![]() ![]() But, thanks to automatic windows, it remained a fun animal experience that you just don’t get at your average zoo. His excited squeals grew into shrieks when an overly curious, highly entertaining ostrich stuck its entire head in the window in search of more. My younger son tossed animal feed (the first bag is complimentary each additional bag is $2) out the window and squealed with delight as it was devoured by zebras, Sicilian donkeys and llamas. My older son entertained himself with a one-player game of “I Spy” from the backseat - each time he spotted a new animal, he would flip through the guidebook we received upon entering until he identified the species and recited its native land, weight, gestation period and viability ranking out loud. Around 500 animals spanning 45 exotic, native and threatened species call the wildlife ranch home, including everything from American bison and African wildebeest to Bactrian camel and white rhinoceros. We were the third car in line at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch on a sunny June morning, but once we began navigating the nearly 6 miles of paved roads weaving through 450 acres, we rarely saw another vehicle. When the afternoon heat hits, wandering through the 70-degree underground caverns is a great way to cool off. ![]() If you visit both the same day, start at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch - the animals are more active during the coolest hours of the day, and arriving when it opens helps you beat the line of vehicles that often stretches to the road by midday. The two family-owned attractions are completely separate experiences, and while you could easily spend an entire day at each one, we managed to visit both in the same day thanks to a baby used to on-the-go napping and a willing grandma to watch her while my boys and I kept exploring. So when the first official day of summer break arrived, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend it than by revisiting these nearby Texas treasures. I can’t remember the last time I explored the state’s most visited safari drive-thru or wandered through one of its largest cavern systems, but I know I was somewhere between the ages of my two boys, 4 and 6. The petting barn will also remain closed.Just over an hour from Austin, two off-the-beaten path adventures sit side by side on rolling Hill Country land: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch and Natural Bridge Caverns. While you can normally purchase feed for the animals, for now only the staff will be allowed to feed. The Trading Post (gift shop) will remain closed for now, but the onsite restaurant will be open for carry out only, with picnic tables spread out outside. ![]() At this time, with the first phase of Texas’s reopening, visitors should be able to continue social distancing from the comfort of their own vehicle quarantine.” on Friday, May 1, after a temporary closure due to COVID-19. “Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (NBWR) is set to reopen its gates at 9 a.m. “We’re delighted to announce… ” an official statement on their website reads. You’ll see up to 30 different species during a six mile trip. If you’ve never been before, you and your family remain in your cars and tour a 450-acre ranch filled with all sorts of exotic animals. Looking for something fun to do with the entire family this weekend, but not ready to stop social distancing and brave potential crowds? Then you might be interested to know that the Safari Drive Thru at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch will reopen Friday May 1st. ![]()
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