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Wild Safari at Six Flags Great Adventure Receives First USA TODAY 10BEST Nomination

Wild Safari at Six Flags Great Adventure snagged its first nod from USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. The Jackson attraction made the cut among 20 parks competing in the…

VALLEJO, CA - JUNE 1: Odin, a five year-old White Bengal Tiger leaps through the air during a big cat show at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom June 1, 2007 in Vallejo, California. Odin allows his trainers to handle him during performances where he jumps and also dives into a pool. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Wild Safari at Six Flags Great Adventure snagged its first nod from USA TODAY's 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards. The Jackson attraction made the cut among 20 parks competing in the safari and wildlife parks category.

An expert panel picked the contenders this year. Readers can cast their vote once per day until March 9, and USA TODAY will reveal the 10 winners on March 18.

Other contenders include Bearizona Wildlife Park in Arizona, Keystone Safari in Pennsylvania, Lion Country Safari in Florida, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in Texas, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park in California. USA TODAY pointed out that these destinations shine when it comes to teaching visitors about wildlife and conservation.

The park sprawls across 350 acres and houses more than 1,200 animals. Giraffes, elephants, lions, rhinos, and tigers roam the grounds. Visitors experience the safari aboard guided vehicles that roll through open-air habitats built to mimic where these creatures live in the wild.

USA TODAY editors praised the attraction for its unobstructed views. "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, according to NJBIZ.com.

The facility sits 90 minutes from New York City and Philadelphia. It ranks as one of the largest safari parks in the region.

Guests can also stay overnight at a luxury camping spot that provides plush rooms, VIP dining, spa services, and scenic views. Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa will begin taking limited reservations starting April 3.

Wild Safari will bring back in-park boarding for 2026. This change means guests can hop aboard an off-road safari truck from inside the theme park itself, boarding near The Runaway Mine Train and Medusa.

Both the theme park and Wild Safari will open March 28. They'll run on weekends only until Memorial Day weekend. After May 29, both will operate seven days a week through Labor Day weekend. Hurricane Harbor water park opens on May 23.

J. MayhewWriter