Bring Fido on a Wild Ride to Six Incredible Drive-Thru Attractions

Posted by Billy Francis

You don’t have to embark on a cross-country road trip to take Fido on the ride of his life.  These drive-thru attractions welcome you and your canine copilot to get up close and “paw-sonal” with awesome wildlife, animatronic dinosaurs and epic exhibits from the comfort of your car.

1. Bearizona

Williamson, AZ
“This is one intense dog park!” Photo by James

Wind up your windows and lock the doors on a fun romp through Bearizona. These aren’t the kind of bears you want to invite for a picnic, Fido. Together, you can set off on a fascinating drive through the Arizona wilderness and say hello to the North American wildlife that resides within the park. Over half of the animals are rescued or rehabilitated, and one of Bearizona’s main goals is to promote conservation and preservation. Dogs are welcome in the drive-thru segments of the park. Tickets start at $25 for adults, and pups can stare at the furry residents for free.

Be sure to pay a visit to the Grand Canyon while you’re in the area and stay at one of the country’s best glamping spots: Under Canvas Grand Canyon.

2. Jurassic Quest

Multiple locations
You may want to look the other way! Photo by Facebook.com/jurassicquest

Tip your Panama hat, hop in your Jeep Wrangler and make your way to one of Jurassic Quest’s locations for a roaring good time. Fido doesn’t have to be a “paw-leontologist” to recognize how realistic the exhibits are at North America’s largest dinosaur event. You and your pooch are invited to complete quests as you make your way around the animatronic exhibits, which feature over 70 dinosaurs including a T-Rex, Spinosaurus and Triceratops. Tickets start at $15.

3. African Safari Wildlife Park

Port Clinton, OH
Bring your family to meet theirs! Photo by Facebook.com/africansafariwildlifepark

African Safari Wildlife Park is home to a variety of exotic animals that might not play nice if you start a game of fetch. Pups should keep their paws in the vehicle at all times while they watch bison, camels, giraffes, llamas and other furry friends grazing in the Ohio backcountry. Tickets start at $20.95, and dogs enter for free.

After another wild ride, park your pup at Best Western Port Clinton. The hotel is just minutes away from the park and welcomes pets for no additional fee.

4. Happy Place: The Drive-Thru

Los Angeles, CA
Put your paws in the air like you just don’t care! Photo by Facebook.com/wearehappyplace

This year, we could all use a happy place to escape to. Happy Place: The Drive-Thru takes you from the 3rd floor of Westfield Century City’s parking structure to the picturesque rooftop, with 18 exhibits along the way that are designed to bring a smile to your face. The multi-sensory experience includes a California Dreamin’ trip through the Golden State, the world’s first car-operated piano, and even a nightclub that you can enjoy without leaving your vehicle. Tickets start at $49.50 per vehicle.

Now that you’re feeling merry, continue the “paw-sitive” vibes with a stay at Kimpton Hotel Palomar Beverly Hills just around the corner.

5. Custer State Park

Custer, SD
“Do these guys bite?” Photo by BringFido

If you’re planning a pet-friendly road trip through South Dakota, Custer State Park is a must-visit destination along the way. The park's 18-mile Wildlife Loop leads through open grasslands and rolling hills, which is home to herds of bison, whitetail and mule deer, antelope, mountain goats, elk and bighorn sheep. The loop is recognized as one of the best places to view wildlife in their natural habitat on the planet. Entrance fees start at $20 per vehicle.

Super 8 Custer Crazy Horse is the nearest hotel to the park and offers a comfortable place to rest your heads before the next leg of your road trip.

6. . National Elk Refuge

Jackson, WY
Say cheese! Photo by @_nationalelkrefuge

National Elk Refuge protects the natural habitat of one of the largest elk herds on Earth. The stunning scenic road offers you and Fido the chance to get a glimpse of the elk in a sanctuary they have inhabited since 1912. There is no fee to drive on the Refuge Road.

Located near Jackson Town Square, Antler Inn is a charming throwback motel for weary travelers to enjoy.

Where will Fido’s next drive take him? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!