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Tennessee Safari Park: A Visitors Guide

Everything you need to know about visiting this hidden gem full of animals

If you're looking for a weekend activity for the whole family, you can take the kids to the Tennessee Safari Park in Alamo, Tennessee. Its a place to see exotic animals up close and personal. You can even feed some of them. This drive-through park is a definite draw to the rural area. 

Although it is the county seat of Crockett County , Alamo would be relatively unknown if it weren't for its primary claim to fame: hosting the Tennessee Safari Park. Many West Tennessee residents don't even know this park exists, making it one of the area's hidden gems. The park is situated on a working farm that is used for growing cotton and raising cattle.

The Animals

Tennessee Safari Park boasts over 400 animals from 80 different species . Some of the animals you may see on your visit are llamas, zebras, emus, kangaroos, giraffes, monkeys, and warthogs. There are frequently new babies being born at the park so if you are lucky, you may even get a chance to see some little ones during your visit. The park has one of the largest collections of zoo animals in the United States.

The Experience

There are two parts to the park—a two-mile driving tour and a petting zoo. When you enter the park you can purchase a bucket of feed. As you drive through the park, animals will come up to your car looking for food. Many of them will eagerly stick their heads in your car, giving you the opportunity to pet and to feed them. This is a great photo opportunity and a lot of fun for kids and adults.At the petting zoo, you have the opportunity to feed and pet other animals, including a giraffe!

Tickets cost $16 for adults, $12 kids aged 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and under.

Buckets of feed cost $3. To save money buy $4 for $10. You'll be glad you have extra feed to attract the animals.

Before You Go

• Currently the Tennessee Safari Park does not accept credit cards or checks so be sure to bring some cash.
• The park is about an hour and a half drive from Memphis and about thirty minutes from Jackson.
• Plan to spend between one and two hours at the park depending upon how crowded it is and how fast or slow you go through the tour.
• Try to visit the park in the morning, if possible. The animals tend to be hungrier and more eager to interact then.
• Visitors are encouraged to purchase buckets of feed to feed the animals. Feeding them outside food is not permitted.
• Pets, including dogs, are not allowed in the park. They might upset the animals.

Hours of Operation

The park is open every day of the year except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving. If there is inclement weather check the park's Facebook Page. Snow and Ice can cause the park to close suddenly so it can protect the animals.

• Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am. - 4 p.m. (that's the time of last admittance although the park closes fully at 5 pm)
• Sunday, 12:00 noon - 4 p.m. (last admittance)

Tennessee Safari Park 637 Conley Road Alamo, TN 38001 www.tennesseesafaripark.com

Updated by Holly Whitfield, January 2018

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Zebras at the Tennessee Safari Park in Alamo, Tennessee.

Jeff Adkins/Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

A major tourist attraction, Tennessee Safari Park sits on a former cotton and cattle farm in rural Crockett County. Open year-round, the drive-through animal park boasts more than 80 species of exotic animals, ranging from zebras, giraffes, and monkeys to emus, kangaroos, and llamas. The Safari Roads section of the park features 5.5 miles of driving trails, where you can purchase buckets of food to interact with the animals. After making the loop, head to the Petting Zoo for a chance to befriend slightly tamer animals, like pygmy goats and other farm favorites. Do keep in mind that credit cards are not accepted here, so bring cash for admission and other activities.

Information on this page, including website, location, and opening hours, is subject to have changed since this page was last published. If you would like to report anything that’s inaccurate, let us know at [email protected].

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Tennessee · January 6, 2023

Our Wild Day at Tennessee Safari Park

Continuing our series of “Our Wild Day”, today we are sharing our day at Tennessee Safari Park in Alamo, TN!

Tennessee Safari Park is best known as a 7.5 mile drive-through safari. There is also a 20-acre walk-through zoo, a petting zoo, and several other animal encounters.

We came on a weekday, late morning in June with some of our friends. There weren’t many other people there, which was perfect!

As you drive up to the entrance, you pay at the gate and are asked how many feed buckets you would like. Since we’d never been, we had no idea. We decided to each get 4 buckets, which felt like a lot at the time. We had only 2 kids old enough to hold the buckets plus 2 adults and 2 toddlers.

As you drive through the park, you will keep your windows down (except in specific areas where signs direct you to roll up your windows). The animals, including camels, ostrich, emu, zebras, llamas, deer, and more, will come up and eat out of the buckets.

Be careful, because some (like the zebra) will try to steal your entire bucket! If they do take a bucket, stay in your car and leave it! Don’t get out and try to get it back!

We had the best time doing this drive-through! I’m not kidding, we were laughing the entire time! (Well, the adults were anyway. The little ones were sometimes scared!)

It’s so fun for the animals to come up with no concept of personal space, and try to get in your car with you!

Make sure you also take a selfie (or 5!) with some of the animals!

If you’re wondering about how young kids handled it, well, they were frequently scared! The ostriches were especially scary because they seem so aggressive, but really, they just know you have food and they want it!

Feel free to roll up your windows when you come up to any animals that might really scare the kids! One tip would be to put the more nervous kids in a middle seat, or keep their window rolled up.

At the end of the drive-through, we did run out of food, mostly because of animals spilling it out (they’re messy!) and the zebra stealing a whole bucket. So it turns out, our 8 buckets weren’t as much as we thought they were!

After we did the drive-through, we parked and explored the walk-through area of the zoo.

We chose not to do the giraffe feeding or parakeet feeding. The petting zoo wasn’t open at the time for some reason.

When we come back (which we definitely will ), we will probably feed the giraffe, and we will hopefully get to do the petting zoo as well!

Overall, we truly had an amazing time! I think it will be even better next time, since the younger kids are a little bit older, and the bigger kids probably a little less nervous!

How long does it take to go through Tennessee Safari Park?

It takes around an hour to do the drive-through section of the safari park.

If you plan to do the walk-through portion afterwards, add another hour to hour-and-a-half. So plan accordingly if you are going to arrive closer to closing time.

How much does it cost to go to Tennessee Safari Park?

Adults: $24

Children (age 2-12): $16

1 year and younger: FREE

* Group rates available (minimum 15 people)

Feed Buckets

$3/each OR 4 buckets for $10

*pricing includes tax and parking

*pricing accurate as of January 2023

*no online ticket sales

*accepts cash & major credit cards

Know before you go.

• Dogs are not allowed at the park, even inside your car. This includes service animals.
• Motorcycles are allowed at the park, but NOT in the drive-through area.
• Animals are still out and active if it is raining or chilly outside. If it drops below 50 degrees and is raining very hard, some animals will be locked indoors.

Hours of Operation

Open every day, all year, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.

*winter weather or flash flooding may cause closures

Monday-Saturday: 10am – 5pm (last car is admitted at 4pm)

Sunday: 12pm – 5pm (last car is admitted at 4pm)

618 Conley Road

Alamo, TN 38001

What else is there to do near Alamo, TN?

If you are planning to do the Tennessee Safari Park as more than just a day trip, you might be looking for other things to do in the area.

Tennessee Safari Park is an hour and 20 minutes from Memphis, TN , where there are all kinds of things to do.

A little less than an hour from the safari park is Discovery Playhouse of America . I would suggest an entire day dedicated just to this!

Cypress Grove Nature Park is in Jackson, TN, 26 minutes southeast of Tennessee Safari Park. Cypress Grove is a nature preserve for wildlife and features a boardwalk through a cypress forest, over a mile long.

Also in Jackson, TN is the Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum . Aside from the museum, it features a restaurant.

Have you been to a drive-through zoo? Let us know!

What to read next:

• Expert Tips for a Memorable Visit to the St. Louis Zoo
• Bearizona Wildlife Park: Perfect Route 66 Pit Stop for Families
• Essential Road Trip Tips for Families to Stay Entertained and Sane
• 25+ Fun Things to do Around Hot Springs National Park with Kids
• Things to do in Southeast Missouri for Families

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About Krista

Krista is a travel blogger, Click Pro Elite published photographer, as well as a UGC Creator for brands and destinations. Her passions include photographing childhood, being out in nature, and traveling the US with her family.

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The Underrated Safari Park In Tennessee Where You Can Watch Tons Of Animals Roam

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Some of my favorite zoo experiences have all been getting up close to animals. It is one thing to see an exotic creature but it's a whole different experience to pet one. The Tennessee Safari Park in Alamo specializes in just that very sentiment with fun interactive experiences. Drive around the park and see dozens of animals from all around the world come right up to your car! If you love animals then this is one place you will not want to pass on.

The Tennessee Safari Park is a 7.5-mile drive-thru zoo where you don’t have to look at animals through the glass. The animals have free range to roam along the grassy grounds, but you will typically find them coming right up to your vehicle.

The animals in the park come from a wide range of backgrounds and habitats and represent every continent in the world apart from Antarctica (sorry -- no penguins here, but you can find them at the Ripley’s Aquarium ).

Four-legged beasts of all sorts can be found roaming the property, so don’t be surprised if you get stopped by a herd of starring llamas.

Grab a bucket of food when you enter and keep your window rolled down because you might make a new friend in the park. There is nothing quite like feeding a hungry buffalo or watching an excited ostrich peck into the bowl for his dinner.

You can also get out to stretch your legs in the 20-acre zoo. Visit the petting zoo and meet the adorable pygmy goats or watch the (very active) spider monkey exhibit. One of my personal favorite animals is a bit on the slower side, so if you are anything like me you will be pleased to visit the Sloth Barn.

Love birds? They even offer close-up encounters with their feathered friends. See the birds flying around and you can even feed the parakeets. Many of these excited creatures will often land on you as they seek out what you have in your cup.

Have you ever fed a giraffe before? I can tell you firsthand that it is a fun and thrilling experience, but the Tennessee Safari Park takes it to a whole new level... literally! You can hold a carrot in your mouth as the giraffe takes it, but you will get a wet sloppy kiss from an 18-inch-long tongue. So romantic.

The Tennessee Safari Park in Alamo is a one-of-a-kind zoo in which the walls are removed and you can get up close and personal with the animals. For more information please visit the Tennessee Safari Park website.

Keep the animal-themed fun going by staying on a nearby llama farm .

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We Bet You Didn’t Know That Tennessee Was Home To The Salamander Capital Of The World

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited in the U.S., is renowned for its diverse salamander population.

If you have been looking for Tennessee salamanders then there is no better place to go than the Great Smoky Mountains! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the United States, and it welcomes over 12 million visitors a year. That’s a lot of people wandering the 800 miles of trails! The Smokies play host to tourist towns like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, and you can drive through its natural beauty on scenic byways like the Newfound Gap. Of course, what folks may not know about the Great Smoky Mountains, is that it is home to one of the most diverse populations of salamanders on the globe. The "salamander capital of the world" is right here in Tennessee, and if you find yourself hiking through the Smokies you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled.

The Great Smoky Mountains have a stellar reputation as one of the most diverse natural areas in the United States. The park boasts a variety of ecosystems that welcome varied plant and animal life, and it feels like a different park when the seasons change. You may find yourself hiking through fields of wildflowers in May and along icicle-studded bluffs in December.

Of course, you won’t find salamanders along the rocky ridges of the mountains. No, you must look closer to the ground, at the mossy base of trees, along mountain streams, and in soft piles of leaves.

There are two key groups of amphibians found in the Great Smoky Mountains - salamanders and toads. Thirty species of salamanders in Tennessee naturally occur in the southern Appalachian region, which contributes to the "salamander capital of the world" moniker. There are also 14 species of frogs and toads.

You may hear salamanders referred to as "spring lizards" by the locals. Of course, lizards and salamanders are very different. Salamander skin is slimy and soft, usually moist, and potentially sticky. These little amphibians don’t have scales, which separates them from their reptilian lizard cousins. Lizards lay leather-like eggs, and salamanders lay eggs that are covered with a sticky, jelly-esque substance.

Amphibians are an animal group that is made up of frogs, salamanders, toads, and some types of worms. They are carnivorous, so the salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains eat small insects. Amphibians love moisture and water, so if you’re seeking salamanders, you’ll find them near creeks and waterways. Make sure to peek at those small puddles after a rainstorm, too.

These quirky little creatures can be found all over the Smokies, and on any given day there are more salamanders in the park than humans. Southern Appalachia is teeming with these tiny creatures, but we’d recommend keeping your distance and giving them space. There’s no need to pick up a salamander, and none should be removed from the park.

Did you know that eastern Tennessee is home to such a strange capital? Have you seen salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains? There’s nothing quite like a hike through the "salamander capital of the world" in the springtime, especially if you stay alert and search the moist creek beds for these neat little creatures.

What a wild fact about Tennessee Salamanders! Most folks expect to find horses, squirrels, and the odd wolf and bear throughout the state, but salamanders are quite the find. You can learn more about amphibians in the Great Smoky Mountains on the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website. To see more about the park and learn more about the Smokies check out this OnlyInYourState video.

Looking for more wildlife? Head to Cades Cove where you can drive a scenic one-lane road and I see wildlife every single time, including multiple bears. We love salamanders and if this is one of your favorite amphibians too check out these life-like salamander figures .

Here Are The 10 Absolute Best Pumpkin Patches In Tennessee To Enjoy In 2024

Discover the best pumpkin patches in Tennessee, each offering unique fall activities and experiences.

When the leaves start to change it's time to make our annual trip to some of the best pumpkin patches in Tennessee . It's the season for pumpkin spice, which is oh so nice. Now you might not need actually pumpkins to make this iconic drink (sorry if that ruins the fun for some of you) but pumpkins are the inspiration nonetheless! So yes, it is that time of year again when everyone’s favorite orange gourds grow to full size and are proudly displayed on every front porch. To get the full fall effect, though, you have to go to a good pumpkin patch. You might ask “Where are all the best pumpkin patches near me?”  And to that question, I say: read on! We have you covered, friends, with the following list of the best Tennessee pumpkin patches:

1. Lyon Family Farm - Taft

For many years, Lyon Family Farm has hosted an epic kick-off to autumn with their annual Fall Festival. The fun starts on September 20 with a plethora of activities. Farm classics like pig racing and a petting zoo will all be available. There will be a corn maze, a zip line, live music, and so much more. For more information, please visit the Lyon Family Farm website.

2. Honeysuckle Hill Farm - Springfield

Honeysuckle Hill Farm doesn’t just casually put on a fall festival -- no, this farm goes big. Home of the famous Country Music Corn Maze where they take their massive corn field and feature a country music artist, this local farm also has over 30 attractions including giant slides, singing animatronics, and carnival-style rides. Kicking off the festivities on September 21, this is one of the best pumpkin patches near Nashville to visit. For more information, please visit the Honeysuckle Hill Farm website.

3. Lucky Ladd Farms - Eagleville

Lucky Ladd Farms is not only a working farm, but (as they like to call it) an "Ag-venture Farm Fun Park." I think that describes it pretty well because this farm is designed to be a whole-day experience; in fact, you could easily spend several days on the farm. There are so many activities and events planned throughout their fall festival that you could come back multiple times. So if you are looking for a good pumpkin patch near Nashville, this is the place for you. The festivities start on September 21 and this is one you will not want to miss. Make sure to check the schedule of events online before you plan on a trip. There are many things happening throughout the fall season so you wouldn't want to miss any of them. For more information, please visit the Lucky Ladd Farms website.

4. Walden Pumpkin Farm - Smyrna

Walden Pumpkin Farm represents Tennessee farm life perfectly. Leaning more towards the "traditional" side of fun farms to visit, you will still experience lots to do. Browse the goods sold in the country store, let the kids play a wide range of farming-themed activities, or just sit and relax on the farm. Three generations of the Walden family live here and they are delighted to welcome guests to celebrate autumn together. The activities start in late September and make sure to check for updates on the Walden Pumpkin Farm website.

5. Cedarwood Pumpkin Patch - McMinnville

Cedarwood Pumpkin Patch is known as Middle Tennessee’s favorite pumpkin patch, and it’s easy to see why. Not only can visitors purchase their own pumpkins here, but there is plenty more fun to be had on the farm. Kids will be delighted to see the various playing areas that include jump pads, inflatables, and more. When you are looking for some fall festivities in Tennessee, this is a great farm to visit. The autumnal fun starts September 21, and for more information please visit the Cedarwood Pumpkin Patch website.

6. Laurel Pumpkin Barn - Johnson City

When it comes to getting into the spirit for the fall season, no one does better than Laurel Pumpkin Barn . They truly set an atmosphere that captures the very essence of autumn! The barn is filled with scores of pumpkins and there are classic set pieces that are picture-perfect for the season. I have visited this one a couple of times now and it always makes my family's list of must-do fall activities each year. The fall festivities start early in September, but make sure to check ahead for when the harvest of great pumpkins comes in; for more information, please visit the Laurel Pumpkin Barn Facebook page.

7. Donnell Century Farm - Jackson

Looking for a good pumpkin pack near Jackson? Donnell Century Farm is a great place to take the kiddos. Not only can you walk away with your own pumpkins, but you can also spend the day in the corn maze, cruise along on the zip line, slide down the epic slides, or partake in any of the dozens of activities they have running on the farm. There is also a store with amazing donuts, but make sure you get one before they sell out. All of the fall fun begins near the end of September, and for more information please head on over to the Donnell Century Farm website.

8. Falcon Ridge Farm - Toone

Leave the city behind for a bit and get out into the country with this incredible pumpkin patch near Memphis, Tennessee. Falcon Ridge Farm is truly one of those gems when it comes to agricultural fun. We love the fresh veggies and the adorable animals on the farm, however, there is always something special about a farm in the fall. Enjoy a traditional farm experience during the harvest celebration with a giant corn maze, a petting zoo, and plenty of photo ops with beautiful fall decorations. The fall festival starts on September 28; for more information, please visit the Falcon Ridge Farm website.

9. McCulley’s Amazin' Acres - Sparta

Located almost perfectly between Knoxville and Nashville, McCulley’s Amazin’ Acres is a great centralized location for a pumpkin patch. Their fall celebration includes carnival-style ball games, a petting zoo, plenty of play areas for kids, and an epic corn maze. One year, the maze was even themed after Pac-Man! The Fall Festival starts on September 14, and for more information please visit the McCulley’s Amazin’ Acres website.

10. Fender’s Farm - Jonesborough

Each year, Fender’s Farm embraces the season with a whole array of fun activities. There is a playground, fun with animals, mechanical bull ride, games, and so much more for little (and big!) kids. For those looking for something a bit more spooky, they have a great selection of rotating Halloween events scattered throughout the harvest celebration, too... and they even have an escape room challenge for families to try! The fall harvest is open for the season around the later part of September, and for more information please visit the Fender’s Farm website.

There is so much to do during the season of pumpkin spice that you should never be bored. These are some of the best pumpkin patches in Tennessee so it’s time to start planning for a couple of road trips and get to these beautiful farms. If you plan on hopping in the car for a good old fashion trip make sure you bring along all the best road trip snacks you can. That way you can fill up in between stops at the local coffee shops to get your favorite fall lattes. One more suggestion if you are looking for an enchanting place to drive when the crunch leaves start to hit the ground. Our trip up to Backbone Rock Tunnel was simply magical and one I would suggest to anyone looking to get out during the fall.

For more fall inspiration for you check this out OnlyInYourState video of the top spots across the country for fall foliage. I will give you a hint at one of the locations, it starts with an "S" and ends with National Park...

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NO outside animals allowed NO exceptions.

When is the park open?

• Safari Wild is open 362 days a year rain or shine. The Park is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday 9-5 last car enters at 4pm Sunday 12-5, last car enters at 4pm

Are rain checks available?

• There are no rain checks or refunds. We are open daily rain or shine and believe you will enjoy Safari Wild in a variety of weather conditions.

How long does it take to visit Safari Wild?

• It will take approximately 2 hours to drive through the safari road sections of the park. Drive through as many times as you would like from the comfort of your own vehicle. Once back at the walk through, grab a bite to eat, visit the gift shop, and get up close with extra animal encounters. Spend as much time as you wish!

Where is Safari Wild?

• We are located in historic Como, MS, just 40 miles south of Memphis, TN. You can find us on google maps.

Are credit cards accepted?

• Yes credit cards are accepted at all pay locations within the park. We gladly accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Do you have an ATM?

• Yes an ATM machine is located in the walk through section of the park.

Can we feed the animals?

• Yes, you can feed the animals only food that you purchase at the ticket booths when you enter the park. All of our animals at Safari Wild require a very specialized diet and we ask that you do not feed the animals any other type of food as this could make them sick. DO NOT FEED THE ANIMALS FROM YOUR HANDS, THROW THE FOOD ON THE GROUND AND THE ANIMALS WILL COME UP VERY CLOSE TO YOU. DO NOT TRY AND PET THE ANIMALS AS THEY MAY BITE.

Safari Wild 1549 Rooks Rd, Como, MS 38619