north georgia drive thru safari

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Family-Friendly Animal Park in Pine Mountain, GA

Experience the thrill of meeting nature’s animal friends. Wild Animal Safari ® is your destination for breathtaking adventures. Bring the family to our drive-thru animal park in Pine Mountain, GA. You’ve never been this up close and personal to nature.

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Zootube/conservation, many ways to explore.

Drive-thru tours let you meet some of the world’s wildlife. Join the fun and see some of your favorite animals as you’ve never seen them before. Our park offers many ways to discover the beauty of nature. There are three ways to explore Wild Animal Safari ® :

Drive-Thru Safari

Travel down our 3.5-mile trail and see many different animals along the way. Some of them may even get close to meet you and your family! Choose from the comfort of your vehicle, our safari rental vehicles, or a bus with a guide for you and your group to experience the thrill of the safari.

Walkabout Adventure Zoo™

The Walkabout Adventure Zoo™ allows you to meet the animals in a zoo-like setting. Stretch your legs and make friends with our resident Bengal tigers, African lions, peacocks, exotic birds, lemurs, monkeys, and much more.

Visit our ticketing page to reserve your spot for one of our animal safari tours . We are open throughout the year and are located in Pine Mountain, GA.

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Springfield Safari

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Aggieland Safari

GA (706) 663-8744 1300 Oak Grove Rd Pine Mountain, GA 31822 [email protected]

MO (417) 859-5300 124 Jungle Rd Strafford, MO 65757 [email protected]

TX (979) 599-5440 18075 FM 974 Bryan, TX 77808 [email protected]

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North Georgia Safari Drive Thru

Event details.

View animals from the comfort of your car every Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost is $5 per person (children under 2 are free).

Add ons include: Camel Experience where you can stop and feed the camels for $10 per person; Small Animal Meet & Greet where they’ll bring the animals to your car for 15 minutes for $40 per car (up to 4 people; $10 additional person); and Sloth Meet & Greet for $100 per person.

Event Information

Event start date, event end date, instructions.

Visit the North Georgia Wildlife Park & Zoo for more information.

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Wild Times at the North Georgia Wildlife Park

Hang out with adorable baby animals, hand feed a kangaroo, admire an owl mere feet away, hold a giant monitor lizard, or simply enjoy a wildlife tour from afar — at the North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park! Tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains of Cleveland, GA, this spectacular zoo near the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest puts animals first and remains focused on its mission: to help bring people and animals together for the glory of God. 

This faith-based, friendly wildlife park, just an hour from central Blue Ridge and north of Atlanta, features 60 acres to explore with 300+ animals of all shapes and sizes. Plus, you can take a safari ride in your own car, participate in an animal encounter, visit one of the largest petting zoos in the state, or plan a special experience. For your next vacation to North Georgia, be sure to add a visit to this one-of-a-kind wildlife park! 

Safari Drive-Thru While you can take a guided wildlife walk through the North Georgia Wildlife & Safari Park, you can also take a safari ride! Stay seated in your own car and follow the designated path to view around 80 species of wild animals — including warthogs, zebra, water buffalo, camels, ostriches, wild cats, alligators, wallabies, otters, owls, armadillos, capuchins, and lemurs — with air conditioning and your favorite snacks. There’s even a llama lane that goes straight through the llama exhibit, where you can hand out approved treats from your windows. Note: aside from the llama lane, the animals cannot walk up to your car. 

Animal Encounters Want to get up close and personal with exotic animals or plan a special outing for your animal-loving kiddo? The animal encounters (for ages 8+) at the North Georgia Wildlife Park feature a wide variety of meaningful experiences with animals of all sorts (some listed below).  Walk among a herd of deer, pet baby animals, become an owl perch, collect porcupine quills, or howl with the wolves! Note: if your kid or teen really loves animals, look into their zoo camp, day camp, or overnight camp.

Types of Animals in Personal Encounters

• Baby animals
• Tropical birds

Special Experiences Make your vacation in the Blue Ridge Mountains extraordinary when you plan for a special experience at the North Georgia Wildlife Park. Go behind the scenes, propose to your special someone, celebrate a birthday, shadow a zookeeper for the day, take a group tour, or practice yoga…with kangaroos! Remember to revisit the zoo at a later date for newly released experiences and seasonal events.

A Taste of Wildlife Park Experiences

• Behind the Scenes Tour
• Proposal Experience
• Party at the Zoo
• Behind the Safari Tour
• Coffee & Critters
• Art & Animals
• GOGA in the Wild
• Shadow a Zookeeper
• Piggy Cuddles
• Sunset Wagon Ride

Petting Zoo Attached to the main wildlife park is a petting farm (one of the largest in the state) for more family fun in North Georgia ! Feed cups allow you to hand feed many of the farm animals, and you can reach out and touch these cuddly creatures — including llamas, sheep, donkeys, alpacas, ponies, rare breeds, and miniatures. There are giant tortoises and a free-flight aviary filled with cute parakeets! Pony rides are also available in warmer seasons.

Gift Shop After touring the zoo, participating in animal experiences, and making memories with family and friends, consider grabbing a memento to commemorate the day. At this North Georgia zoo, you’ll find an open-air gift shop teeming with animal gifts, plushies, toys, T-shirts, jewelry, bags, keychains, dream catchers, and home decor! It’s a unique place to add to your vacation shopping list.

Things to Note Please follow the rules and regs for the North Georgia Wildlife Park, put in place for the well-being of the animals plus safety and enjoyment of all guests. 

• Do not play music while touring the park.
• Keep service animals (pets are not permitted) on a leash or harness at all times.
• Do not run in any section of the park.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol on the grounds.
• Feel free to take as many photos and videos as you like for personal use (except in animal encounters).

While most of the zoo is handicap accessible, some grass/rocky paths may be too difficult to navigate. Not to worry, you can reserve a golf cart ahead of time to see the entire park!

With paid admission, you may pack and bring your own picnic (recommendation: include bits from the weekly farmers market ) to enjoy at the picnic tables. You can even reserve a picnic area if you wish, so you can secure a spot for your group. 

Volunteers are always welcome. Reach out beforehand to see how you, family, and friends can help care for the animals for a day or a special weekend. 

Zoo Admission & Membership While you can purchase admission tickets for the zoo and petting farm online, you must do so sometime before the day you visit. However, you may purchase same-day tickets at the park gates. Note: pricing for animal encounters and special experiences is not included with general admission.

• Child (2-11): $23
• Infant: FREE

Plan to return to North Georgia often? Consider opting for a North Georgia Wildlife Park Club membership that offers special discounts, access to exclusive events, and FREE admission to the petting farm. 

• Child (2-12): $26
• Family (2 adults + 2 children): $100

Location North Georgia Wildlife Park 2912 Paradise Valley Road Cleveland, GA 30528

Zoo Hours Operations vary month to month, but the zoo is typically open on weekends. Spring and summer offer more days and longer hours; fall and winter hours fluctuate a bit more. For the most accurate information on when to visit the zoo, check out the North Georgia Wildlife Park calendar .

Contact [email protected] 706.348.7279 Office hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Georgia Cabins for YOU Playing with animals all day will leave you happy and exhausted. To get the most out of your family adventure, a romantic vacation, or group getaway, plan for a nearby log cabin rental in Blue Ridge, GA. Amenities include views of the Blue Ridge Mountains or Toccoa River, hot tubs, outdoor lounges with fireplaces and TVs, big-screen TVs, game rooms with pool and arcade units, wet bars, indoor jetted tubs, full kitchens, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and king suites! Rest and recharge for more outdoor fun in North Georgia — including hiking to waterfalls , riding horses, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, and ziplining — at your Blue Ridge Mountain cabin rental. 

Plan YOUR ultimate animal experience in North Georgia and book a mountain cabin rental for a vacation to remember. 

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12 of the Best Drive Thru Zoos & Safaris in the US

posted by Charmaine Cortes on December 23, 2022 // last updated on June 12, 2023

To get a one-of-a-lifetime safari experience, you do not have to travel long distances or go overseas. There are plenty of drive-thru zoos in the US that enable you to encounter exotic species from the safety and comfort of your own car.

If you are an adventurer looking forward to experiencing wildlife, here are our recommendations for the best drive-thru zoos, safaris, and wildlife preserves to have an exciting road trip. 

African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton, Ohio

Wildlife safari in oregon, bearizona wildlife park in arizona, phoenix zoo in phoenix, pine mountain wild animal safari park in georgia, custer state park resort in south dakota, lion country safari in loxahatchee, florida, lee richardson zoo in garden city, kansas, natural bridge wildlife ranch in san antonio, texas, southwick’s zoo in madison, massachusetts, arbuckle wilderness park in davis, oklahoma, safari lake geneva in lake geneva, wisconsin.

From alpacas, emus, llamas, zebras, and giraffes to fallow deer, white bison, and a variety of wild birds, visiting the African Safari Wildlife Park can be an unforgettable experience. This drive-thru safari is home to a lot of unique species and puts animal safety and health as its top priority. 

Here, you will also come across many species of wildflowers and plants. The safari offers various activities, including a walk-thru safari in spring, giraffe encounters, a safari cafe, and gem mining. It provides an adventurous experience and enables visitors to get up close and personal with hundreds of animals from around the world. 

Website: www.africansafariwildlifepark.com

Cost: Ticket prices range from $14.95 to $29.95; free for children of 2 and under

Note: While the African Safari Wildlife is open the whole year around, there are certain animals you can only view during the warm months, which is something to consider when going. 

In the Wildlife Safari in Oregon, you can come across a variety of species, including Tibetan Yanks, camels, African elephants, hippopotamuses, and American alligators. The accredited safari has one of the most successful cheetah breeding programs in the US, which you can support with donations.

Hop on the safari tour vehicle and meet and feed one of the most adorable animals, like red pandas or get closer to the king of the jungle and head to the elephant barn to meet with these animals and take a photo. The Wildlife Safari in Oregon offers a lot of activities and safari events. 

The Safari includes bused or open-air adventures through the park’s drive-thru, which is very exciting, but you can also sign up for activities such as hippo encounters, tiger feed, walking with cheetahs, and more. 

Website: www.wildlifesafari.net

Cost: Drive-thru safari tickets range from $17.95 to $23.95 

Note: This is an excellent 60-90 minutes experience for families. The tour features diverse wildlife from the US, Africa, and Asia. 

The Bearizona Wildlife Park provides a natural, spacious environment. The visitors drive through the largest ponderosa pine forest and view various animals in their natural habitats from their own private vehicles. 

Jump on the Wild Ride bus with their tour guides and get familiar with each animal that you encounter along this 3-mile safari. During your drive, you can also get off the bus for a unique backstage experience and view the wolf training sessions.

On this journey, you can witness a broad range of animals, such as black bears, Alaskan tundra wolves, reindeer, arctic wolves, mule deer, and so much more. The mission of the zoo is to promote the preservation through educational encounters of North American wildlife. 

Website: www.bearizona.com

Cost: Ticket prices range from $20 to $50; free for children of 3 and under

Note: Aside from the exciting drive-thru, you can also scroll through the park, enjoy unique animal encounters and dine in their themed restaurant. 

The Phoenix Zoo cares for more than 3,000 animals, including endangered species. Their guided drive-thru tours cover a wide range of animals, which makes it a thrilling experience. There are also plenty of fun daily activities happening in the zoo, including camel rides, giraffe encounters, and others. 

During the tour, you will drive past the main areas of the zoo, including the Africa Trail, where there are rhinos and zebras, and the Tropics Trail, where you will witness elephants and tigers roaming around. 

The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation also features discovery tours, backstage and premium adventures, as well as custom guided tours. Among the animals you can come across at this zoo are Asian elephants, coyotes, Mexican grey wolves, white-faced Saki monkeys, cheetahs, flamingos, and more. 

Website: www.phoenixzoo.org

Cost: $65 per vehicle 

Note: The number of vehicles per day is limited, so make sure to get tickets on time. 

Among the best drive-thru zoos in the US is the Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari Park in Georgia. The safari park allows visitors to encounter more than 120 species of animals, including lizards, wolves, ostriches, parrots, lemurs, and many others.

You will travel down a 2.5-mile trail and view a wide variety of animals along the way. To experience the excitement of the safari, you can use your own vehicle, rent one or get into a bus for a guide. 

Aside from seeing the wild animals, this drive-thru zoo enables horse riding adventures and exclusive animal encounters that allow you to interact with some of them. This is an animal-friendly park for visitors of all ages, where you will have a chance to meet some of the zoo’s friendliest animals. 

Website: www.animalsafari.com/georgia-park-home-about-us/

Cost: Adult (ages 13-64) – $29.00; junior (ages 3-12) – $24.00; senior (age 65+) – $24.00

Note: You can feed the animals with only park-purchased food. 

Go through the park in an open-air jeep or your own vehicle to look for prairie dogs, buffalos, elks, and pronghorns. The guided tour takes around two hours and features guides that share historical and educational stories about the wildlife and the park. The tours depart from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. every day and offer breathtaking views of nature. 

Website: www.custerresorts.com

Cost: Adults – $68; Children (under 12) – $58

Note: You need to make a reservation to get a drive-thru experience.

Despite the name, the Lion Country Safari is home to more than 1,000 animals. During the 4-mile-long drive-through, you can view animals from six different countries, such as lions, zebras, giraffes, white rhinos, chimpanzees, and more.

All of the animals roam in naturalistic habitats. The Lion Country Safari was the very first drive-thru safari park in the United States, as it was established in 1967. After you finish the drive-thru, you can also enjoy activities like boat rides, carnival rides, and water attractions.

Website: www.lioncountrysafari.com

Cost: $34-$45

Note: The safari preserve is divided into seven natural habitats you can visit. 

The Lee Richardson Zoo offers visitors a drive-thru of the park to view wild animals. The zoo is home to over 300 hundred native and exotic animals, including lions, alpacas, Amur leopards, camels, bison, bobcats, elk, giraffes, jaguars, sloth bears, and much more. Each animal is an ambassador of its counterparts, promoting the conservation of wild animals. 

Website: www.leerichardsonzoo.org

Cost: $10 per vehicle, pedestrian entry for free

Note: The Lee Richardson Zoo is open the whole year around 

Start your adventure with the 450-acre safari drive-thru in San Antonio, Texas. Here visitors can interact with animals and look at picturesque views that resemble safari in Africa. You can view over 40 species of animals from the comfort of your own vehicle and roam around the trees and the hills within the ranch.

The safari covers 6 miles and provides 1-2 hours of an incredible experience. You can also get a guided tour from animal specialists and feed the animals. During the guided tours, the visitors can learn more about the animals and come across ostriches, giraffes, zebras, buffalos, and other animal species.

Website: www.wildliferanchtexas.com

Cost: Adults (12-64 years) – $28.99;  children (3-11 years) – $19.99;  seniors (65+years) – $25.99

Note: Check your map before the visit, as there are different routes to take.

Among the best drive-thru zoos in the US is Southwick’s Zoo which enables visitors to go on a self-driven tour of the 200-acre park. On such a 45-minute tour, you will come across various wild animals and download an audio tour as well. 

After the journey, the visitors can also order takeaway from the restaurant, go on rides and visit attractions, or book a giraffe, rhino, or sloth animal encounter. 

Website: www.southwickszoo.com

Cost: $60/car

Note: The guests should arrive 30 minutes before the selected tour time.

Go on a safari-like experience as you drive through 200 acres in the beautiful Arbuckle Mountains and come across hundreds of exotic animals roaming free. This park is also a home for reptiles and is filled with diverse creatures from over five continents.

Llamas, giraffes, donkeys, camels, deers, yaks, zebras, and more; you can enjoy feeding animals from the comfort of your own vehicle. The Arbuckle Wilderness Park provides an exciting adventure for guests of all ages. 

Website: www.arbucklewildernesspark.com

Cost: Adults – $16.99; kids (4-11) – $14.99; senior citizens – $14.99

Note: The drive-thru safari is open every day. 

The wildlife preserve known as Safari Lake Geneva is home to animals from all around the world. You can drive through this safari park as many times as you want and view the variety of animals that are free to roam. 

Moreover, you can also purchase a bowl of grain and feed the animals as you come close to them. Here you can drive your own vehicle or rent a Zebra van if desired. You can opt for a solo trip or bring your whole family for a unique safari adventure. 

Website: www.safarilakegeneva.com

Cost: Adult (ages 16+) – $21.95; children (ages 3-15) – $14.95; infants (ages 2 and under) – free

Note: The giraffes may not be visible during unpleasant weather.

If you are on a hunt for drive-thru zoos and safaris for an unforgettable experience, you can choose the one that appeals to you the most from our list. The zoos are home to a wide number of animals which we often see on TV, and they also offer many activities for their visitors, including special animal encounters. 

More about our TFVG Author

Charmaine Cortes

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North georgia wildlife park and safari.

- North Georgia Wildlife Park & Safari is home to all kinds of exotic and farm animals. We offer more options than a traditional zoo and do this to help fit your schedule, dreams, ages and budget! We also specialize in close experiences & personal interactions with the animals. Come experience for yourself and see why we are called a "Zoo like no other" and why you will love #NogaWild!

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This Drive-Thru Animal Park In Ohio Will Make You Feel Like You’re In An African Safari

By: Author Jasper Miller

Posted on August 14, 2024

Picture yourself cruising through the rolling hills of Ohio , the windows down, and the fresh breeze brushing against your face.

Suddenly, you encounter a herd of giraffes, their long necks gracefully bobbing as they nibble on tree leaves.

This isn’t a scene from a distant land—it’s right here in Ohio at The Wilds in Cumberland.

Wondering what it would be like to step into an African safari without leaving the Midwest?

The Wilds is not your average zoo—it’s an open-range animal park that spans over 10,000 acres.

Home to a diverse array of animals from all over the world, this park provides a unique opportunity to see creatures in a habitat that closely mimics their natural environments.

The thrill of cruising through this vast expanse and encountering exotic animals is simply unmatched.

Every visit to The Wilds starts with a sense of anticipation.

Driving through the entrance, you are immediately struck by the vastness of the landscape.

Rolling hills stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with lakes and patches of dense forest.

The Wilds is divided into several sections, each home to different species and ecosystems.

The first stop often features the gentle giants of Africa—giraffes.

These magnificent creatures roam freely, their presence adding a touch of elegance to the scenery.

Driving through this incredible landscape, you’re greeted by some of nature’s most magnificent creatures.

Rhinos, those hefty, armored giants with horns that could moonlight as medieval weapons, often graze so close to the road you can almost hear them munching.

It’s like they’re posing for a family portrait—minus the awkward sweaters.

Then, just as you’re marveling at these prehistoric-looking beasts, a herd of zebras sashays by, flaunting their chic, black-and-white stripes.

It’s as if they’re auditioning for a wildlife fashion show.

Each turn in the road is like unwrapping a new gift.

Here comes a cheetah, sleek and swift, looking like it’s late for a very important date.

It’s an adventure that never dulls, where every moment is a chance to connect with the wild and wonderful world around you.

The Wilds isn’t just an African safari experience—it’s like a global zoo passport.

You’ve got animals from every corner of the world, strutting their stuff and flaunting their unique features.

Take camels, for instance.

Those humps aren’t just for show—they’re like the ultimate built-in snack pack.

It’s fascinating to see these desert marvels up close, with their humps storing fat to help them survive long journeys without food or water.

But it doesn’t stop there.

The Wilds is home to a menagerie of creatures from Asia and North America as well.

Here, you’ll see Przewalski’s horses.

These wild horses from Mongolia are like something out of a prehistoric painting, and they’re part of a remarkable conservation story.

What sets The Wilds apart is its commitment to conservation and education.

The park serves as a living classroom, promoting awareness about endangered species and the importance of preserving their habitats.

Guided tours offer insightful information about the animals and the efforts being made to protect them.

The knowledgeable guides are passionate about wildlife, and their enthusiasm is contagious, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Related: The Weirdly Wonderful Park in Ohio Where You’ll Find over 100 Giant Corn Sculptures

Related: This Dreamy 13-Acre Rose Garden in Ohio is Too Beautiful to Keep Secret

Related: This Himalayan Salt Cave in Ohio Will Melt All Your Stress and Worries Away

For those looking for an even closer encounter, The Wilds offers several unique experiences.

The open-air safari tours provide a more immersive experience, allowing you to feel the breeze and hear the sounds of the animals as you traverse the park.

If one day isn’t enough, The Wilds offers overnight accommodations that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

The Nomad Ridge offers luxury yurts with stunning views of the landscape.

Falling asleep to the sounds of the wild and waking up to the sight of animals grazing nearby is an experience like no other.

The Wilds’ cabins offer a more rustic option, perfect for families or groups looking for a unique getaway.

Dining options at The Wilds ensure that you won’t go hungry during your adventure.

The Overlook Café provides a variety of meals and snacks, with a panoramic view of the landscape.

Enjoying a meal while watching rhinos and giraffes in the distance adds a special touch to the dining experience.

For a more hands-on experience, The Wilds offer the opportunity to participate in feeding the animals.

This interactive experience allows you to get up close and personal with some of the park’s residents.

Feeding giraffes and rhinos is a highlight for many visitors, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The staff ensures that these interactions are safe for both the animals and the guests, providing a unique and enjoyable experience.

Educational programs at The Wilds cater to all ages.

From school field trips to adult workshops, there is something for everyone.

The programs are designed to be engaging and informative, promoting a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation.

Special events throughout the year offer additional opportunities to learn and explore.

The Wilds also play a crucial role in research and conservation efforts.

Partnering with various organizations, the park conducts research on animal behavior, genetics, and health.

These efforts contribute to global conservation initiatives, helping to protect endangered species and their habitats.

Visitors to The Wilds can take pride in knowing that their visit supports these vital efforts.

Accessibility at The Wilds ensures that everyone can enjoy the experience.

The park offers services for visitors with mobility challenges, including accessible tours and accommodations.

The staff is dedicated to making the experience enjoyable for all, providing assistance and support as needed.

The Wilds is more than just a drive-thru animal park.

It’s a destination that offers a unique blend of adventure, education, and conservation.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for a fun outing, or someone seeking a unique getaway, The Wilds has something to offer.

The combination of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique experiences makes it a must-visit destination .

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Perseid meteor shower put on quite a show when it peaked overnight

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: August 12, 2024 / 6:33 AM EDT / CBS News

The Perseid meteor shower peaked overnight Sunday into Monday, giving astronomy fans one of the best shows of 2024 as they look to the skies. 

The shower started in July and will continue through most of August, but just peaked, NASA said. The Perseids are considered the " best meteor shower of the year" by NASA, with about 50 to 100 meteors seen per hour under ideal conditions. 

What time did the Perseid meteor shower peak?

The best time to catch the Perseids was in the pre-dawn hours, according to NASA, but it was possible to view its meteors as early as 10 p.m. 

NASA noted that the moon was to set just as the Perseids started to peak. The Old Farmer's Almanac details specific moonset times  for different ZIP codes across the United States. 

Where was the Perseid meteor shower visible?

The best view of the Perseids meteor shower was from the Northern Hemisphere. NASA urged astronomy fans who wanted to check out the shower to get away from the bright lights of cities. 

" Try to get to the darkest location you can," NASA wrote . "The darker it is where you are, the more meteors you will see streaking across the sky."

Around 50 to 75 meteors an hour could be seen in darker locations. 

Where was it best to look to see the meteor shower?

NASA had a simple suggestion: Look up! NASA suggested lying on your back, enabling your eyes to adjust to the dark — and staying off your phone. There was no need to look in any particular direction as the meteors could generally be seen all over the sky.

The space agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory suggested facing roughly northeast as you lay down, but to try to take in as much of the sky as possible because meteors can appear all over.

When will the next meteor shower be?

Two other meteor showers are actually active right now. The Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower began last month and will run through Aug. 21. It peaked in late July. The alpha Capricornids, a small meteor shower, also started last month. It will continue through Aug. 11, according to the American Meteor Society.

The next major meteor shower, the Orionids , won't be active until late September, with a peak in October, according to the American Meteor Society. NASA describes the Orionids as one of the most beautiful showers of the year. The Orionids are known for their brightness and speed.

What are meteor showers?

Meteors — space rocks that enter Earth's atmosphere — streak through the sky every night, but meteor showers happen less frequently. During a meteor shower, many meteors hit Earth's atmosphere over a short period of time. When they pass through the atmosphere, the meteors leave behind streaks of light caused by glowing, hot air. 

While most meteors burn up as they fall, some survive the trip and reach Earth. Those surviving space rocks are considered meteorites.

Look up — what else can you see in the sky this summer?

There are two more full moons this summer. August's full moon, known as the Sturgeon Moon, reaches peak illumination on Monday, Aug. 19. September's full moon will reach peak illumination on Tuesday, Sept. 17, just days before the start of fall. 

• Meteor Shower

Aliza Chasan is a Digital Content Producer for "60 Minutes" and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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