Family Outing at Safari Niagara: Picnic, Animals, and Adventure

A Day at Safari Niagara: Fun for All Ages

As a Niagara local, I love discovering and sharing the best spots our region has to offer. One of our absolute favorites is Safari Niagara, a 150-acre nature park that’s a hit with the whole family. Recently, I took my three sons and five nephews, ages 2-11, for a day of adventure. That’s right—eight boys, two moms, and one grandma!

Perfect Size for a Family Outing

Safari Niagara is perfectly sized to keep all ages entertained without being overwhelming. Despite our large group, the layout made it manageable with just two moms and one grandma. We each brought a wagon, packed a lunch, and loaded up on snacks and drinks to keep everyone fueled for the day.

Starting with a Tram Ride and High Ropes Adventure

Our adventure began with a free tram ride from the entrance to the playground. This was a fantastic way to kick off the day—the kids loved the ride, and it saved us some energy for the fun ahead. First on the agenda was the high ropes course, which was a big hit with all the kids. There are two courses: one for smaller children and one for bigger kids and adults. The staff were super patient and accommodating, especially when my sister needed to chaperone two of her five sons on the course. Thought this was a longer time investment, they loved the challenge and excitement.

Picnic Lunch and Animal Encounters

After burning off some energy, we gathered for a picnic lunch. One of the best things about Safari Niagara is that you can bring your own food, making it easier to cater to picky eaters and dietary needs while also saving money! After lunch, we set off to explore the animal enclosures. From majestic lions to playful monkeys, the variety of animals kept everyone fascinated.

Animal Interactions

One of the most exciting experiences at Safari Niagara is feeding the animals. For just $10, you can feed the giraffes—an unforgettable opportunity for the kids to get up close and personal with these gentle giants. If you have a large group, the staff will even split your $10 cup of food into two portions, helping you save money. Additionally, for $5, you can feed the hippos, which is just as thrilling. Watching these massive creatures up close is a unique experience that everyone in our group loved.

Pros and Cons of Safari Niagara

Safari Niagara has so much to offer, but here are some of our personal highlights and a few minor drawbacks:

Pros:

You can bring your own lunch, strollers, and wagons.
The tram is free and makes it easy to navigate the park with little ones.
The park’s size is perfect—big enough to be exciting, but small enough to manage.
Animal enclosures are accessible and designed to be humane, which is important to us.

Cons:

We couldn’t find a water filling station, so we had to buy bottled water. It would be great if there were more places to refill water bottles.
The gift shop is strategically placed on the way out, which means walking through it with overstimulated, overtired, and overheated children. It can be a bit challenging to navigate with kids who want to touch everything!

Our Family’s Tradition

When my kids were younger, we used to visit Safari Niagara multiple times a week. Now, we make it a special annual trip, and it never disappoints. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a regular, Safari Niagara offers a blend of fun, education, and adventure that appeals to all ages.

Plan Your Visit

If you’re planning a trip to the Niagara Region, Safari Niagara should definitely be on your list. It’s a wonderful way to spend a day with family, learn about wildlife, and create lasting memories. Check out their website here to plan your visit.

Have you been to Safari Niagara? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Virtual Roots Agency