Review
York’s Wild Animal Kingdom in York Maine – July 2014
York’s Wild Kingdom is a family-oriented zoo and amusement park centrally located in York Beach, Maine on 1 Animal Park Road. Surrounded by beautiful forest and natural wetlands, the zoo is situated on 25 acres that have been set aside for the preservation of ecology. The amusement park sits adjacent to the quaint shops and restaurants for which downtown York is famous. The Ferris wheel offers a uniquely memorable view of the ocean waves and sandy beaches. With 75 beautifully landscaped animal exhibits, 18 rides for all ages, five food and ice cream stands, and two gift shops, visitors of all ages will enjoy an entire day of fun.
York’s Wild Kingdom opens annually in late May around Memorial Day weekend and remains open through the summer until the latter part of September. Hours may vary depending on time of year – check online for the current schedule based on your date of visit.
Some highlights of the Zoo include the Butterfly Kingdom, Duck Feeding, Petting Zoo, Deer Encounter, and Animal Presentations. They also participate in breeding programs, environmental enrichment and conservation. You can see the full list of their animals HERE.
But WAIT! There’s MORE! There is also an amusement park! This park has rides for people of all ages. So no matter who you are with – everyone can participate fully. And in addition to the rides there is a miniature golf course, batting cages, midway games for just $1.00, a large arcade and so incredibly close to Short Sands Beach in York Maine.
**********************************
We visited the park on what I would consider to be the perfect day. The weather was partly cloudy and temperature about 77 degrees. So not too hot and definitely not cold. This was the perfect day to walk around and enjoy everything this park had to offer.We actually scheduled a full day – starting at Short Sands Beach and their playground; checking out some of the stores and restaurants then on over to York Animal Kingdom – the zoo first then the amusements – then back to the beach to finish the day.
The Animal Kingdom is only a block away from Short Sands Beach – which was rated one of the top ten beaches in the country!
The park is easy to navigate – pretty difficult for anyone to lose their way too. My favorite is always the big cats. This year they were pretty close to the fence and easily visible – I couldn’t quite get my camera to focus on the cats though rather than fence. I would have loved to have shown you all the beauty!
We ventured through the zoo portion first then moved on to the amusements. What child doesn’t love amusements! My kids are no different. They had a blast. You can even leave the park and come back in – through the rear portion of the amusements (by the ferris wheel) you can walk right towards the beach. Once we experienced the zoo and the amusements, we went back to the beach and playground. It was a very long day and quite memorable.
If you have never been to Maine beaches you have got to make a point to do so. Every single Maine Beach is very different from any other. Maine has everything from rocky shorelines to sandbars, soft beaches and more. We sometimes travel up the coast of Maine just to stop and one beach after another. It is so spectacular – we can’t get enough of it – even in the middle of winter.
Ticket prices may be found HERE. You have options based on age, zoo only, or zoo and amusements, all day unlimited rides only etc… There are also additional costs for go carts, camel rides, pony rides, snake photos, pet feed (for the petting areas). We spent quite a bit on the pet food – my kids couldn’t get enough of it. We did not participate in the camel rides or pony rides but not due to cost (which is pretty minimal) – I have severe allergies to ponies and many other animals. The kids just cannot participate in those types of activities. Although God knows they want to – badly!
Another great feature of York Wild Kingdom? They have an entire picnic section where you are allowed to bring you own coolers and really settle in for the day. That is a great feature for group outings, family trips and more!
Disclosure
I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and/or I believe would be helpful for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Your experience with the product(s) or service(s) may differ from mine.
York’s Wild Animal Kingdom in York Maine – July 2014 http://t.co/MqmkfOcZbQ
@stuffofsuccess York’s Wild Animal Kingdom in York Maine – July 2014 http://t.co/5jL0EzYKs1 #review
WOW This zoo looks amazing! I wish they had a white bangel tiger in Pittsburgh