Earlier this month the family and I headed out to San Antonio for a week of fun and relaxation. Since it had been a couple of years since we’d visited, we knew we wanted to visit some of our old favorites, like the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. It’s no joke that every time we visit San Antonio, we have to feed the zebras. Most times, it’s the highlight of our trip.
The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a go at your own pace self-guided tour through over 400 acres of rolling hills, creek beds, and magnificent live oak trees. Along the way you will witness the behavior of hundreds of animals from 40 exotic, native and endangered animal species worldwide.
During the drive through the ranch you will encounter many animals casually meandering down the paved trails. My children always think it’s so funny when we have to stop to allow an animal to pass.
Although the animals have plenty of nature’s food to snack on, you also have the option of purchasing bags of pellet food ($1 per bag) upon check-in to feed the animals along the trek. We usually buy one bag per person. You also get one free bag with paid admission.
There are multiple paths to take while making your way through Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, but don’t fret. With paid admission you are able to drive through as many times as you want to on the day of your visit.
While all the animals are magnificent to look at, obviously the zebras are my favorite. They get all up in your face and demand your attention — and food.
And look, they even smile for pictures.
Over the years the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch has grown tremendously. Tower Creek is their newest addition and I was so excited to see it. But unfortunately with all the rain Texas had, roads got washed out and they had to close the section for a little bit as they repaired the damage. It has since reopened though.
My suggestion is to make Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch one of the first stops of the day, especially during the summer heat. When it’s too hot outside the animals search for cover under the trees and bushes so they are less likely to be looking for food. We always have the most interaction during the late morning hours. And make sure you visit the petting zoo on the way out.
After you’ve fed all the animals, you can feed yourself in the cool, air conditioned Safari Camp Grill. From big, juicy burgers to homemade salsa and guacamole, there’s something for everybody! And the desserts, y’all. Delicious. You have to try the Zebra a la mode.
Have you ever visited San Antonio or the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch?
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
My boys would LOVE that. How cool that the animals come right up to the car like that.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
My kids would be all over that. I’d love it, too. I love how close the animals get to you.
Melissa Pezza says
That’s so fun! I love the Zebra giving you tooth face in your car!
Bridget A says
I LOVE your photos. Especially the “smiling” zebra, LOL! There is a game park near Seattle, the Olympic Game Park and we love going there!
LyndaS says
No, I haven’t, but I would love to. I went to the Global Wildlife Center in Louisiana and had a great time. But there I had to ride on a wagon that wasn’t air conditioned. I will have to try Natural Bridge’s ranch next time from the comfort of my car (with air condition!).
Pam says
Wow, this looks like a lot of fun. I would love to go!
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
LOL at that zebra’s face!! Too cute! He was hungry! Looks like a really fun place to visit and I love that you can interact (feed) the animals!
Debbie Denny says
This does look like fun. I will put that on my list if I am out that way
Kelly Hutchinson says
Ok, that picture of the smiling zebra had me howling!! I wish we had something like this in my area.
Rosey says
My son would flip out if that zebra smiled that close to him. Just thinking about it makes me laugh. That is a fun/ny picture. 🙂
Liz Mays says
Being able to see the animals up close would be great. It’s pretty crazy how close they come!
Amber K says
That zebra is just too cute. And so many deer! This is going on my bucket list for sure.
Daisy says
What an amazing experience! I can’t believe that shot of the zebra in the window. That alone would make the trip worthwhile. I need to take my family for a visit!
Marcie W. says
Oh my goodness this looks like a total blast to experience. I called my children in to look at your photos and they were all giggles and smiles!
Jasmine says
Awesome pictures, especially the smiling zebra! I would LOVE to visit Natural Bridge
jamie says
I definitely need to take my kids here the next time we are near San Antonio!
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
We’ve been several times – but it’s an easy 30 minute trip for us! We love the zebras, too. I have a funny photo of a zebra smiling with grass in his teeth and his head all the way in my car!
Valerie Remy-Milora says
How fun to get up close and personal with a zebra!! The park looks like a wonderful place to visit over and over. It reminds of a wild animal park in France we use to visit when I was little and we would always feed peanuts to the elephants!!!
Miranda @ The Bright Side of Reality says
I’ve never been to San Antonio but I’d love to someday. The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch looks like such an awesome family experience. I love the zebra picture, it’s too funny!
Stacey says
This looks like such a beautiful experience! How neat that you could get that close to the zebras.
Val says
That place is so cool! I absolutely love the picture of the smiling zebra!!!
Scott says
There’s a small one like this in Alabama that we visit when we’re in the area. It always feels like the animals are going to jump into your car!
Kristi says
Looks like a fun place to visit. What a neat photo of the smiling zebra too! If you make it back to San Antonio, another interesting place is the Toilet Seat Museum… quirky, free and interesting.
Jeanine says
I have never visited but would love to. That zebra smiling seriously made my day. How adorable. What a fun time this would be!
melisasource says
Oh my gosh how awesome is this place!!! I would totally love to take my family there!
Veronica says
How beautiful are these magnificent creatures. I need to get away and do some of that with my son.
Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy says
I didn’t know about this place. We are headed to Austin in a few days, and we might just have to take a trip down to San Antonio and do this. My 5 yr old would die to see a zebra that close.
Sabrina says
Wow what an amazing experience!! I would love to visit a ranch like this, my oldest would go nuts for it!
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says
This looks like so much fun! That smiling zebra is too much!! Love it!
Liz Mays says
Isn’t that wacky? I think I’d be a little freaked out, but what a memory!
Rosey says
This is the kind of experience I love too. I’d love to take the kids. We have something a little similar.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
What a great family place to visit. I love how close the animals come up to your car !
Danielle K says
This looks like such a cool experience! We have something like this a few hours from us that we need to take our son to. Love the zebra right in the car 🙂
Jenn @comebackmomma says
Looks like a great park to visit. We were in San Antonio many years ago before we had children. I bet they would love this place if we ever go back.
Leandrea says
Now I want to visit the natural bridge wildlife ranch. It was the picture of the zebra that won me over. This place looks like soooo much fun!
Debra says
Wow, we’ll have to check that out the next time we go to San Antonio. We went to the caverns and to Schlitterbahn last year when we were there!
Ashley says
This is so cool. I love that you can drive through and really get up close and personal while the animals still have the option to roam.
Holly @ Woman Tribune says
The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch looks like such an incredible place to visit. I would love to see all those animals, and their beautiful habitat. I can see why you love it!