You don’t have to leave Pennsylvania to get a taste of the wild—one sprawling wildlife park lets visitors get remarkably close to hundreds of roaming animals. Lake Tobias Wildlife Park gives visitors the chance to climb aboard an open-air safari cruiser and travel across 150 acres of rolling hills, pastures, and woodlands where more than 500 animals roam freely around them.
Take an open-air safari through Pennsylvania
The safari is the star attraction at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, and it’s a far cry from a traditional zoo experience. Guests ride in specially designed open-air cruisers that provide 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
The guided tours last approximately 45 minutes, with guides pointing out animals along the way and sharing information about the different species. Since the animals roam freely throughout the safari fields, you never quite know what might wander alongside the vehicle.
Depending on the day, visitors may encounter bison, water buffalo, zebras, elk, giraffes, camels, ostriches, kangaroos, aoudad sheep, Watusi, and more! In fact, the park is home to animals from six continents.
Things to do at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park
Beyond the signature safari, Lake Tobias Wildlife Park has plenty to explore. Visitors can see giraffes up close and feed them from an elevated platform, wander through outdoor habitats filled with black bear, zebras, ostriches, and gibbons.
Next, visit the Reptile Building for snakes, alligators, slots, and a 20-minute reptile show. There’s even a petting zoo with African pygmy goats and alpacas.
For a more hands-on experience, guests can try catch-and-release fishing in the park’s lake, learn about the attraction’s history at the J.R. Tobias Museum & Education Center, or take a break at one of the picnic areas.
Lastly, food, drinks, snacks, and ice cream are also available throughout the park.
What to know before you go
For the 2026 season,
Admission for the self drive-thru is $10/person ages 3 through adult. Children 2 and younger are free, and parking is also free. Safari tours operate on a first-come, first-served basis and begin when the park opens.
Getting to Lake Tobias Wildlife Park from Philadelphia
Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is located at 760 Tobias Road in Halifax, Pennsylvania just off Route 225 near Fisherville. From Philly, the drive takes roughly two hours, making it a manageable option for a day trip or weekend adventure.
The park is open daily from May 1 through Labor Day, then operates on weekends during September and October, with additional seasonal dates. Visitors should check the park’s current schedule before making the drive.
So, if your family is looking for something more adventurous than a typical day at the zoo, this Central Pennsylvania safari could be worth the road trip.
