Thursday, July 16

We are so excited to go to the Ark Encounter together! We encourage you to spend some time on their website as you prepare. Kids will likely get out of this what you are preparing them for – we encourage you to prepare them and experience this alongside them! Talk to your group about your expectations (buddy system, doing the entire experience together as a group, etc).
Parking

Cost for parking is up to youth leaders.
$15/vehicle, $20/oversize
Those driving buses can contact Ark Encounter about driving the buses all the way down to the Ark rather than unloading at the entrance and riding the shuttles.
Additional Cost
  • Some Animal Experiences
  • Camel Encounters
  • Dining (other than the Buffet)
  • Guidebooks
  • Guided Tours
  • Mining Sluice
  • Shopping
  • Truth Traveler VR
  • Zip Lines
If you or your group are interested in some of these activities, we recommend booking them in advance! Be advised, the Zip Lines can take up to a few hours.
Food Options

There are several places to eat, but the meal voucher that comes with our tickets are ONLY VALID FOR THE BUFFET (“Emzara’s Buffet”).
Other Options:
  • Zofar’s - Tacos, Bowls
  • Gopher Wood Grill - Burgers, Pizza,
  • Hot Dogs
  • The Village Smokehouse - Pulled Pork,
  • Brisket Sandwiches
  • Olive Leaf Cafe - Salads, Sandwiches,
  • Snacks
  • Noah’s Coffee - Coffees, Lattes,
  • Frappes, Smoothies
  • Uncle Leroy’s Candy Kitchen - Cookies,
  • Fudge, Ice Cream, Treats
Included in Ticket Price

  • Some free animal encounters
  • Ararat Ridge Zoo
  • Carousel
  • Children’s Playground
  • Exhibits
  • Junior’s Zoo Adventure
  • Some speakers/concerts