Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is”Where Africa comes to Texas”

About the facility:

Its a wildlife area spread out across 1,800-acres and offers a 7.2-mile scenic drive where you can interact with approximately 1,100 animals from 50 odd species of rare and endangered animals roaming free in their herds  including cheetahs, wolves, giraffes, rhinos and more.  Fossil Rim feeding the animals is a unique experience and the authority also works on conservation of species which is at the brink of extinction. Fossil Rim conducts scientific research, trains professionals, responsibly manages our natural resources and is committed to public education. Fossil Rim feeding the animals will definitely provide an exciting adventure especially for kids.

Reaching There:

We were staying in Flower Mound, Texas and the drive from there to the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center was about 1.5hrs one way. Its a very peaceful drive and can be combined with FortWorth Water Gardens on the way back (in the evening) which needs no detour. You can read more about a spending a fun filled long weekend in Dallas here.

Tour Options:

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers three different tour options:

The first one is staying in your own car, driving the 7.2miles at your own pace, buying the animal feed from the ticket counter and feeding the animals from the comfort of your car. Since the animals are habituated to people feeding them, they will come towards the car themselves if they are hungry and you really just have to stop your car around them somewhere. These animals are probably trained and hence one doesn’t expect any accidents.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center also organizes guided tours, one of which is called the Behind-the-Scenes Tour. It is charged over and above the entrance fee and with this tour, you can probably get the drive in your own car option free. This tour specifically focuses on the conservation efforts at the park. You get an opportunity to see several endangered species like Cheetah, mountain bongos, rhinos etc up close and personal, in their habitat. With the experienced guides, you even get to spend time at each animal’s space and get access to areas which are closed to public otherwise.

If camping is what you would prefer, the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center gives you an option to spend a night at Foothills Safari Camp or The Lodge.

Excursion time and Managing with Kids:

If you pick driving around Fossil Rim feeding the animals, kids will be more than busy in feeding the animals from their own hands and posing with the wildlife roaming around freely. We had an infant on board along with three kids (5,5 and 10) and all of them had a fantastic time. The whole trip takes close to 6 hours (including the drive from home and back).

Casual dress up with closed shoes is preferable with limited flashy accessories may be advisable.

On the way back from Fossil Rim, our kids had an icy blast with cone-full of ice-cream at the Dairy Queen.

Food:

Mid way in the drive, an eatery called the Overlook Cafe offers some options in food and drink. Carrying your own picnic is not a bad idea too as there are picnic tables and log benches for people to eat and look around at the views of the park.
Alongside, the cafe, there is a souvenir store called the Nature Store, where you can pick up souvenirs for family and friends.

Overall a great idea for a long weekend or just a weekend. You can also check out my review of the Escape Room in Dallas which is another fun activity with family and friends.