23 Safari In NEW YORK (Mesmerizing, Educational, & Fun)
Have you been wanting to see species of animals in person?
Do the YouTube videos of fun facts about your favorite animals not satisfy you enough?
It may be because witnessing the variety of local and international animals in person is much better!
This way, you may see these natural creatures’ beautiful furs, patterns, and coats and observe their personalities in real time!
You may also get the opportunity to interact with and even pet or feed them!
With that said, ditch your computers and head to the places like Safari to meet the beautiful animals!
You’ll indeed find the experience worth the travel!
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Zoos in New York.
Safari in New York City, New York
1. Central Park Zoo
Prepare to be fascinated with the fantastic beings you will see at this educational and fun attraction!
Located in Central Park, Manhattan, the Central Park Zoo offers 6.5 acres of education-filled area sheltering over 130 species of animals!
So be sure to bring your cameras and capture amazing photos of leopards, sea lions, red pandas, and many more of our four-legged friends!
Additionally, if you have a young companion who shows interest in animals, this place is perfect as it provides educational programs and activities for kids.
You can also enjoy animal feedings, demonstrations, and interactive exhibits together.
To add to your incredible experience, you can also try their 4-D theater, which offers a multi-sensory experience.
After an eventful day, you can ease your hunger at the area’s wide range of food options, including cafes and food stands.
Address: 830 5th Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States
2. Bronx Zoo
With more than 265 acres of land, there are many to see and do in this popular attraction.
So hurry up, plan your trip, and buy your tickets now; the fun awaits at the Bronx Zoo!
In this safari park, you’ll get the unique opportunity to say hello to over 700 species of animals!
You may see animals like lions, elephants, gorillas, birds, etc.
There would be no dull moments in this attraction because apart from greeting the animals, you can also witness their offered exhibits and habitats.
So prepare your camera and capture unique moments in their World of Birds, JungleWorld, Tiger Mountain, and others!
Remember to also tune in to their important dates as they offer special events like the Boo at the Zoo during Halloween.
Address: 12 miles from NYC, 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10460, United States
3. Queens Zoo
Do you want to see animals from North and South America without having a long drive?
Don’t worry; you can enjoy sightseeing all day in Queens!
If you are looking forward to a historical trip, a fun exhibit, and fantastic interactions with various animals, the Queens Zoo is the perfect place!
So wait no more and purchase your tickets now online!
Stepping inside the venue, you may visit their Aviary, where you may expect to encounter scarlet macaws, sun conures, cattle egrets, bobwhite quails, and many other beautiful birds!
There is also a range of domestic animals you can see and sea lions in their pool.
Additionally, you can explore the diverse wildlife they shelter and stop by the Waterfowl Marsh to see amphibians, reptiles, and many more of our water pals!
Address: 9 miles from NYC, 53-51 111th St, Corona, NY 11368, United States
4. Staten Island Zoo
Are you still looking for the perfect Safari to surprise your child with?
You can stop your search now, as Staten Island Zoo is ready to impress you with the diverse species of animals they shelter.
Although not required, you can make reservations online, recommended so your visit will be as smooth as possible, giving you more time to see exhibits such as the Tropical Forest, the North Shore Exhibit, or the Children’s Center, which your young ones will surely enjoy.
Educational workshops are also available for animal-life-loving visitors, and a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs for your visit.
Furthermore, as it is a well-known area expecting many visitors, wearing or bringing face masks and hand sanitizers for protection amid the pandemic is recommended.
Address: 13 miles from NYC, 614 Broadway, Staten Island, NY 10310, United States
Also see our article on Aquariums in New York.
Safari in Ithaca, New York
1. Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary
Are you a lover of birds?
Pack your bag now, prepare your camera, and fly through the mesmerizing world of birds at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary!
Located in the same area, Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary is adjacent to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which is on the campus of Cornell University.
Visiting the place, expect to see many species of our winged friends, including warblers, woodpeckers, and many more.
They offer many resources, research, and science projects all about birds giving you a fantastic opportunity to learn more about these feathered creatures in a fun way!
You can try their interactive exhibits or bird observation areas as you visit, then head to their gift shop for souvenirs.
If you are into a peaceful walk, they also have trails and nature walks accompanied by birds!
Address: 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
2. Cayuga Nature Center
Get ready for another fun-filled trip with this fantastic attraction.
With over 120 acres of land, the Cayuga Nature Center will wow you with its many habitats, sheltering different animals you can meet!
Forests, meadows, ponds, and trails are just some sights you can find at the venue.
Make sure to put their trails on your to-do list.
You’ll not be disappointed when going through their magnificent trails as you enjoy a peaceful hike or an entertaining birdwatching session, or you can observe the wildlife in the area!
They also have interactive exhibits and displays ready to be captured by your camera.
Seasonal events and educational workshops are also offered, as well as guided tours to make the most out of your visit.
So think no more; if you are excited to experience a day with birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, visit the Cayuga Nature Center!
Address: 1420 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
3. Ithaca Farmers Market
Do you want to experience an encounter with wildlife but need help to go to a zoo or a paid venue?
Fret no more, as the Ithaca Farmers Market is here to help!
Here, you can play double roles, a wildlife or nature visitor and an errand running locally!
You can shop among the various products they have in store, including fresh fruits, baked goods, vegetables, and many more scan around for some occasional wildlife sightings along the Cayuga Lake Waterfront.
Also, the beautiful view of nature keeps you entertained while waiting for the animals to show!
With that said, bring your baskets and prepare your camera now!
Visit the Ithaca Farmers Market and avoid shopping; you might miss the fantastic wildlife peeking upon you!
Address: 105 Enfield Falls Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
Also see our article on Museums in New York.
Safari in Rochester, New York
1. The Wild Park at Mendon Ponds Park
Set up your camera and bring your binoculars if you must!
The Wild Park at Mendon Ponds Park will fill your day with unique animals and pretty plants!
In this safari-like park, you will explore beautiful hiking and walking pathways and witness various migratory and permanent bird species along your mini journey.
Additionally, shade and scenic picnic places for your family and outdoor dinners are available to ensure a satisfying visit.
A well-kept park with dedicated spaces for kids to play is also installed, so your young ones are provided with fun too!
You can participate in educational sessions and nature-themed activities they host as well.
This attraction is a peaceful environment for unwinding and relieving tension, particularly after your tireless week at work!
If transportation is your worry, a parking space is available so you can bring your vehicle.
Address: 16 miles from Rochester, 95 Douglas Rd, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472
2. The Seneca Park Zoo
Wear your summer hat and sunglasses; the Seneca Park Zoo will get your attention this summer as they proudly present the world’s most extensive collection of creatures, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and more!
The Seneca Park Zoo also has exciting and instructive exhibits, perfect if you’d like to have insights into wildlife conservation and ecosystem preservation.
Here, you can try their interactive activities like stroking goats, feeding giraffes, and running into other amiable creatures to connect with nature’s creatures and share some love with them.
You’ll also be presented with luxuriant gardens where you can take photos, stroll walks you enjoy, and grounds with lovely landscaping.
Year-round special events and occasions you can participate in include zoo camps, animal shows, and holiday festivities.
If you bring your family, you can get them to the Park’s Playgrounds, picnic spots, and carousel.
With that said, invite them to the world of animals and greens, The Seneca Park Zoo!
Address: 2222 St Paul St, Rochester, NY 14621
3. Hidden Valley Animal Adventure
Don’t hide; show your interest in animals through a trip to the Hidden Valley Animal Adventure!
Offering you an intimate interaction with a range of exotic creatures, this unique wildlife park
a safari-like setting where guests may meet and feed animals while driving or on guided trips
a wide variety of animals, including zebras, bison, elk, camels, and more, will sweep you off your feet and give you a trip to remember!
Here, you are given opportunities for education to learn about various species and their natural environments!
There are also scenic routes for strolling through the park and viewing animals in their natural habitat, giving you a full-storage camera gallery after your visit.
Additionally, Picnic spots and pavilions for meeting and eating outside are available, so you pack your food if you’d like.
If you have brought a young companion, you can also have them enjoy the playground and petting zoo available at the venue.
Address: 37 miles from Rochester, 2887 Royce Rd, Varysburg, NY 14167
4. The Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventure Park
Show off your skills and give appreciation for the wildlife you may encounter!
You can bring out the adventure lover at Bristol Mountain ski resort.
They provide a range of fun aerial obstacles and courses for players of all ability levels, including zip lines, bridges, and high ropes courses you can try to test your courage!
But don’t worry, with their experienced guides and stringent safety standards in place, safety is given top priority, so you can try as many activities as you want.
There are also Stunning natural settings with picturesque views of the mountains and forest around where you may also see wildlife!
Furthermore, On-site conveniences such as bathrooms, picnic spots, and a café are available, providing more ease and comfort for your visit.
Address: 30 miles from Rochester, 5662 State Route 64, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Also see our article on State Parks in New York.
Safari in Syracuse, New York
1. Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Bring your friends and family to this famous safari-like zoo in Syracuse!
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo, situated near Syracuse, New York, is a well-liked destination for all ages of animal enthusiasts, so trust that your visit will be worth it.
This place is a sanctuary for more than 700 animals, including more than 200 different species from throughout the globe, providing you with many animals to say hi to!
Be sure to pass by and wave to their various animals, including African and Asian elephants, lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras, penguins, reptiles, and more.
You can also avail educational opportunities here through regular animal feedings, talks, and hands-on activities to add more entertainment to your visit.
They also have a section designated for children called the “E.M. Mills Rose Garden Playground,” so if you have a kid in your family, this is a perfect place for them to learn more about animal life!
If you look forward to more fun activities, you can participate in their kids’ zoo camps, overnight stays, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Address: 1 Conservation Pl, Syracuse, NY 13204
2. Onondaga Lake Park
Free your schedule and make room for a trip to the Onondaga Lake Park!
This beautiful and sizable park in Syracuse, New York, will surely be one of your favorite places as you gaze at the breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding scenery.
The park has a length of almost 7 miles and an area of around 1,000 acres, offering plenty of room for leisurely outdoor pursuits and a perfect background for your family photos!
After a few snaps, check your pictures and see if wildlife has entered the frame!
Additionally, you can bring your bikes and roller skates as they have many well-maintained trails and are ideal for walking, running, cycling, and rollerblading.
Head to Onondaga Lake Park now and look for a wholesome interaction with nature and its creatures!
Address: 106 Lake Dr, Liverpool, NY 13088, just north of Syracuse
3. Beaver Lake Nature Center
Ditch your usual hangout at the bar and instead drive to the Beaver Lake Nature Center and appreciate the beauty held by nature and animals!
This tranquil and beautiful wildlife park near Baldwinsville, New York, will make you fall in love with what it offers.
The park’s focal point is Beaver Lake, a serene lake surrounded by marshes and beautiful woodlands enough to make your visit satisfactory!
It has more than 9 miles of groomed hiking paths that allow you to have strolls, energizing treks, and environmental discovery.
Furthermore, you can look forward to Its unique ecology, home to a wide range of plant and animal species eager to be discovered.
This place makes it a refuge if you are a passionate birdwatcher, nature photographer, or wildlife lover.
Address: 8477 E Mud Lake Rd, Baldwinsville, NY 13027
4. Safari Playground
Have fun, and have your young ones play with nature!
This well-liked outdoor playground is called Safari Playground in Syracuse and is an excellent way to introduce the beauty of wildlife to your kids.
The playground has a safari-themed design and vibrant, interactive sculptures that look like animals and natural landscape features that children will find interesting.
They would also not be bored and bombarded with too many wildlife displays as there are play structures and equipment, including slides, climbing walls, swing sets, and bridges available.
This makes an excellent way for them to stay entertained at the place.
You may also be at ease during your stay as the place offers a secure and safe play space with rubberized flooring and soft surfaces to serve as cushions in case your kid falls and to reduce injuries.
Address: W 91st St, New York, NY 10025, United States
Also see our article on National Parks in New York.
Safari in Buffalo, New York
1. Buffalo Zoo
Brace yourself, and prepare to be wowed; this popular attraction in Buffalo will give you a core memory!
The Buffalo Zoo is one of the first zoos to open in the US, proudly presenting the animal species they shelter from all around the globe.
You should set your alarm before visiting as you may need to remember to go home after being invested in watching and learning about wildlife conservation there!
Furthermore, the zoo’s 23 acres of exquisitely designed grounds give the animals and guests a natural and immersive environment to confidently deem this place worth visiting.
African Savannah, Rainforest Falls, Arctic Edge, and Sea Lion Cove are just a few displays you may tour.
Expect to learn many amazing facts about diverse ecosystems and habitats here!
Address: 300 Parkside Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14214
2. Hidden Valley Animal Adventure
Far from its name, this animal-loving attraction does not hide the beautiful animals it homes.
Instead, it proudly presents them to the world!
This distinctive and thrilling animal park, Hidden Valley Animal Adventure, allows you to interact closely with exotic and domestic animals in a realistic and immersive environment!
Here, you may take a guided safari trip to their enormous grounds, where you can get up close and personal with the animals and connect to these lovable and intelligent creatures!
You can also feed them if you’d like.
Try it and make the giraffes, camels, and zebras happy!
Additionally, more than 300 different types of local and exotic animals may be seen at the park, so there is no need to travel far; most of your favorite animals are already here!
Address: 2887 Royce Road, Varysburg, NY 14167
3. Tifft Nature Preserve
Are you a bird lover?
If you are, quit your Google search about bird images, they are much more interesting to look at in person!
Buffalo, New York’s Tifft Nature Preserve, is a tranquil and beautiful natural area and a perfect place if you are seeking a place to rest your mind.
The area contains woods, meadows, marshes, and ponds, making it look like a paradise from storybooks.
Additionally, this preserve’s more than 264 acres of various ecosystems serve as a home for a wide range of plant and animal species waiting to be discovered by your eyes!
The preserve is also a well-liked location for bird lovers like you since it is home to various bird species.
More than 200 magnificent bird species have been recorded within its borders, including migratory species in spring and fall!
Address: 1200 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo, NY 14203
4. Beaver Island State Park
Leave the comfort of your home and experience a fun day outdoors!
This magnificent and sizable state park along the Niagara River near Grand Island is here to brighten your day!
The park’s 950 acres are home to various recreational opportunities for people of all ages, which you can try to acquire a sense of peace and fulfillment.
There is also a sandy beach along the river, making it the ideal location for picnics, swimming, and sunbathing, as well as a venue for your Instagram photoshoot sessions!
Furthermore, the marina and boat launches at the park provide access to the beautiful Niagara River and Lake Erie, so if you enjoy boating, fishing, and other water sports, this attraction will surely be one of your favorite spots for your free days.
Additionally, while having fun with the activities, spare some glances around the place and pay attention to the beautiful animals you may find!
Address: 2136 W Oakfield Road, Grand Island, NY 14072
Also see our article on Horseback Riding in New York.
Safari in Brooklyn, New York
1. Prospect Park
Remove your frown; you are about to witness a breathtaking sight to remember!
The well-known urban oasis Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York, will be unremovable at the top of your to-do list!
Created by the same landscape designers who designed Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted, and Calvert Vaux, they have had a blast making this breathtakingly beautiful natural haven.
This park has more than 500 acres, home to various landscapes, including verdant meadows, forested regions, tranquil lakes, and undulating hills, making it more glorious.
The Ravine is also forested with waterfalls, meandering walks, and primitive bridges, making it a perfect unwinding spot and an escape from the busy world.
Furthermore, with over 250 bird species documented in the area, your inner bird lover will break free upon visiting!
Address: 95 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 1121
2. Staten Island Greenbelt
You won’t be able to put down your camera even once in this attraction!
This spacious natural area, the Staten Island Greenbelt, offers a tranquil respite from the city’s activity.
The Greenbelt is one of the country’s most extensive urban forests that spans more than 2,800 acres sheltering a variety of ecosystems, including woods, marshes, meadows, and ponds that will never escape your memory!
Here you may enjoy hiking, walking, trail running, and wildlife discovery with its routes while you reflect on your day!
Additionally, you may have chances for animal observation and photography since it is home to various wildlife, including white-tailed deer, red foxes, turtles, and several bird species, making your visit more enjoyable.
With that said, free your schedule this week and make way for the top-notch experience at the Greenbelt in Staten Island!
Address: 700 Rockland Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314, United States
3. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
In this place, you can freely express your love for our animal friends and appreciate nature’s beauty!
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a stunning natural haven with over 9,000 acres of varied ecosystems, giving you a moth gaping sight to see.
This refuge, a section of the Gateway National Recreation Area, is renowned for playing a crucial role in sustaining migrating birds and other animals.
Over 330 bird species and other animals may be found here, as well as a diverse range of highland farms, woods, and open lake regions.
Furthermore, a network of paths, including the West Pond Trail, East Pond Trail, and Animal Drive, may be found in the area giving you more options for exploration.
In these, you may experience bird watching, nature photography, and animal observation, so make sure your phone is fully charged, as there are many sights worth capturing along the way!
Address: 12 miles from Brooklyn, 175-10 Cross Bay Boulevard, Broad Channel, NY 11693
4. New York Aquarium
The New York Aquarium allows you to investigate the exciting world of aquatic life.
It is located along the lovely Coney Island Boardwalk.
As you go through various marine ecosystems, prepare to be fascinated by the experience.
Admire the dazzling tropical fish’s beautiful dance in the vivid coral reefs, and be astounded by the mighty sharks’ majestic strength and grace as they glide through the deep-sea displays!
Explore deeper to see joyful sea otters playing in their natural habitat along the shore and to see dolphins performing their excellent acrobatic abilities while demonstrating their astounding intellect.
Be sure to visit the penguins as they waddle and slide on the ice ground, delighting onlookers with cute antics!
Touch the soft skin of a stingray, observe a sea lion training exercise and be amazed by its tremendous strength, or participate in an exciting sea turtle feeding experience.
Address: 602 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11224
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Trampoline Parks, Amusement Parks, and Indoor Water Parks in New York.
Looking beyond New York? Check out our article on the best places to enjoy a Safari in Illinois and California.