You don’t have to leave Connecticut to feel like you’ve stepped onto a safari. One turn down a quiet road in Goshen leads to zebras, bison, camels, and other animals roaming across wide-open fields that feel worlds away from everyday life.
Action Wildlife Foundation turns an ordinary family outing into a story worth telling. You can drive through animal habitats at your own pace, watch massive herds from your car, then hop out to visit the petting zoo, museum, and more.
Kids never know what they’ll spot around the next bend, and that’s part of the fun.
One minute it’s a towering elk, the next it’s a curious camel or a colorful bird stealing the show.
Cameras stay busy, windows stay down, and every section brings another surprise.
If you’re searching for a memorable day trip packed with wildlife, fresh air, and unforgettable moments, this Goshen destination checks every box. It’s the kind of family adventure people can’t stop talking about long after the ride home.
A Drive-Through Safari Unlike Anywhere Else in Connecticut
Rolling down your windows to spot zebras and elk while never leaving your car sounds like something from a far-off vacation, yet this experience happens right here in Connecticut. Action Wildlife’s drive-through safari takes families through expansive enclosures where animals roam freely across natural habitats.
Your vehicle becomes a moving observation post as herds of bison, deer, and antelope graze just feet away from your doors.
The self-guided route allows everyone to control the pace of discovery. Stop whenever something catches your eye, whether it’s a curious zebra approaching the roadside or a majestic elk standing against the hillside backdrop.
Kids can safely watch from their seats while parents snap photos through open windows.
What makes this safari special is how different it feels from traditional zoo visits. Instead of concrete pathways and barriers, you’re driving through countryside that mimics the animals’ natural environments.
The experience brings African plains to New England in a way that surprises first-time visitors and keeps families coming back season after season for new sightings and memorable encounters.
Meet More Than 350 Exotic and Domestic Animals
Imagine seeing a camel standing beside an alpaca while peacocks strut past llamas in the background. Action Wildlife houses an impressive collection that goes far beyond what most people expect from a Connecticut attraction.
The park’s roster includes hundreds of creatures representing dozens of species from different continents and climates.
Walking through the exhibit areas feels like a world tour compressed into one afternoon. Kangaroos hop in their enclosure while water buffalo rest nearby.
Miniature farm animals share space with exotic birds that display brilliant plumage. Each turn reveals something new, whether it’s a curious llama or a group of colorful peacocks showing off their tail feathers.
The variety keeps everyone engaged, from toddlers delighted by tiny goats to teenagers fascinated by unusual species they’ve only seen in books. Parents appreciate how the different animal types create teaching moments about biodiversity and habitats.
With so many residents calling this park home, no two visits feel quite the same, and there’s always a favorite animal waiting to be discovered around the next corner.
Visit the Interactive Petting Zoo
Nothing beats the pure joy on a child’s face when a friendly goat nuzzles their hand or a fluffy sheep wanders over for gentle pets. The petting zoo section transforms passive observation into active participation, letting younger visitors connect with animals through touch and interaction.
Miniature donkeys, playful goats, and woolly sheep wait eagerly for attention from new friends.
Safety comes first in this carefully managed space where barnyard favorites are accustomed to children’s energy and excitement. Staff members keep watch while kids learn proper animal handling techniques.
The experience teaches respect for living creatures while building confidence in children who might be nervous around larger animals.
Parents find this area particularly valuable because it combines education with entertainment in ways that feel natural rather than forced. Kids absorb lessons about animal care, feeding habits, and behavior simply by spending time with these gentle creatures.
The petting zoo often becomes the highlight for families with elementary-aged children, creating memories that stick long after the visit ends and inspiring newfound appreciation for farm animals back home.
Take Incredible Family Photos Throughout the Park
Your camera roll will overflow with vacation-quality shots after a day at Action Wildlife. Towering Watusi cattle with their distinctive horns create dramatic backdrops that look straight out of National Geographic.
Zebras grazing in open fields, colorful birds perched on fences, and herds of exotic animals scattered across rolling hills provide endless photographic possibilities without any special equipment needed.
The natural setting eliminates the awkward zoo barriers and chain-link fences that usually ruin wildlife photos. Animals roam habitats that photograph beautifully, with green pastures and Connecticut countryside providing picture-perfect scenery.
Golden hour visits offer especially stunning lighting as the sun casts warm glows across the landscape and illuminates the animals’ features.
Families discover that nearly every corner offers a new composition worth capturing. Kids posing beside the petting zoo animals, parents framing shots through car windows during the safari, or group photos with exotic creatures in the distance all become keepsake images.
These aren’t just snapshots but frame-worthy memories that make great holiday cards and social media posts that actually impress your followers.
Explore the Wildlife Museum
Step inside the museum and suddenly you’re surrounded by creatures from every continent. Mounted displays showcase species that most visitors will never encounter in real life, from African predators to Arctic dwellers.
The collection rivals what you’d find in much larger natural history museums, yet it’s tucked right here in rural Connecticut as part of your safari adventure.
Each exhibit tells a story about the animal’s habitat, behavior, and role in its ecosystem. Kids who just saw live bison outside can now compare them to mounted specimens from different regions.
The educational component adds depth to the outdoor experience without feeling like a classroom lecture. Teenagers who might roll their eyes at typical museum visits often find themselves genuinely interested in the diverse displays.
This indoor space also provides welcome relief during hot summer days or sudden rain showers. Air conditioning and comfortable viewing areas let families take a break from outdoor walking while continuing their wildlife education.
The museum transforms Action Wildlife from a simple animal park into a comprehensive learning experience that appeals to curious minds of all ages and interests.
Let Kids Burn Off Energy at the Playground
After sitting in the car during the safari and walking through exhibits, children need somewhere to release their pent-up energy. The playground delivers exactly that outlet with swings, slides, climbing structures, and open space for running around.
Parents can finally sit down on nearby benches while kids expend the excitement that’s been building throughout their animal encounters.
The strategic placement near picnic tables makes this area perfect for extending your visit into a relaxed afternoon outing. Pack sandwiches and snacks, let the kids play after lunch, then decide whether to loop back through the safari or explore exhibits you missed earlier.
The casual setup removes the pressure of rushing through attractions on a tight schedule.
Many families report that this simple addition transforms a good visit into a great one. Younger siblings who might lose interest in animal viewing stay happy and engaged knowing playground time awaits.
The break gives everyone a chance to process what they’ve seen, discuss favorite moments, and recharge before continuing the adventure. It’s these thoughtful touches that make Action Wildlife work so well for families with children of varying ages and attention spans.
Watch Animal Feeding and Natural Behaviors
Wild behavior unfolds differently every single time you visit because these animals aren’t performing for crowds or following scripts. Spacious habitats allow herds to move naturally, graze according to their instincts, and interact with each other as they would in native environments.
Morning visits might catch energetic youngsters playing together, while afternoon trips reveal animals seeking shade during warmer hours.
Feeding times attract particular interest as creatures gather in groups, displaying social hierarchies and eating habits. Watch how different species approach food, which animals eat first, and how family groups stay together during meals.
These authentic moments teach more about animal behavior than any textbook description could convey to young observers.
The unpredictability keeps return visitors engaged because you never know exactly what you’ll witness. One trip might showcase a playful interaction between young animals, while another reveals migrating birds joining the permanent residents.
Each season brings different behaviors as animals adapt to weather changes and natural cycles. This dynamic environment creates genuine wildlife observation rather than rehearsed entertainment, giving families stories about real animal encounters rather than just another theme park experience.
Enjoy a Relaxed Self-Paced Adventure
Forget about timed entry slots, guided tour schedules, or feeling rushed through crowded exhibits. Action Wildlife operates on your family’s timeline, letting you control the pace from start to finish.
Drive through the safari as slowly as needed, pausing whenever interesting animals appear or continuing when everyone’s ready to see what’s next.
The flexible format accommodates different family dynamics perfectly. Toddlers who need frequent breaks get them without disrupting other visitors.
Teenagers fascinated by particular species can spend extra time observing without boring their siblings. Parents stressed by rigid attraction schedules finally relax knowing there’s no wrong way to experience this park.
This self-directed approach works especially well for families with special needs or those managing different age groups. Take bathroom breaks when necessary, return to favorite exhibits for second looks, or cut the visit short if younger children tire out earlier than expected.
The walk-through portions complement the driving sections, giving everyone variety without forced marching through predetermined paths. Traditional zoos often leave families feeling exhausted from navigating crowds and keeping everyone together, but Action Wildlife’s layout naturally reduces that stress while maximizing actual animal observation time.
A Rare Connecticut Destination That Feels Like a Mini African Safari
Connecticut doesn’t typically bring safaris to mind, yet Action Wildlife creates an atmosphere that transports families far beyond New England. Wide-open fields stretch across rolling hills where hoofed animals roam freely, their silhouettes against the sky mimicking scenes from African documentaries.
The unexpected contrast between Connecticut’s familiar countryside and exotic wildlife grazing across it creates memorable surprise for first-time visitors.
Local families often describe bringing out-of-state guests who can’t believe this exists in their backyard. The experience challenges preconceptions about what regional attractions can offer.
No, you’re not actually in Africa, but the carefully designed habitats and animal selection evoke that safari feeling more successfully than most people anticipate from a Connecticut day trip.
This unique positioning fills a gap in New England’s attraction landscape. Families seeking adventure beyond typical amusement parks and beaches discover something genuinely different here.
The safari atmosphere provides educational value while delivering the excitement kids crave. Weekend warriors tired of repeating the same local destinations find fresh experiences without traveling hundreds of miles.
It’s exactly this unexpected quality that keeps families returning and talking about their visits for weeks afterward.
What To Know Before You Go
Planning ahead makes any family outing smoother, and Action Wildlife has a few key details worth knowing. Budget between two and four hours for the full experience, including both the drive-through safari and walk-through exhibits.
You’ll need your own vehicle for the self-drive safari on designated days, so carpooling families should coordinate beforehand.
Animal feed is available for purchase in designated feeding areas, giving kids the thrill of hand-feeding certain species safely. Comfortable walking shoes make exploring the museum, petting zoo, and playground much more enjoyable since you’ll cover considerable ground.
Camera or binoculars enhance wildlife viewing, especially for spotting animals at distance during the safari portion.
Seasonal hours vary throughout the year, so checking the website before heading out prevents disappointing arrivals at closed gates. Spring through fall offers the most active animals and pleasant weather for outdoor exploration.
Free on-site parking, family-friendly facilities, restrooms, and picnic areas handle practical needs. The address is 435 Torrington Road, Goshen, CT 06756.
These simple preparations transform a spontaneous idea into a successful family adventure that meets everyone’s expectations while avoiding common visitor mistakes.