A Day Trip to the Wild Animal Park in Chittenango, NY 2024

If you’re like us, you love to visit the zoo on a nice summer day. But, you might need a break from traditional zoos and want to travel somewhere more interactive. We’ve got the perfect place to try. Let’s check out the Wild Animal Park in Chittenango.

Planning Your Trip to The Wild Animal Park

The Wild consists of three separate properties. The animal park sits on 14 acres and resembles a smaller zoo. The drive-through safari offers visitors a self-drive option or ride The Beast. Finally, the property has an event center and a wedding venue. The Haven has modern accommodations with an up-close view of the big cats.

The entire property’s location is at 7621 Lakeport Rd, Chittenango. You’ll find it from Rt. 31 from the north and Rt. 5 from the south.

Admission is $19 per adult and $16.99 for children and seniors. You’ll find a complete list of prices below. The park is open from April to December with varying days and hours depending on the time of year and events. We encourage you to see the flashlight safaris or Winter Wonderland of Lights.

The Wild takes a serious stance on safety. Dangerous behavior is not allowed. Also, you’ll need to leave drinks and food in your vehicle. But you’ll have food and drink options in the park.

What to Expect During Your Visit to The Wild

Now, let’s explore the park and what you’ll experience while you’re there. The park is smaller, thus providing a more intimate experience for guests. The staff takes great care of the area. The walkways were clean and garbage cans were empty. Also, each animal’s habitat was clean and each animal looked very healthy. Each step demonstrated the owner’s passion for the animals and the park.

The animals are impressive. While you’ll see the animals you’d expect at a zoo, there are plenty of exotic animals to view. Have you seen a live binturong, capybara, bearded saki monkey or pygmy hippo? Or have you fed giraffes and alligators – from afar of course? Another rare feature is you see is a tiger, Bengal tiger, grizzlies, and black bears in the same park. Unless you visit a larger zoo, seeing all these animals in one visit is rare.

The Wild has animal encounters to help educate and experience different animals. First, when you pay your entrance fee, buy feed for goats, lamas and other animals while they rush to get a little taste. Next, you can feed birds flying around the bird habitat for a few dollars. Small domestic birds land on your hand while holding a popsicle stick covered in bird feed. Also, you can get a picture while holding a baby kangaroo for a small fee. Finally, you can buy carrots and get face-to-face with giraffes while their tongues pluck carrots from your hands.

Not only can you experience baby kangaroos, but you can also book longer private animal encounters. If you’ve ever wanted to hold a sloth or capybara, these experiences are perfect for you. Additionally, the Wild offers giraffe, otter, penguin and rhino encounters. You can book each encounter for one to six people for 30-minute encounters starting at $150. 

Animals aren’t the only thing to do in the Wild. You can relax and let the kids burn energy at the bounce houses. Kids can play all they want in one of the bounce houses for an extra fee. The bounce houses are halfway through the park in a shady area.

You can get lunch or a quick snack and sit in the pavilion by the pond. Cool off with Dippin Dots ice cream or grab lunch at Jeff’s Jungle Snack Shack. You’ll find the snack shack between the bounce houses and the shaded pavilion.

Finally, the Wild offers a drive-through safari for an extra fee. You can take “The Beast” or drive your vehicle. The park has pricing for the safari or combined tickets for the park and safari. We didn’t take the safari, but we plan on trying it and giving an update.

While You’re in the Chittenango Area, Check These Out

Yellow Brick Road Casino for an Adults-Only Time 

Located at 800 W Genesee St, Yellow Brick Road casino is west of the village. The casino offers state-of-the-art table games, slot machines, and sports betting for you to enjoy. If gambling isn’t your thing, try TopGolf Swing Suite indoor golf simulator or The Lanes bowling alley. You’ll discover several dining options including one of my favorites – Wicked Good Pizza.

Green Lakes State Park for the Outdoor Lovers

Green Lakes State Park houses a unique type of lake often not found. Located at 7900 Green Lakes Rd west of Chittenango in Fayetteville, NY, the lakes are meromictic lakes carved from glaciers 15,000 years ago. The lakes have two layers of water that don’t mix during the spring creating a beautiful blue-green color. 

First, enjoy just over 3 miles of walking trails around Green and Round Lakes, including a beach to let your kids swim and play in the sand. Also, the park offers a public golf course and restaurants to make a complete day trip. If you love to camp, you’ll find an NYS campground with electric and tent sites starting around $20/night for NY residents. There is an entrance fee of $10 to explore the park. 

Visit the Wizard of Oz Author’s Birthplace and All Things Oz Museum

If you’re a fan of the classic novel or movie, The Wizard of Oz, Chittenango is the perfect place to explore. The All Things Oz museum is at 219 Genesee St houses over 15,000 Oz-related artifacts. For a nominal $9 fee, you can experience 1,500 artifacts, including movie props, and support the museum’s mission. The mission is to encourage authors and the expansion of the Oz universe.

Visit One of New York’s Amazing Waterfalls at Chittenango Falls State Park

When you mention waterfalls and New York, most visitors think of Niagara Falls. But many waterfalls equal its beauty. Take a drive to 5241 Gorge Rd in Cazenovia to view the 167-foot-tall Chittenango Falls. There are two views of the falls to experience. The first is a 10-minute walk and the second a 30-minute walk. It’s best to see the falls in the spring for the best flow and the fiery fall foliage. During the summer, the water flow can slow a lot.

Plan the Perfect Weekend Day Trip to Chittenango and Visit the Animals

Chittenango is a unique town with something for everyone. The Wild Animal Park is a great way to spend a half-day trip around Syracuse, or the center of a day trip from further. We recommend you check the park out at least once and get to know some of the exotic animals in the park.

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