Adirondack Animal Land definitely falls into the category of family fun for under $100. They are located on 82 acres in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains about 30 minutes from Saratoga Springs. If you travel on Rte 29 to Rte 30 then north on Rte 30 you will see the sign for the park.
They bill themselves as a zoo but all the animals except the ones that are on the “safari” ride are in cages, which is kind of sad when you’ve been used to a zoo where the landscape is more natural for the animals to roam in.
But for what is it I think its a good effort.
Admission to get into the park is $11.75 for adults 12 and older, children 1-12 years are $8.75 and children under 1 are free. The zoo is open every day from Mid May through Labor Day. Their regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The park is laid out with mostly asphalt walkways and for the most part its level and easy walking, although there are spots where the incline can be steep.
As you walk up to some of the displays there will be gum ball type machines filled with what looks like Fruit Loops cereal. Put your change in and you can feed the animals through the long tubes at the display. The animals are used to being fed this way. As soon as you walk up to the tube they will run over expecting a cereal treat.
The safari ride which runs every hour is included in the price of admission. You board an open wagon and ride through an area where the animals run free. There you will see camels, buffalo, emus and their babies, pot bellied pigs and other exotic animals. Its a guided tour so there is plenty of information about the animals and the park… and maybe a close encounter or two.
Adirondack Animal Land is a great diversion on a warm summer day. They have 3 different picnic areas and allow you to bring in your own food and drinks or if you like there is a cafe too. Bring the kids because there is a petting zoo, playground and a wild west town set up for something a little bit different.
If you go to Adirondack Animal Land remember:
There is a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes
Feed for the animals can be bought when you enter
Bring a camera. The Safari ride offer lots of photo ops
Parking is free but there is an admission fee for the zoo itself
Its a great idea for a school trip!
