me, in all my nine months pregnant, could not do the walking. I ended up feeling sick and we did little exploring before heading back to the car. Of course I received an “I told you so” from my husband and a sad face from my four-year old. I fixed the sad face with an overpriced stuffed mermaid.

We can’t win them all! But I will absolutely return! The Lion Country Safari is a great value for the cost and I great day for the whole family!

Bonus: they also have a KOA camp ground that I am looking forward to visiting in the cooler months here in South Florida!
-J