Virginia Safari Park - Natural Bridge, VA
Virginia Safari Park: Family-Friendly, Pet-Enriching Adventure in Natural Bridge, VA
Located in beautiful Natural Bridge, Virginia, the Virginia Safari Park is not just a wildlife adventure but a must-visit destination for families and animal lovers. The park features a unique drive-through safari experience where guests get up-close and personal with free-roaming, exotic animals right from their vehicles. With three miles of pet-friendly trails and walk-through areas, you’ll encounter giraffes, penguins, lions, and a variety of other animals – making for a truly one-of-a-kind, dog-friendly day trip near Natural Bridge.
The park is exceptionally well-kept, with clean grounds, several restrooms (some with changing tables), and ample shaded areas. While primarily an exotic animal attraction, pet owners will appreciate dedicated walking areas, roomy parking, and convenient amenities like food stands, a gift store, and a vehicle vacuum station. Virginia Safari Park is renowned for being clean, accessible, and fun for all ages. While not a dedicated off-leash dog park, it stands out for its accommodating and friendly environment for pet families exploring Natural Bridge, VA.
FAQs
- Are there restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are many bathrooms on site, some with changing tables.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, visitors note the park is beautiful and well-kept, with healthy animals and clean facilities.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features walk-through zoo areas in addition to the drive-through route.
- Where is the best place to park? There is ample on-site parking available for visitors.
- Are there playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park is family-oriented with engaging activities for children, like feeding animals and a walking trail experience.
Reviews
We have nothing but AMAZING things to say about the Virginia Safari Park. There are two sections to this park. You can do the drive through safari and then there is a walking area for the petting zoo. We did both. Once we got through the gate of the drive through safari, there were so many animals greeting us wanting us to feed them. The only thing we will say is make sure you have hand sanitizer in your car and maybe some wipes to clean up spit from the animals. The animals were friendly, some allowed us to pet them while we fed them. They would stop your car and then stick their heads in the windows. We loved feeding them. Then on the walking trail, there are so many other animals. You can feed giraffes, goats, and birds. They also have lions here and penguins. The penguins are South African penguins so they are used to heat. The lions are behind a cage, you can see them but not interact with them like the other animals. As parents of a newly potty trained toddler, we did love that there were many bathrooms on site. The even have a gift store here. The staff is so friendly and we had a GREAT time. We will need to return.
My husband and I had the absolute best time doing the drive thru alone . Make sure you buy 4 buckets of feed for the animals. We bought 2 not knowing exactly how fast that would go because there are so many animals to feed. Its a three mile loop, and we were out halfway. I was so sad we ran out. The animals are so friendly. We would make this trip again! 10 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
Honestly one of the best parks I’ve ever been to and I have traveled to many. The scenery is gorgeous, so many animals, the safari drive is long and worth it. Of course olan to have a very messy car after. I advise to pack some sandwiches and snacks. So much more to see after the drive. Walking around is nice too, bathrooms had changing tables which are greatly appreciated. They wete pretty clean as well. We went on a Sunday and it was not overly packed which I also appreciated. 100% recommend and plan for a full day, lots to see!
Honestly one of the best parks I’ve ever been to and I have traveled to many. The scenery is gorgeous, so many animals, the safari drive is long and worth it. Of course olan to have a very messy car after. I advise to pack some sandwiches and snacks. So much more to see after the drive. Walking around is nice too, bathrooms had changing tables which are greatly appreciated. They wete pretty clean as well. We went on a Sunday and it was not overly packed which I also appreciated. 100% recommend and plan for a full day, lots to see!
Unbelievable place. We had so much fun. Buy 4 cups of food and make sure you save some for later in the drive. At the entrance there were a bunch of a animals that mob the cars coming in. The bigger animals will try and take your cup, it hilarious. Once you get one cup empty, use that to feed by putting a little in each time. Be prepared for slobber and hair all over your vehicle. Some of the animals will put there whole head inside the vehicle if you let them. Strongly recommend for anyone. We have 2 kids, 4 and 6, and we had them sit with us up front. Park was beautiful and we’ll kept.
Unbelievable place. We had so much fun. Buy 4 cups of food and make sure you save some for later in the drive. At the entrance there were a bunch of a animals that mob the cars coming in. The bigger animals will try and take your cup, it hilarious. Once you get one cup empty, use that to feed by putting a little in each time. Be prepared for slobber and hair all over your vehicle. Some of the animals will put there whole head inside the vehicle if you let them. Strongly recommend for anyone. We have 2 kids, 4 and 6, and we had them sit with us up front. Park was beautiful and we’ll kept.
What a fun time. We showed up around 3:45pm and began the safari drive. We purchased four feed tubs at the entrance gate along with our tickets. There are alot of llamas at the front and they are very cute but alittle greedy. We were gone with our 4 tubs before the first bend of the drive. Woops. Definitely would get 4 tubs a person next time.
Loved the village part the most myself honestly. I am such a lover of birds and had so much fun feeding the budgies. Do be careful with them as they swarm you for those sticks if its just acouple of you inside. I had atleast 20 on me at once. They also like to lick the sweat on your arms and sometimes nibble. Its not too painful of a bite but it can lightly break skin so be cautious.
What a fun time. We showed up around 3:45pm and began the safari drive. We purchased four feed tubs at the entrance gate along with our tickets. There are alot of llamas at the front and they are very cute but alittle greedy. We were gone with our 4 tubs before the first bend of the drive. Woops. Definitely would get 4 tubs a person next time.
Loved the village part the most myself honestly. I am such a lover of birds and had so much fun feeding the budgies. Do be careful with them as they swarm you for those sticks if its just acouple of you inside. I had atleast 20 on me at once. They also like to lick the sweat on your arms and sometimes nibble. Its not too painful of a bite but it can lightly break skin so be cautious.
Didn’t know about this place and very glad we stopped. A very sweet place to see animals up close! Be warned they will take your food bucket away from you shamelessly! Smart and funny! Took me a bit to clean all the food out of my car after playing tug-o-war with a sweet alpaca 😆
Very neat experience with the drive thru safari and the walking zoo area. You definitely want to buy at minimum 4 buckets of feed because the Lamas will bite onto the bucket and steal the entire thing in the first 15 feet of driving in. Was shocked how many different type of animals there are very cool! We got to watch the elks bugle that was pretty amazing as well. The bird enclosure where you feed the parakeets was a blast, we could have stayed in there for so long. A great place for all ages. Definitely recommend a visit, you will be happy you did it.