Plan the Perfect Day Trip to the Wild Animal Park in Chittenango

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 properties. The Haven offers an event center with live music, or it is the perfect spot for your dream wedding. The accommodations are modern with bedside views of the big cats and other animals. You can drive the safari, or take “The Beast,” the Wild’s safari vehicle. But today, we are showcasing the 14-acre wildlife park. 

The entire property’s location is at 7621 Lakeport Rd, Chittenango. It is conveniently located between State Route 31 and State Route 5, making it accessible from the north and 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 the Winter Wonderland of Lights.

The Wild takes a serious stance on safety. Dangerous behavior is not allowed. Outside food and drink are not permitted in the park. Don’t worry, there are plenty of options once inside.

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 the garbage cans were empty. Additionally, each animal’s habitat was clean, and they 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 that you see 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’s animal encounters will help you experience and educate you about 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 while they fly around their 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. You can purchase tickets for encounters with giraffes, otters, and rhinos. Each encounter is $150 for 30 minutes, and can be booked for one to six people. 

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.

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, the Yellow Brick Road casino is west of the village. The casino offers state-of-the-art table games, slot machines, and sports betting. 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 is a unique kind of lake. Located at 7900 Green Lakes Rd, west of Chittenango in Fayetteville, NY, the lakes are meromictic, meaning they were 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 for your kids to swim and play in the sand. Additionally, the park offers a public golf course and restaurants for 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. The entrance fee is $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, you’ll love Chittenango. The All Things Oz museum 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. 

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 is a 30-minute walk. It’s best to see the falls in the spring for the best flow and the fiery fall foliage. 

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 that you visit the park at least once to get to know some of the exotic animals.

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