If you like the zoo and you want to get up close and personal with a variety of animals, you will enjoy the Yellow River Game Ranch. Many of the animals are very tame, and they eat right from your hand. In fact, it is not uncommon to see certain animals such as deer walking free along the paths, much to the delight of children. The trees keep the paths shaded, too, so this is not a bad place to visit in the summer. Bring quarters to get food from the many machines along the way, and allow yourself an hour or two to see the many animals such as General Lee, the groundhog, and the many buffalo, owls, geese and chickens.
While I did enjoy the time spent with my son at the Game Ranch, I would have to say that it was not the cleanest place in the world. Some of the animals have more freedom than they do at the zoo, and they make a lot of mess! On the flip-side, I also thought some of the cages were rather small for the larger animals such as the Mountain Lion. This graceful and beautiful creature just paced and paced and paced. The bears also looked a little mangy and lazy lying in their area, and the bobcats were mighty restless....
With that said, the peacocks strutting their stuff will make your kids squeal with excitement. The bunnies are mighty cute. The burros have great personalities. And there is a little playground beside the front entrance of the Ranch that has picnic tables. Take the kids through the Ranch, stop and eat lunch at the tables afterwards and let them run and jump like monkeys on the slides and merry-go-round.
Parking at the Ranch is free. The Ranch is located right by Stone Mountain Park, so you can combine the two attractions for a solid day of family fun!
Operating Hours: Every Day, 9:30 AM - 6 PM
Phone: 770-972-6643
Website: www.yellowrivergameranch.com