Larger-than-life sand sculptures are back,
and this year, things are getting wild!
This summer, adventure awaits at Peddler’s Village during Safari in Sand, a FREE Village-wide display of majestic sand sculptures featuring iconic scenes straight from the Serengeti. Gather ’round the watering hole with a hippopotamus, spot a lion in the grasslands, and keep your eyes peeled for a surprise around the next corner! This free display is open to the public and will be on view through August 31.
Start Exploring!
Pick up a field guide at our Visitor & Event Center to begin your wild safari! Lil’ explorers can complete the scavenger hunt within the field guide to win a prize. (Parents, be sure to enter our overnight stay giveaway below!) Learn fun facts about the many wild animals you’ll see at each sand sculpture!
The Big Five
Created by Team Sandtastic
The “Big Five” are Africa’s most famous animals, but did you know this term doesn’t come from their size? It was originally used by hunters to describe the most difficult and dangerous animals to track on foot. Today, the Big Five are celebrated as symbols of Africa’s incredible wildlife and are a must-see for anyone on a safari adventure!
Click to hear a lion:
Wetlands and Rainforests
Created by Sand Sculptures by John Gowdy
Tropical ecosystems are a haven for reptiles, amphibians, and birds that depend on water for survival. These areas, often bordered by grasslands or woodlands, are home to monitor lizards basking near water, tortoises wandering the edges, and frogs and toads singing during the rainy season. Snakes slither on the ground or watch from the trees, while the elegant crowned crane dances in the water.
Predators and Carnivores
Created by Sand Sculptures by John Gowdy
Hunters and scavengers have adapted to thrive in the open plains. From the lightning-fast cheetah to the cunning spotted hyena. From African wild dogs hunting as a team to jackals and hyenas cleaning up the savannah. Whether stalking prey or scavenging for scraps, each plays a a vital role in maintaining the balance of life.
Rivers and Waterways
Created by Team Sandtastic
Freshwater rivers, lakes, and waterholes create a thriving oasis for wildlife. During the day, you’ll find hippos lounging in pods, crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, and waterbucks grazing peacefully nearby. The riverine ecosystem is a vital sanctuary, providing food, shelter, and a refreshing escape from the heat. Keep your eyes on the water’s edge. You never know what incredible creatures you’ll spot!
The Woodlands
Created by Team Sandtastic
The woodlands are a lush, shaded ecosystem filled with dense trees, bushes, and plenty of waterholes. This is a quieter, more secretive world where animals like giraffes, bushbucks, baboons, and vervet monkeys thrive. The tall trees provide food and shelter, while the underbrush offers hiding spots for shy creatures. Keep your eyes peeled—this is the perfect place to spot animals blending into their surroundings or swinging through the trees!
Herbivores of the Open Plains
Created by Sand Sculptures by John Gowdy
The sun-drenched expanse of savannah is the heart of the safari, teeming with herbivores that graze on the abundant grasses. Wildebeest, zebras, and Thomson’s gazelles roam in large herds, while warthogs scurry about with their tails held high. The open plains are a land of survival and spectacle, where every animal plays a vital role in the circle of life.
Wild Happenings
Zoo on Wheels presented by Elmwood Park Zoo!
On Thursday, August 14 from 2-4 pm, educators from Elmwood Park Zoo will be at Peddler’s Village. Come to the Visitor & Event Center to learn animal facts, experience sensory boards, and—best of all—meet some small animals who will be our special guests for the afternoon!
Enter to win an overnight stay!
Enter for a chance to win an overnight stay at the Golden Plough Inn, our on-property inn boasting 67 charming rooms overlooking the Village!
One winner will be selected at random in June, July, and August! Each monthly winner will receive a gift certificate for an overnight stay, breakfast for two, plus a $150 dining gift card valid at Peddler’s Village restaurants — a $450 value!
Safari in Sand midweek special!
Save 15% when you stay two consecutive nights (Sunday-Thursday) through August at Golden Plough Inn. Click here to book.
Safari Swag
Outfit your safari with apparel, cuddly (stuffed) animals, and more at the Visitor & Event Center! Plus, hydrate with Safari Punch, served in souvenir canteens and available on weekends at the Water Wheel Food Tent.
About the Artists
Watch our Safari take shape! The transformation starts in mid-May as world-renowned sand sculptors from Team Santastic and Sand Sculptures by John Gowdy shape tons of sand into magnificent scenes featuring safari wildlife.
Sand Sculptures by John Gowdy
Master Sand Sculptor John Gowdy, a retired fire fighter from the Atlantic City Fire Department, has been carving sand professionally for over 30 years. Working with his wife Laura, he has won many national, international, and world-class first-place awards in just about every master sand sculpture competition on the planet. His greatest and most-often won prize is ‘People’s Choice.’ “We love pleasing the people who look at our sand displays and experience an emotional feeling from them,” he says. Past clients include Pope Francis in the Vatican, the White House Commission on Remembrance, the Travel Channel, and more. JohnGowdy.com
Team Sandtastic
Dean Arscott, Karen Fralich, Dan Belcher, Brian Turnbough, Andy Daily
Team Sandtastic is based around the Tampa Bay Area, and creates 100 to 150 unique sculptures a year. With a core team of full-time members and associate sculptors around the globe, they create high quality sand sculptures worldwide. With over 30 years of experience, Team Sandtastic creates one-of-a-kind works of art for corporate events, weddings, grand openings, festivals, advertising and sponsorships, sporting events, and more. They also hold the Guinness World Record for the tallest sandcastle ever handbuilt in under 100 man hours (28 ft. 7-1/4 in., 1998, Georgia Stone Mountain Park). Sandtastic.com
Thank you to our sponsors
Safari in Sand is funded in part by the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program