Lazy L Safari Park
A seasonal safari park offering exotic animal encounters, a lively petting zoo, gem mining, and concessions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Lazy L Safari Park
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A seasonal safari park offering exotic animal encounters, a lively petting zoo, gem mining, and concessions.
"The kangaroo feeding is a highlight, but be prepared for high prices and intense goats!"
💰 Admission Fees
Entry can be pricey for families. Factor in extra costs for activities like camel rides and gem mining.
☀️ Beat the Heat
It gets very hot with minimal shade. Visit early or during cooler months. Bring water!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kangaroo Encounter
Pet and feed the friendly kangaroos – a highlight for many visitors. A truly memorable experience!
Petting Zoo Fun
Interact with goats and other friendly farm animals. Be prepared for enthusiastic eaters!
Exotic Animal Viewing
See a variety of fascinating animals from around the world. Some are closer, others further afield.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & the Crowds
Understand the Costs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Moving to Cape girardeau area, what attractions do they have?
💰 Admission Fees
Entry can be pricey for families. Factor in extra costs for activities like camel rides and gem mining.
☀️ Beat the Heat
It gets very hot with minimal shade. Visit early or during cooler months. Bring water!
Coming to visit in early June looking for recommendations.
Overlooking the Mississippi at Trail of Tears SP in MO.
🐐 Petting Zoo Caution
Goats are very hungry! Be mindful with small children; they can be overwhelming.
🎟️ Seasonal Pass Value
If you live nearby, a seasonal pass offers great value for frequent visits.
Found in Cape Girardeau, MO
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Admission Fees
Entry can be pricey for families. Factor in extra costs for activities like camel rides and gem mining.
☀️ Beat the Heat
It gets very hot with minimal shade. Visit early or during cooler months. Bring water!
🐐 Petting Zoo Caution
Goats are very hungry! Be mindful with small children; they can be overwhelming.
🎟️ Seasonal Pass Value
If you live nearby, a seasonal pass offers great value for frequent visits.
🐦 Bird Cage Feeding
Purchase bird seed sticks for a fun interaction in the bird cage area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lazy L Safari Park offers a variety of animals and interactive experiences, particularly noted for its kangaroo encounters and petting zoo. However, many visitors find the admission and activity prices to be quite high for the overall experience, and the lack of shade during hot weather is a common complaint. The petting zoo can also be overwhelming for very young children.
"We've been to many places like this safari park and this one just did not compare. First, we maybe spent an hour here, if that, which just doesn't justify the $40+ ($11 for adults, $9 for children plus tax) to enter with our family of four. Second, it was a very hot day with minimal shade to get away from the blistering sun. Third, be very careful when entering the goat petting zoo area. These guys were VERY hungry and swarmed us as soon as we entered. They ended up getting stuck in the little gate area before you enter the actual petting zoo area. I had to lift my 5 year old out of the area because they were just too much for her to handle. We then went into the barn area where there were more animals to feed and see. There was a big fan blowing in there but it was still pretty hot. There was a good number of different animals to see in there which was nice. Our favorite part of the safari park was petting and feeding the kangaroo. We then walked out over to the large area of animals out in front but most of them were too far out in the field to see. All in all it wasn't a terrible place to go I just think the price of admission is a bit high for what you get."
Andrew Bachmann
"Mo was my favorite. He was well worth the money I paid to meet and spent time with him. Even though I didn't get to hold him. I talked to him and petted him. He was a good listener and made me laugh. I miss him but yet happy he has a new home. I bought a seasonal pass which I live close to the zoo and went alot and got my money worth. Some people thought I worked there because I was there almost every day it was open. But that's what u can do with a seasonal pass...... it's good for that year . Even everyday if u want to go. So this year I look fwd to seeing grandma the goat and gus the alligator. The animals are wonderful ❤."
Sylvester Prince
"I agree with several of the reviews in that this place is SUPER overpriced on the entry fees. The feed price was ok.we liked all the animals. Some had little if no information on what they were. We didn't go into the petting zoo for obvious reasons. I wasn't going to pay an extra 10$ to ride a camel. That should have been in on the entry fee. There was another fee to hold animals and mining. They advertised an alligator but there wasn't one.
We liked the birds and the Kangaroos. The lemurs we're fun to watch and feeding the animals was fun. Not a horrible place but definitely not worth the price."
William Clark
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lazy L Safari Park is located near Jackson, Missouri. While specific public transport options are limited, driving is the most common way to reach the park. Check your GPS for the most direct route from your location.
Yes, there is typically ample parking available at the safari park. It's usually free of charge, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
The park is situated near Jackson, Missouri. Cape Girardeau is a nearby city, and St. Louis is a few hours' drive away, making it a potential day trip or part of a longer itinerary.
Visitors have mentioned staying in Jackson or Cape Girardeau. Drury Plaza Hotel in Cape Girardeau is one option, but exploring local hotels or vacation rentals in the area is recommended.
Absolutely! Lazy L Safari Park is a popular day trip destination, especially for families in the surrounding Missouri region. Plan for at least a few hours to explore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees are around $11 for adults and $9 for children, plus tax. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website or call ahead.
Yes, many activities come with additional costs. These can include camel rides ($10 mentioned), gem mining, and holding animals. These are not typically included in the general admission.
While not explicitly stated in all reviews, it's always a good idea to check the official Lazy L Safari Park website for online ticket purchasing options to save time.
Some reviews mention family admission prices, but specific group discounts aren't detailed. It's worth inquiring directly with the park if you're planning a large group visit.
The park is seasonal. It's best to check their official website or social media for current operating hours, as they can change based on the season and day of the week.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of exotic animals, including kangaroos, lemurs, birds, and goats. Some reviews mention an advertised alligator that was not present. +1
The goat petting zoo can be overwhelming for very young children due to the animals' enthusiasm. Visitors suggest it might be better for children aged 5 and up. +1
Activities include gem mining, feeding various animals (goats, deer, birds), and potentially camel rides. There's also a gift shop with concessions.
Yes, toddlers can enjoy feeding the animals and seeing them from a distance. The petting zoo might be a bit much, but other areas are generally suitable.
Reviews indicate that shade can be minimal, especially during hot summer days. It's advisable to visit during cooler times or be prepared with sun protection.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the park has a gift shop that offers snacks, drinks, and ice cream. You can also purchase bags of feed for the animals.
Information on outside food and drinks isn't explicitly mentioned in reviews. It's best to check the park's policy directly, but bringing water is always recommended.
The price of feed is generally considered reasonable. Bags of feed for goats and deer, and sticks of bird seed are available for purchase.
Picnic area availability is not detailed in the reviews. Visitors often rely on the onsite concessions for refreshments.
The gift shop typically offers a range of snacks, drinks, and ice cream, catering to visitors looking for refreshments during their visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The kangaroo enclosure and the bird cage offer great opportunities for close-up photos. Animals in the larger fields might be too far for clear shots.
Yes, especially in the petting zoo and when feeding the kangaroos and birds. Some animals in larger enclosures may be distant. +1
If you're keen on capturing animal portraits, a good zoom lens would be beneficial for animals in larger enclosures. For general family photos, a smartphone is sufficient.
No specific photography restrictions are mentioned in reviews. However, always be respectful of the animals and other visitors.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer lighting and potentially more active animals, but be mindful of the heat during midday.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To ensure a comfortable experience, plan your visit during cooler parts of the day or year to avoid the intense heat and limited shade.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you're a local or plan to visit multiple times, a seasonal pass offers the best value for money.
❤️ Animal Lovers
While the park has a good selection, be aware that some animals in larger enclosures might be distant. The petting zoo, while popular, can be intense. If you're passionate about conservation or specific species, research the park's current animal collection beforehand. For those who live nearby, the seasonal pass allows for frequent visits to observe and connect with the animals over time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Costs: Getting the Most Value
When planning your visit, it's crucial to budget for these extra activities if they are of interest. While the core animal viewing is included, the 'extras' can substantially increase the total cost. Some visitors felt that certain activities, like camel rides, should have been included in the general admission. Weigh the cost against the enjoyment you anticipate for your family to make the most informed decision.
Consider visiting during off-peak times or looking for any potential promotions the park might offer. While the reviews don't detail specific discounts, it's always worth checking their website or contacting them directly for any family or group deals that might be available.
The Petting Zoo Experience: Fun with a Caveat
However, a recurring theme in reviews is the intense enthusiasm of the goats. Many visitors, particularly those with very young children, found the swarm of hungry goats to be overwhelming. Some parents had to lift their children out of the petting area for safety and comfort. It's advised that this area might be more suitable for children aged 5 and older, or for those who are comfortable with very energetic animals.
For families with younger toddlers, it might be best to observe the petting zoo from the outside or limit the time spent inside. The park also offers other animal feeding opportunities, such as with birds in their dedicated cage, which can be a gentler alternative for the littlest visitors.
Maximizing Your Visit: Tips for a Great Day Out
When exploring the park, be aware that some animals are housed in larger fields, and they might be too far away for clear viewing or photography. Focus on the areas where animals are more accessible, such as the kangaroo enclosure and the petting zoo (with the aforementioned caution for young children).
Finally, manage your expectations regarding the value for money. While the animals are a delight, the combination of admission fees and extra activity costs can be substantial. If you're looking for a budget-friendly outing, consider focusing on the included animal viewing and feeding opportunities. For those who live nearby, the seasonal pass is a fantastic way to get ongoing enjoyment.
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