York’s Wild Kingdom has been welcoming families to York Beach since 1952, when circus animal trainer Charlie Penders opened the attraction with a small collection of animals. More than seventy years later, it’s still one of the area's most popular family destinations, attracting more than 200,000 visitors each year.
Part zoo and part amusement park, York’s Wild Kingdom gives families plenty to do in one location. Kids can spend the morning meeting animals from around the world, move on to rides and games in the afternoon, and still have time for a walk along the beach. For families planning a stay in southern Maine, Anchorage Inn provides convenient access to York’s Wild Kingdom and many of York Beach’s most popular attractions.
A trip to York’s Wild Kingdom zoo introduces children to animals they may have only seen in books, movies, or classrooms. The zoo showcases a variety of animal species from around the world. Families have the chance to experience everything from African lions and Bengal tigers to zebras, kangaroos, and lemurs in a single visit.
Many exhibits are designed to bring guests close enough to appreciate the animals' size, behavior, and unique features. Younger children usually go from one exhibit to the next with plenty of excitement, especially when they spot familiar favorites like monkeys, otters, sloths, and parrots.
York’s Wild Kingdom is privately owned and doesn’t receive state or federal funding. Revenue from admissions and park operations helps support animal care, veterinary services, exhibit maintenance, enrichment programs, and the daily needs of the animals that call this York, Maine, zoo home.
While animal exhibits are a major part of the attraction, some of the most memorable moments happen during the interactive experiences throughout the park.
Butterfly Kingdom offers visitors the opportunity to walk through an enclosed habitat where butterflies fly freely around them. Instead of viewing them from behind glass, guests become part of the environment as colorful butterflies move throughout the space. For younger children, it can feel a little like stepping inside a storybook.
Another favorite is the parakeet experience. These birds may land directly on a visitor's hand while feeding. Those close-up interactions create the kinds of vacation memories families remember long after returning home.
Children can also feed deer, goats, and ducks during their visit. These interactions offer a different way to connect with animals and give younger guests a hands-on experience that’s both educational and fun.
Families traveling with younger children may also want to check out the pony and camel rides available inside the zoo. For many kids, riding a pony or climbing aboard a camel becomes one of the highlights of the day.
One reason York’s Wild Kingdom amusement park works so well for families is the variety of activities available once the zoo portion of the day is complete.
There are plenty of rides designed specifically with younger children in mind. The train, kiddie boats, kiddie wheel, space-age ride, sky fighter, and kiddie bumper boats all offer smaller riders an opportunity to enjoy the amusement park experience. Families can also take a spin on the merry-go-round or enjoy classic attractions that have been entertaining visitors for generations.
Midway games add another layer of fun between rides. Many games are inexpensive to play, which makes it easy to take a break from walking and let kids test their luck.
The park also boasts an 18-hole miniature golf course. This gives families another activity option before heading back to the zoo or making the short walk toward Short Sands Beach. Having rides, games, mini-golf, and animal exhibits in one location makes it easier to fill an entire day without constantly moving from one attraction to another.
Between all the fun, families can stop at the park's concession stands for a quick bite. Guests are welcome to also bring a picnic lunch and enjoy one of the designated picnic areas throughout the day.
When traveling with children under 12, convenience can make a big difference. York’s Wild Kingdom combines animals, rides, games, and family activities into a single destination, which simplifies vacation planning for parents. And who doesn’t love that?
Anchorage Inn puts families close to York’s Wild Kingdom as well as many of the attractions that make York Beach such a popular summer destination. After a day spent meeting animals, feeding parakeets, riding the train, or walking through Butterfly Kingdom, families can return to comfortable accommodations near the beach and continue enjoying everything the area has to offer.
Book your stay at Anchorage Inn and see why the coast of Maine is such a special place for families during the summertime.