About|Located on over 10,000 acres of land, the Wilds is home to a variety of large and endangered animals. With its safari park structure, the Wilds offers visitors a number of unique experiences that allow them to get up close and personal with the park's animal inhabitants. Because of this, the Wilds is perfect for people of all ages who want to have the opportunity to get closer to their favorite animals than they ever have before. Best and Worst Times to Visit the Wilds The best time to visit the Wilds is from May-September, because the park is open every day from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in May and 9 a.m.-4.pm. for the rest of that period. In addition, the weather from May-September is generally warmer, which makes activities such as the open-air safari possible. For those who don't mind a little cold weather, the Wilds also offers daily winter tours in an enclosed, heated vehicle from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. during the months of November-April. The worst time to visit the Wilds is in October because the park is only open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays over the course of the month. Must See/Do at the Wilds Those who visit the Wilds between the months of May-September or in October should go on the park's open-air safari, which takes visitors on a two hour tour of the park's open range animal areas, containing animals such as rhinos, giraffes, and cheetahs. For a truly unique tour experience, visitors can go on a horseback safari, which is a 45 minute-an hour-long tour of the park's grounds, overlooking the grasslands and the butterfly habitat. Those who wish to throw a little thrill into their tour of the Wilds can go on a zip line safari tour, which takes visitors over a series of ten zip lines and sends them soaring over the animal habitats. Admission to the Wilds Because the Wilds offers a variety of tours and experiences, there is no set admission price for the park as a whole. Instead, visitors pay a price per tour or pass, which ranges from $15 for a child's safari transport pass to $150 for a sunset wildside tour. Military members can get a safari transport pass or go on an open-air safari tour for free, and are also able to receive a discount on some specialty tours, such as the zip line safari tour. The Wilds recommends that visitors reserve their tickets online for tours such as the open-air safari, but other tours, such as the winter at the Wilds tour, are available by reservation only. Parking at the Wilds The Wilds has its own parking lot on-site for guests to use. There is a fee for parking, though those with a membership to the Wilds can park for free. Public Transportation to the Wilds Since the Wilds is located out in the country and is over ten minutes from the village of Cumberland, there are not many public transportation options available to take visitors to the park. If visitors have no other choice but to take public transportation to the Wilds, there are some area taxi services available. However, it is easiest for visitors to travel to the park by private car. Food at the Wilds The Wilds has three different restaurants for visitors to choose from: the Safari Snack Depot, the Terrace Grill, and the Overlook Café. These restaurants serve a variety of foods and beverages, including soft pretzels, Donatos pizza, and specialty sandwiches. The best dining experience is at the Terrace Grill, which has a rooftop terrace that allows visitors to watch the park's cheetahs, African painted dogs, and dholes while they eat. Visitors are also permitted to bring their own food and beverages to the Wilds, and can even bring a small cooler on the tour vehicles and can eat outside during the two tour stops along the way. Insider Tip for Visitors to the Wilds It is important for visitors to dress appropriately for the weather, since many of the activities and tours at the Wilds are outside, and the park does not offer refunds to those who leave early due to weather conditions. Visitors should also make sure to wear comfortable shoes, because there is some walking involved in a visit to the park. Author's bio: Miranda Roehler grew up in Northwest Ohio. She studied Creative Writing and History at The University of Findlay and has been published in multiple international journals.