York’s Wild Kingdom – York, Maine

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Welcome to Your Perfect Maine Road Trip Break!

If you’re traveling through on I-95, watching the lush pine trees roll past your window as you head into Maine, you already know you are in “Vacationland.” But every great road trip needs a standout pitstop-a place where you can step out of the car, shake off the highway fatigue, and jump straight into an unforgettable adventure.

Tucked away in the beautiful coastal town of York, Maine, just a stone’s throw from the highway, lies York’s Wild Kingdom. As Maine’s premier zoo and amusement park, this beloved attraction has been welcoming generations of travelers, families, and road-trippers for decades. Whether you are traveling with curious toddlers, adventurous teenagers, or grandparents looking to relive classic summer memories, York’s Wild Kingdom offers a delightful mix of natural wonder and timeless amusement park fun.

Grab your sunglasses, roll down your windows, and let’s explore why taking Exit 7 off I-95 to visit York’s Wild Kingdom might just end up being the highlighted memory of your entire trip!

Walk on the Wild Side: Exploring the Zoo

The moment you step through the gates of York’s Wild Kingdom, the hum of the interstate fades away, replaced by the exotic sounds of the animal kingdom. The zoo portion of the park is meticulously designed to be lush, shaded, and extraordinarily visitor-friendly. Spanning across leafy acres, it allows you to get surprisingly close to incredible creatures from every corner of the globe.

Exotic Big Cats and Magnificent Mammals

One of the highlight features of the zoo is its impressive collection of apex predators and large mammals. You’ll have the chance to stand in awe before magnificent African lions and striking Bengal tigers. Watching these powerful big cats bask in the Maine sunshine or stretch in their spacious enclosures is a breathtaking experience.

As you wander further along the wooden walkways, you’ll encounter graceful zebras, curious camels, fast-moving emus, and even bouncy red kangaroos in the Australian Walkabout section. The zoo takes great pride in creating enclosures that mimic natural habitats, giving you an authentic look into the lives of these majestic species.

Primate Paradise

If you love lively, mischievous animals, the primate exhibits will keep you entertained for hours. York’s Wild Kingdom is home to a delightful variety of monkeys, including chatty capuchins, energetic tamarins, and agile gibbons. Watching the gibbons swing effortlessly from branch to branch with incredible speed and agility is a spectacle that captures the hearts of kids and adults alike. Their vocal calls often echo through the park, providing a soundtrack that truly makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical jungle.

The Butterfly Kingdom

Step into a world of serene magic at the Butterfly Kingdom. This indoor, climate-controlled tropical greenhouse is home to hundreds of free-flying, colorful butterflies representing dozens of species from around the globe. As you stroll along the winding path surrounded by lush plants, exotic flowers, and gentle waterfalls, butterflies will flutter all around you-and if you stand still, one might even land softly on your shoulder! It’s a tranquil, photo-worthy oasis that offers a peaceful contrast to the excitement of the rest of the park.

Interactive Petting Zoo and Feeding Stations

For hands-on animal lovers, the Deer and Goat Contact Area is an absolute must-visit. Here, the barriers come down, allowing kids and parents to walk right alongside friendly goats, sheep, and gentle fallow deer. You can purchase cupfuls of animal food to feed them right from your hand. The goats are notoriously friendly and love a gentle head scratch, making this area a favorite spot for adorable family photos and sensory-rich interactions for younger children.

Nostalgic Thrills: The Amusement Park

After you’ve explored the animal kingdom, it’s time to shift gears and head over to the vibrant, music-filled amusement park side of the complex. The ride area at York’s Wild Kingdom strikes a wonderful balance between classic, nostalgic rides that bring back childhood memories and fun, modern attractions built for kid-friendly thrills.

Rides for the Whole Family

York’s Wild Kingdom features a carefully curated collection of rides that cater to all bravery levels:

• The Ferris Wheel: Take a ride up into the sky for a panoramic view of the entire park, the surrounding pine canopy, and even glimpses of the nearby Atlantic coastline. It’s the perfect ride for a gentle breeze and scenic pictures.
• The Wacky Worm Roller Coaster: A fantastic “first coaster” for younger kids, offering just enough twists, turns, and dips to create big smiles without big scares.
• Classic Bumper Cars: Unleash your inner child and dodge, bump, and spin your way across the floor in a friendly battle with your fellow road-trippers.
• The Merry-Go-Round & Kiddie Rides: Younger travelers will love choosing their favorite horse on the traditional carousel or steering mini-cars, boats, and spinning tea-cups.

Midway Games, Treats, and Arcade Fun

No amusement park experience is complete without the sensory delights of the carnival midway! Try your hand at classic games of skill to win stuffed animals, or step inside the air-conditioned arcade for classic pinball, modern racing games, and ticket-redemption fun.

When your stomach starts to rumble, the sweet scent of classic fair food will lead the way. You can treat yourself to freshly spun cotton candy, golden funnel cakes topped with powdered sugar, crispy french fries, buttery popcorn, and ice-cold lemonades. It’s classic summer comfort food at its absolute finest.

Why It’s a GREAT Attraction to Stop and Visit Along I-95

Traveling along I-95 through New England can sometimes feel like a marathon of highway miles. Taking a planned detour to York’s Wild Kingdom transforms a routine drive into a memorable highlight of your vacation. Here is why it is the ultimate I-95 pitstop:

Unbeatable Convenience

York’s Wild Kingdom is located less than ten minutes off Exit 7 on I-95. You don’t have to navigate confusing city streets or drive miles out of your way. You simply hop off the highway, park your car, and within minutes, you are standing in front of tigers or soaring on a Ferris wheel.

The Perfect “Energy Burner” for Families

If you are traveling with kids, long stretches in the car can lead to restlessness. York’s Wild Kingdom provides the ideal environment for children to run, walk, explore, and burn off built-up energy in a safe, contained, and engaging setting. After a couple of hours walking through the zoo and riding the carousel, your passengers will be ready for a peaceful, relaxed continuation of the road trip!

Exceptional Flexibility and Value

One of the best features of York’s Wild Kingdom is its flexible ticketing system. You can purchase combination passes that cover both the zoo and unlimited amusement park rides, or choose options that fit your specific schedule. Whether you have two quick hours to stretch your legs or an entire afternoon to spend soaking up the sun, the park accommodates your timeline effortlessly.

Gateway to Historic York Beach

The park’s location is unbeatable. It is situated right in the heart of York Beach, Maine. After visiting the wild kingdom, you are just a short walk away from Short Sands Beach, where you can feel the soft ocean sand between your toes, listen to the crashing waves, and visit famous local haunts like The Goldenrod to watch historic saltwater taffy-pulling machines in action.

Details

Address:
York’s Wild Kingdom
1 Animal Park Road
York, Maine
Telephone: 207-363-4911
Website: https://yorkswildkingdom.com/

Hours of Operation:
Late May through Late September
Monday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Admission:
Zoo Only:
Adults (11 and older): $19.50
Children (3-10): $12.75
Infants (2 nd under): $2.00
Zoo and Rides:
Adults (11 and older): $25.50
Children (3-10): $20.00

Directions:
From I-95 South: Take I-95 North over the big bridge into Maine. From there you should get off at Exit #7, which says York’s and Ogunquit. It is also the last exit before the Maine Turnpike. Then you will want to get onto Route 1 North which is a left at the lights. York’s Wild Kingdom is about two miles up on the right. We have a 40-foot sign.

From I-95 North: Take the Maine Turnpike, I-95 south, all the way to the last exit on the turnpike, the York exit #7. It is right after the toll booth at the end. After you get off the exit, get onto Route 1 North which is a left at the lights. York’s Wild Kingdom is about two miles up on the right. We have a 40-foot sign.

Insider Tips for Your Visit

To ensure your stop at York’s Wild Kingdom is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, keep these three insider tips in mind:

Time Your Zoo Walk for the Morning: “Animals are typically most active, vocal, and playful during the cooler morning hours right after the park opens. Plan to arrive early to tour the zoo exhibits first while the animals are awake and exploring, then head over to the amusement rides and food stands in the afternoon.”

Wear Bright Colors into the Butterfly Kingdom: “If you want an up-close, interactive experience with the butterflies, wear bright floral colors like pink, orange, yellow, or red. Butterflies are naturally attracted to bright colors, making them far more likely to land on your clothes for an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity!”

Pack a Stroller and Sturdy Walking Shoes: “York’s Wild Kingdom is compact and easy to navigate compared to massive city zoos, the terrain includes a mix of paved paths, wooden boardwalks, and packed gravel. Bring comfortable walking shoes for yourself, and if you have toddlers, bring a stroller or wagon to keep them comfortable as you move between the zoo and ride sections.”

Set Your GPS for Exit 7!

Road trips are defined by the unexpected, wonderful stops you make along the way. York’s Wild Kingdom isn’t just a zoo, and it isn’t just an amusement park-it is a cheerful, nostalgic, action-packed sanctuary where classic New England vacation traditions come alive.

So, as you travel down I-95, keep an eye out for the sign for Exit 7. Turn down the highway volume, gather your family or travel buddies, and get ready to create stories you’ll be talking about long after the road trip is over. York’s Wild Kingdom is waiting to welcome you to the wild side of Maine!

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