This is one story in a series where we feature one family-friendly day trip idea a day. Read the entire series and find great ideas for things to do with kids in NJ here.

If you’re looking for a wild and fun adventure for the entire family, take a drive to Six Flags Great Adventure and definitely hit the Safari trail while you’re there.

WHY WE LOVE SIX FLAGS SAFARI

Best NJ Day Trips: Six Flags Safari (Flickr: MaryJanePoppins)
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Spend a day on one of the country’s biggest safari trails where you can get an up-close look at over 1,200 animal species.  The 4.5 mile Six Flags Safari trail takes you through the 350-acre preserve where exotic animals walk right up to your car.

You'll encounter bears, giraffes, monkeys and lions on the safari. You can see a full list of Six Flags Safari animals here.

Walk through Parakeet Paradise to take a look at some of the world’s most exotic birds.

After the safari, stop by the nursery where you can get an even closer hands on look at the exotic animal babies including African baby lion cubs.

Get the backstage safari pass to get a behind-the-scenes look at some animal areas like the veterinary clinic or elephant barn where animal educators can answer all your questions.  Backstage passes are included in the 3-hour VIP Off-Road Adventure.

HOURS, PRICES, LOCATION

UPDATE: The information listed below was current at the time of publishing in 2012, but has since changed. See SixFlags.com for updated pricing and admissions information.

Six Flags Wildlife Safari is open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. but you must sign up at the Explorer Outpost before 2 p.m. on the day of your safari.

Safari tickets are $22.99 per person and do not include park admission, but you can purchase discounted combo tickets online.

The 3-hour VIP Off-Road Adventure is $149.99 per guest, $99.99 for season pass holders, and includes a souvenir T-shirt.

Book your Six Flags Safari online or call (732) 928-2000 x2076 for more information.  Availability is limited, so please book in advance.

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Watch a video of giraffes walking up to cars on Six Flags Safari

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