What can be more exciting to kids then watching animals roaming freely around the forest. And that to when sitting comfortably in your car. Excitement, fun, joyful screaming, fearful heartbeats and lots of laugh – This trip to Fossil Rim at Glen Rose, Texas had it all in just 3 hrs.
We drove to Fossil Rim Wildlife Centre – Glen cove from Dallas. It took us almost 1 hour 45 mins to reach to our destination. We were right on time for our 11 am tickets. Wildlife Centre team has offered different options to choose from- self guided drive through safari from your vehicle, public guided tour with a group & private guided tour.
We had reserved tickets beforehand for self-guided drive. It was the most suitable option for us as we were driving with 7-month-old baby. Driving in our own car gave us lot of flexibility and freedom to take stops for breastfeeding, taking pictures, diaper changes and munching for sandwiches. Plus, our car had a sunroof. My son and me took turns to observe the wilderness like a king 🙂
On the entrance gate we were provided with animal food and were advised to feed only Giraffe by hand. For rest of the animals, we were supposed to throw the feed on ground. Also were warned not to try to touch any animals.
After driving for 2-3 minutes, we were welcomed by big birds. I first thought they were Ostriches. But in reality, they were Emu’s. We also saw Ostrich’s nearing end of tour. We saw some animal called Addax. See below pics
We all were glooming once we saw herds of different types of deer’s welcoming us at gate.
Well I am no animal expert, and there were lot different types of animals here which were unknown to us. You can visit Fossil Rim website for exact details of animals.
We fed most animals who approached us. But the most amazing experience was with Giraffes. My husband fed first Giraffe by hand through window and the Giraffe went away. However, second Giraffe wanted food too. It directly came to us through sunroof searching for its treat. I was so scared as I was sitting with baby on the front seat. It was harmless and went away once it got its treat. But for a moment we all were very scared to have wild creatures neck stretching inside our car .
While this animal watch was going on, we took a break at observation center to watch some parrot, turkey & sheep. We then had our lunch, freshened up and thanked lord for the beautiful weather and peaceful journey with kids. Kids sometimes can be so challenging in public that all you want to do is go back home. But today was not such day. Kids really seemed enjoying the trip. Even the 7-month-old was all happy and giggling.
So, talking about animals, other animals which we loved were Zebras. They were standing like statues and hardly moved. We took all the time to take some nice clicks with Zebras. They dint even approach us for food.
And also there were some big Rhino’s.
And some Cheetahs on Cheetah hill.
On the way back we encountered some Ostriches. The ostrich is the world’s largest living bird.
Overall, the day was great, and my son wanted to take the whole trip again. It had taken us almost 2 t 2.30 hrs. to finish the whole round. And he wanted to do it all again. So instead of going out through exit gate, we made an enquiry and turned back as per my sons wish. But played a trick with my son here. Instead of 2 hrs., we had some 20 mins drive with the wildlife and took an exit.
If you have kids, Fossil Rim is very much recommended option to spend a beautiful weekend.
Here is their website if you need more details.
