At Lake Tobias you’ll see what its like to roam the jungles and grasslands of six continents at a Halifax, PA attraction that is only a half hour from downtown Harrisburg.
Safari Tour
Our favorite part of our Lake Tobias trips, is most certainly the Safari Tour! You ride in an open-top bus, and get to lean out and let all sorts of LARGE animals eat crackers or vegetables from your hands. Kids and adults absolutely love the tickling of the slobber. 
You’ll see and touch friendly buffalo, steer, deer, elk and many other animals—all of which will eagerly eat directly from you. Check out some of these photos and videos!
And watch this to see how they eat right out of your hand! I can emphasize enough how unique of an experience this is for all ages.
Petting Zoo
The Lake Tobias Petting Zoo is likely one of the largest petting zoos we have been to. You’ll pet goats, sheep, a camel, llamas, kangaroos and many other animals.
Reptile Show & Room
There is a special reptile room on the premises, and we highly recommend visiting it during one of their live reptile shows. We have visited several times and the animal caretakers are always very informative and friendly.
You’ll learn about (and sometimes get to touch) sloths, frogs/toads, snakes, and more!
There’s more than just reptiles in this room too—like this cute little guy!
Outdoor Animals
The larger animals in outdoor cages. You’ll find animals including the alligator, tiger, bears, peacock, capybara (am I the only one that remembers these from the old computer game Amazon Trail?!), baboons, zebras and lions!
Also in outside cages are the monkeys and other smaller animals that are really fun to watch. This one had every spectator laughing hysterically—you have to watch this video!
Giraffes were recently added to the animals you’ll find at Lake Tobias. You do have to walk a little bit to get to these, but its an enjoyable and leisurely walk. I was surprised how close you can get to the giraffes!
Ways to Save on Lake Tobias Tickets
I do not find coupons or discounts for Lake Tobias very often, but here are the few places I have noted to watch:
- ValPack coupon mailer that comes in the mail. Its usually the June (or maybe May or July) coupon packet that comes in your mailbox that you’ll find some sort of savings like $3 off a ticket or something like that.
- Children 2 and under are FREE.
- Military Discount. Complimentary Explorer Tickets are available every day for all active members of the military and veterans. Military ID is required and discount is only applicable to the service member.
- Season Pass. If you live close enough to visit often, the season pass is an excellent option at just $40 per person for the entire season! Safari tour must be purchased separately.
- Living Social. They did offer a deal in the past but I have not seen it since.
For only $12 (a $24 value) for “Explorer” tickets for two people, grants access to the zoo exhibits, Reptiles and Exotics building & petting zoo. Also includes a guided safari tour of the 150-acre facility in an open-air cruiser.This deal is no longer available!
Current rates and prices are on their website. You can purchase tickets for the safari tour separately from the rest of the zoo, but we always recommend doing both while you are there!
