Atlanta ‘staycation’ idea: Wild Animal Safari

June 23, 5:54 PMAtlanta Northside Family & Parenting ExaminerJackie Kass

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Get up close and personal with animals

With the economy still weak (yeah, that’s putting in mildly), more and more families are opting to stay in town, rather than taking an expensive out-of-town vacation. This isn’t such a bad idea because there are dozens and dozens of fun and interesting places in and around Atlanta to experience with your kids. Many are located within the city limits, and some require a one-tank trip. With this in mind, I’m starting a new series of articles to help parents discover really great things to do right here, so be sure to check back often.

Staycation Idea #1: Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain, Georgia

Located southwest of Atlanta, Pine Mountain is about a two-hour drive from downtown Atlanta. This means this exciting destination could be a fun day trip, and you wouldn’t have to pay for a hotel room. It’s well worth the drive, too!

Your kids will be thrilled to see wild and exotic animals from the world up close and personal. Very up close and personal, as a matter of fact. A 3.5 mile drive through the park’s 200 acres of nature will bring your family face to face with the most amazing animals. Have you ever seen a Yakatusi, Nilgai, Rhea, Black Buck Antelope, Watusi or North American Elk? After your safari, you’ll be able to tell everyone you have. You can jump on the park’s guided Zebra Bus, rent a Zebra Van, or take your own car to explore the various habitats, which run from plants to swamps to forests. One thing you won’t see: 'Don’t feed the animals' signs. In fact, you’re encouraged to feed some of them snacks (which you can buy on the premises) – but don’t worry, carnivores like lions and alligators are kept at a safe distance. One of the park’s biggest claims to fame is its extensive collection of ligers – a rare lion/tiger hybrid.

When your kids start getting antsy in the car, it’s time to hop out and visit the zoo, where you can explore the monkey house, alligator pit and tropical bird collection. There’s also a Safari Café and Safari Gift Shop to explore if your own beasts get a little hungry or want to take home a keepsake.

Admission to the park is $17.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors and children 3-12. Children two and under are admitted free.

For more details, including park hours, click here.

More fun things to do with your kids this summer:

Free Family Film Festival is a cheap way to entertain kids this summer

Pixar’s new movie ‘UP’ will be a great adventure - watch it here

‘Kids Bowl Free' provides free family fun in Atlanta

New Night at the Museum movie makes history – watch here

The Nature Exchange opens at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in June of 2009

More to Do and See at Georgia's Greenest Nature Center - Opening June of 2009Receive more articles from Jackie Kass: To receive future articles by Jackie Kass, scroll to the top of this article, and click on SUBSCRIBE. Your e-mail address will not be shared with anyone else. Do you have a story idea? I'd love to hear from you! E-mail your ideas to me at jackiekass@bellsouth.net.