The Wilds

I remember the first time hearing about The Wilds and couldn’t believe my ears. How could there be a place to do a safari in the middle of Ohio? Aren’t those just in Africa? Turns out, we Columbusites can eat breakfast, go on a safari, and be home for dinner! About an hour and half out 161 East families can enjoy a safari complete with camels, rhinos, zebras, and cheetahs. Viewing the animals can take place by way of closed or open-air buses, horseback, or by ziplining through the park. The park is open daily May – September and weekends in October.

The drive is all freeway until hitting Zanesville where it becomes country roads – not a bad drive, but a little twisty and turny for those of us who get motion sickness. Once you get there, parking is ample and there is a shuttle to transport patrons to the main building. The main building has bathrooms, snacks, and the admissions office. Columbus Zoo members get a discount and be sure to check online for discounts because admission, though worth it, can be pricey. We are Columbus Zoo members and chose the enclosed bus to save on cost. The bus had huge viewing windows which could be opened for pictures. I didn’t mind the windows, especially when the camels came right up to us all furry and full of flies wanting a ride.

Our tour was about two and a half hours in length, and we weren’t on the bus the entire time. We got off for a little walk to feed catfish and swans, and then again to see painted dogs and cheetahs. I think the cheetahs were our favorite part, not only is the cheetah my girl’s favorite animal and my dad’s nickname, but we got to have ice cream – always important. At the cheetah stop there is also a bathroom, also always important. My kids who are four and six did great on the two and a half hour tour, but we were the only ones on the bus and the animals were active. Consider your child’s attention span when deciding on which tour to purchase (they have shorter ones).

They do not allow eating and drinking on the bus unless it is at a stop, so if you have a baby or toddler that needs fed, try to do it beforehand or plan for that. The park sells snacks and has a grill that serves hot dogs and pizza-type foods. Food prices are high, but remember that extra money goes back into conservation and care for the animals and all of the plant, animal, and insect studies they have going on. The Wilds is an amazing place!

The Wilds
14000 International Road
Cumberland, OH 43732
740-638-5030

Get your pith helmet and get out with the animals, and remember:

• Look for discounted tickets online before you purchase them.
• Call ahead to check bus schedule so you aren’t waiting around for too long before the safari, or get there for enough time to have a picnic lunch.
• Go to the bathroom before you get on the bus. Sorry, no getting off to do it “like the rhinos” do…doo (inside Wilds joke – you need to go to find out!).
• Wear shoes that can get muddy if you are going on a wet day.
• Strollers are not a good idea – wearing baby is a better option. Buses are going over rough terrain, and can be a bumpy ride – very young babies in carriers should opt for closed buses, but I am a worrier and would probably not even go if I had a very young baby. If you have gone with with a 0-6 month old, please let me know if I am wrong here.