York's Wild Kingdom

York's Wild Kingdom is Maine's only combined zoo and amusement park, and at just a 6-minute drive from Anchorage Inn, it is the easiest family-day stop on the York Beach coast. Operating since 1980, the park sits on Animal Park Road just inland from York Beach, packing a well-curated zoo and a classic mid-sized amusement park into a single ticketed day. For families with kids in the 3-to-12 range, it is the strongest pure-fun stop in town.

Address

1 Animal Park Rd, York, ME 03909, United States

From the Anchorage Inn

By Car: 6 Min On Foot: 34 Min

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The zoo's half features a mix of exotic animals, primates, large cats, bears, deer, and a long roster of birds and small mammals laid out along walkable, shaded paths. Several popular interactive experiences cost extra on top of zoo admission: pony and camel rides run $7 per rider, and the budgie aviary lets guests step inside an enclosure of friendly, brightly colored parakeets that land on hands and seed sticks. Feedings and keeper talks happen at scheduled times throughout the day, and the layout is compact enough to see everything comfortably in two to three hours.

The amusement park side runs to family-friendly classics, a kiddie area with small thrill rides for younger children, a few moderate adult rides, fair-style midway games, and the kind of seasonal carnival food that makes a summer day feel like summer. Tickets are sold separately for the zoo and the rides, with combination passes covering both. The 2026 season opens May 23 and runs through the end of the warm-weather season. Last admission during peak season is 4:00 PM, with the park closing at 5:00 PM. Current ticket prices, ride lists, and special events are at yorkswildkingdom.com.

York's Wild Kingdom

6 Min

34 Min

Address

1 Animal Park Rd, York, ME 03909, United States

Phone Number

+12073634911

Website

http://www.yorkswildkingdom.com/

Carefully Selected Journeys

Why Visit

York's Wild Kingdom is the only place in Maine where you can watch a keeper talk with a large cat and then put your kids on a classic carnival ride within the same hour. The combination of the zoo and the amusement park in one compact, walkable space makes it the easiest full-morning anchor for a family day on the York Beach coast.

Maine's only combined zoo and amusement park, open since 1980, with exotic animals, interactive experiences, and typical family rides all in one ticketed stop
Step inside the budgie aviary, watch feedings and keeper talks, or add a pony or camel ride for $7 per rider
Shaded zoo paths and a compact layout mean you can comfortably see everything in two to three hours without wearing the kids out
Just 6 minutes from the Anchorage Inn fits cleanly between a morning swim at Long Sands and an evening at York Beach village

Day 1 What To Do

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Morning Drive

Head out from the Anchorage Inn and take Route 1 north to Mountain Road. The 17-minute drive takes you from the coast into a completely different landscape, from beach town to coastal forest in minutes.

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Hit the Trails

Start with the Ring Trail to Summit loop for a 2.2-mile moderate hike through shrubland and ridge. Or take the Big A loop for an easy, accessible circuit around the summit both reward you with sweeping views at the top.

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Summit Views

Take in the full 360-degree panorama from the summit, with the Atlantic to the east and the White Mountains to the west. The stone fire tower base, picnic spots, and interpretive signage make this a great place to slow down and take it all in.

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Wildlife & Exploration

Head back down through the trail network and keep an eye out for hawks overhead, white-tailed deer at the tree line, and the vernal pools tucked into the forest. One of the best hawk-watching spots in New England.

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Head Back

Drive back toward York and stop for lunch in York Village or Ogunquit before returning to the Anchorage Inn in time for an afternoon swim at Long Sands.

Best Time to Visit York's Wild Kingdom

York's Wild Kingdom is open from May 23 through the end of the warm-weather season, with peak season hours running until 5:00 PM and last admission at 4:00 PM. Off-season hours: last admission at 3:00 PM and close at 4:00 PM. Hot summer afternoons are the busiest, and weekday mornings are noticeably easier. Bring sunscreen, hats, refillable water bottles, and a few small bills for ride and game tokens.

Best Light

Morning visits are cooler, less crowded, and the best time to see the animals active along the shaded zoo paths

Weather

The zoo's shaded paths make it a solid option even on hot days; avoid peak afternoon heat on summer weekends if possible

Avoiding Crowds

Weekday mornings are the quietest; hot summer weekend afternoons bring the largest crowds to both the zoo and the rides

For Photographers

The budgie aviary and keeper feeding times offer the closest animal encounters and the best shots of the day

Note

Combination zoo and amusement park passes are the best value; You can find current ticket prices and special events here.

Family Adventure Day

Beach Morning — Sandcastles & Surf

08:00

Start the day right outside the inn on Long Beach. Build sandcastles, hunt for shells, and let the little ones splash in the waves while the adults have morning coffee. The beach is uncrowded in the early morning and magical in the summer light.

Take Flight Aerial Adventure Course

10:00

The thrill of the day. Take Flight is a top-rated aerial ropes course and zip line adventure designed for families with kids of various ages. The magnetic belay system means kids can climb at their own pace safely. Staff are exceptional, many reviews highlight how patiently they support nervous kids. Multiple height levels so younger children participate alongside teens and adults. Book online in advance, especially in summer. Ages 5+ welcome.

Nubble Lighthouse Picnic at Sohier Park

12:00

Grab sandwiches and snacks from a local market and picnic at Sohier Park with the Nubble Lighthouse as your backdrop. Kids love the dramatic rocky coastline and watching the lobster boats pass. Alternatively, grab a quick lobster roll at Fox's Lobster House right on site.

Center for Wildlife — Cape Neddick

13.30

A true hidden gem of the York coast. The Center for Wildlife is a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center caring for injured and orphaned animals — barred owls, red-tailed hawks, foxes, turtles, and more. Visitors can meet the ambassador animals, explore the learning exhibits, and walk the nature trail. Staff are passionate and wonderfully knowledgeable. Open daily 9–5. Donations warmly appreciated

York's Wild Kingdom or Short Sands

15:00

Head back toward York Beach. York's Wild Kingdom is a beloved local zoo and amusement park perfect for younger children (summer only). Or go to Goldenrod for some homemade taffy or fudge and head to the Short Sands playground. Short Sands has a vibrant energy that's perfect for an afternoon wind-down.

Dinner & Bonfire

18:30

If you've already enjoyed our restaurant, the Sun and Surf, there are other great options locally for families. The Lobster Cove and York River Landing serve the best of Maine seafood. After dinner, return to Long Beach for an evening walk. The stars over the York coast are spectacular away from city lights — on a clear night, you can see the Milky Way.

FAQ

Early check-in and late check-out may be available depending on occupancy. Please call the front desk on the day of your arrival to check availability.

Only some room types include balconies. If a balcony matters for your stay, book an Atrium or Loft room, or call us directly to confirm availability.

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. If you arrive early, you are welcome to use the pools and beach while your room is being prepared.

Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Please contact the front desk if you need a late check-out and we will do our best to accommodate.

Please contact the hotel directly for the most current pet policy before booking. Policies can vary by building, room type, and season.

Yes, we can receive packages for guests prior to arrival. Please include your name, reservation dates, and mark the package for the Anchorage Inn.