Six Flags Wild Safari earns first USA Today top park nomination

Kimberly Redmond//February 9, 2026//

The Safari Off Road Adventure at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson. - PROVIDED BY SIX FLAGS

Kimberly Redmond//February 9, 2026//

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For the first time, Wild Safari at Six Flags Great Adventure is nominated as one of the top safari and wildlife parks in the country by USA Today.

As part of the newspaper’s annual readers’ choice awards program, the Jackson-based attraction was among 20 parks selected for the shortlist.

Besides allowing visitors to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals, these destinations are noteworthy for their education efforts on wildlife and conservation.

Other finalists include:

Bearizona Wildlife Park in Arizona
Keystone Safari in Pennsylvania
Lion Country Safari in Florida
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in Texas
San Diego Zoo Safari Park in California

According to USA Today, an expert panel selected contenders for this year’s awards. Readers can vote once per day through March 9 for their favorites.

The publication said it will reveal 10 winners March 18.

Located adjacent to Great Adventure theme park, Wild Safari features more than 1,200 animals from around the world, including giraffes, elephants, lions, rhinos and tigers. Guests experience the safari aboard guided vehicles traveling through expansive, open-air habitats designed to mirror natural environments.

The park is also home to a luxury camping experience that features plush accommodations, VIP dining, spa services and scenic vistas.

Six Flags Great Adventure Resort's Savannah Sunset Resort — Six Flags Great Adventure Resort’s Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa offers luxurious “glamping” accommodations, scenic vistas, spa services and VIP dining within the 350-acre Six Flags Wild Safari Park. – PROVIDED BY SIX FLAGS

An immersive experience

Spanning 350 acres, Wild Safari is one of the largest safari parks in the region. It’s also situated 90 minutes from both New York City and Philadelphia.

USA Today editors praised Wild Safari for offering guests an immersive experience.

“Nothing separates you from the sights and sounds of the animals. With unobstructed views, expect excellent photo opportunities throughout the 45-minute journey,” they said.

The Wild Safari animal park at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson. — Wild Safari animal park at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson. – PROVIDED BY SIX FLAGS

Six Flags Great Adventure theme park and Wild Safari animal park will both open March 28 with a weekend-only schedule through Memorial Day weekend. After May 29, Great Adventure and Wild Safari will welcome guests seven days a week until Labor Day weekend.

Hurricane Harbor water park will open May 23 for the season. It will also wind down after Labor Day. Additionally, limited stays will begin April 3 at Six Flags’ Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa.