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SAFARI WILDERNESS RANCH

Wild animal safari in lakeland, florida.

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CHOOSE A LAKELAND SAFARI TOUR

• Clock 1 Hour
• Users All Ages

Drive-Thru Safari Tour

Explore our 260 acre ranch from the comfort of your own vehicle! Explore our exotic animal reserve while maintaining social distancing. Get out in nature, relax, learn about, and interact with a variety magnificent wild animals in a safe environment. Optional add-ons available. Book online!

Our guides work rain or shine; tips are appreciated.

• Our best and most exciting tour!
• Clock 2.5 Hours

Custom Vehicle Safari Tour

Join us on Florida’s premier open air vehicle safari wilderness tour! Each of our customized safari trucks is equipped with stadium seating and a full-coverage canvas shade. Riders will have the opportunity to feed the animals from the Safari Truck. Optional add-ons available. Book online now!

• Clock 1-6 Nights

Safari Glamping

One of the most amazing things about an African Safari is sleeping in the bush! We host a few special people per night in beautifully appointed safari tents on the property. Continental breakfast is included. Pricing is based on double occupancy.

• Clock 1.5 Hours
• Users Ages 16+

ATV Safari Tour

Explore the Safari Wilderness Ranch by ATV! Get a sense of freedom and exhilaration while viewing hundreds animals in natural herds over vast landscapes. Led by an experienced naturalist guide through our 260 acre ranch. Optional add-ons available. Book online now!

• Clock 2 Hours
• Users Ages 3+

Camel Safari Tour

Explore the Safari Wilderness Ranch on a unique, guided camel-back safari tour! Rediscover the experiences our human ancestors had with these magnificent animals, viewing magnificent herds of animals from your camel-back perch. Optional add-ons available. Book online!

• Users Ages 5+

Kayak Safari Tour

Navigate through our freshwater areas by kayak and enjoy spectacular, up-close encounters with our wetland species such as common and Defassa waterbuck, red lechwe, and more! Optional add-ons available. Book online!

• Clock 10-15 Minutes

Feed Ring-Tailed Lemurs

Come learn about lemur social behaviors, what makes them primates like us, and why they are in danger of extinction. This activity is very exclusive and limited to a few participants per day.

ABOUT SAFARI WILDERNESS RANCH

Safari Wilderness Ranch is not a zoo or theme park. There are no crowds and no lines. Here you will enjoy an adventure in nature. Our knowledgeable and experienced guides will tour you through large herds of exotic animals and over 260 acres of pristine wilderness in custom safari vehicles. You can also try our drive-thru tour option and explore from the comfort of your own vehicle!

If you prefer a more adventurous mode of transport, you can view our wild animals with a guide by camelback, ATV, or kayak. We also offer exclusive animal encounters with ring-tailed lemurs and guinea pigs!

Safari Wilderness Ranch is conveniently located six miles north of I-4 between Orlando and Tampa, surrounded by Florida’s Green Swamp, in an expansive and exclusive wilderness area.

Join us on an exclusive, fun and educational safari journey where you will learn about Florida’s natural and human history, our conservation programs, and encounter amazing animals that are endangered or extinct in the wild. Book your Lakeland safari at Safari Wilderness Ranch today! 

LEARN MORE ABOUT SAFARI WILDERNESS RANCH

ANIMAL EXPERIENCES 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PHOTO GALLERY

ABOUT SAFARI WILDERNESS

DIRECTIONS & MAPS

RESERVATION POLICIES

Video credit to Mike Kubler

RATED THE #1 OUTDOOR ACTIVITY IN LAKELAND, FLORIDA!

Our tour guide, was great! He was knowledgeable and funny. Awesome assortment of animals from antelope to zebra and many in between. We got to feed many of the animals which was interesting and fun. Great opportunity to take close up pictures of the animals. Our daughter also enjoyed feeding the lemurs. It's a fun way to spend a few hours!

The safari was exciting from the beginning to the end. We enjoyed feeding the camels the most. Seeing the ostrich and the huge eggs they lay was amazing. The cheetah was breathtaking. Although the water buffaloes were huge, they were quite gentle and easy to feed. Our tour guide Jan was very knowledgeable. I look forward to doing this again!

Our Safari ride was enjoyable and very informative. Our guide, Art, was extraordinarily knowledgeable about all of the animals we saw. My grand children and I really enjoyed being able to feed many of the animals. It was a wonderful experience and I am telling all of my friends that it is a wonderful place to take their grand children.

We loved this tour. Definitely a hidden gem in central Florida. J.J was friendly and knowledgeable and my 90 year-old father-in-law was able to sit comfortably in the shaded open-air vehicle and enjoy every aspect of the tour. If you're able, feed the Lemurs! It's an optional add-on activity but lots of fun. Would recommend this place to anyone!

JJ, our guide, was so knowledgeable about the animals. We were able to feed many treats to the animals as we travelled along on the open air (but covered) safari bus, which was great for interacting and viewing the animals. It was our favorite part of our vacation! Would definitely come here again. Lots of fun for people of all ages.

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Safari Wilderness Ranch

• 10850 Moore Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809
• (813) 382-2120

You don't have to fly all the way to Africa to go on safari! Located in a 260-acre wilderness area in Lakeland, halfway between Tampa and Orlando, Safari Wilderness  offers an intimate, up-close encounter with herds of free-roaming exotic animals in a breathtaking natural setting that rivals the African savanna.

Safari Wilderness is not a zoo. Unlike the beaches and theme parks, there are no crowds or lines - just your small group of adventurers and an experienced guide driving a custom safari vehicle, fitted with a shade canopy and stadium seating. This experience is authentic, engaging and educational for all ages!

Tours are by safari vehicle, kayak or camelback. Add-on experiences include lemur, budgie and guinea pig feedings. Tours are available daily by reservation only.

• Map Show Map

Safari Wilderness

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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Safari Wilderness - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Lion Country Safari brings drive-thru experience with wild animals to Florida residents

Get a safari experience right from the seat of your car.

Lion Country Safari gives people an African safari experience right in the comfort of their own car.

LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. - There is a safari right in our own Florida backyard.

Lion Country Safari, located in Loxahatchee, is the largest drive-thru safari in the state and the first one in the U.S.  The facility first opened in 1967.

"We wanted to bring that safari experience to the community, where, otherwise, it’s a very expensive trip to go to that kind of experience in Africa," says public relations manager, Haley Passeser.

Today, about 500,000 guests a year drive through their gates. 

Lion Country Safari sits on about 600 acres of natural area and is home to over 900 animals. They have many large herds of species that guests can get very close to within the comfort of their own cars.

Guests can go at their own speed and can even pull over to park and watch a particular animal if they want to.

The safari is home to the largest herd of zebras in the U.S., as well as some of the largest herds of giraffes and rhinos.  

"The animals may very well roam right up to your vehicle and you can see them pretty much face to face on the other side of your window," says Passeser.

Lion Country Safari is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There is also an adventure park on the property with rides, a petting zoo, and a water park.

Learn more by heading over to the website .

Experience the adventure driving through over 300 acres of untamed wilderness with a variety of animals including many endangered species from all around the world. Your travels may be interrupted by tons of lumbering rhinos and giraffes as they cross the road right in front of you.

2003 Lion Country Safari Rd

Loxahatchee, FL 33470

(561) 793-1084

ACRES OF WILDLIFE

Different species, days open a year, site koa journey campground.

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See African Lions And Giraffes Up Close At Lion Country Safari, A Drive-Thru Adventure In Florida

Marisa Roman

A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.

More by this Author

At Lion Country Safari in Florida, visitors are able to get a glimpse of the wild when they take the drive-thru safari tour. As Florida’s only drive-thru safari, guests will have access to see over 1,000+ animals ranging from rhinos to giraffes, plus the world’s largest herd of captive zebras. Did we mention you don’t even need to leave your car?

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Have you ever driven through Lion Country Safari in Florida before? Were there any hilarious animal encounters you had? Make sure to share it with us in the comments section! If you want to learn more about how to take this drive-thru safari in Florida, make sure to visit the website or Facebook Page .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Additional animal encounters available during checkout! NEW - Sloth and tortoise feedings!

Located in beautiful east Pasco County 45 minutes north of Tampa, Giraffe Ranch is on 47 acres of rolling countryside adjoining Florida’s second largest wilderness area, the Green Swamp. With huge live oaks, native orchids, lush pastures and ephemeral wetlands, our ranch is also a native wildlife preserve. Every night up to 200 sand hill cranes roost on our grounds.

Giraffe Ranch offers five kinds of  intimate safaris, each led by experienced driver-guides.  Firstly, we offer drive-thru safaris where you stay in your own vehicle and follow your guide in a lead vehicle providing real-time commentary though an FM transmitter that you can hear on your FM car radio.  Secondly, we offer a safari in our customized 4-WD  tour vehicles. You will be safe, comfortable and get a terrific view, as each vehicle is fitted with shade canopies and stadium seating. You will learn about native and exotic animals and their habitats from your safari guide. You will see our ongoing conservation efforts with endangered species including some that are extinct in the wild.  Lastly, you may choose a guided custom safari by camel-back, by riding one of our off-road Segway X2s or by walking with one of our llamas.   Many of our visitors have experienced all five types of Giraffe Ranch Safaris.  Each safari is unique and dynamic with no two ever being the same.

Our safaris are close up, hands-on interactive experiences. All safari types include giraffe feeding, with the exception of the drive thru safari.  You will get right up to a camel, rhino, Brazilian tapir, and pygmy hippo. Our animals, both exotic and domestic, are from Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.

Additionally, we maintain a breeding tower of giraffe, including specimens of all ages, which live in upland habitats on the ranch.

Giraffe Ranch is not a zoo or theme park. It is a hands-on real working game farm and wildlife preserve where animals have room to roam.

Family-owned and operated for over 20 years, Giraffe Ranch is a Florida agritourism enterprise, and is open by reservations in advance only.  All bookings are done on line at girafferanch.com   Custom vehicle tours, camel, segway and llama treks can be booked on line and occur at 11 AM and 2 PM daily.  Drive-thru safaris occur hourly from 9-4 pm and must be book on line. Tours are strictly limited in size and are fun, educational adventures.

Giraffe Ranch is a working ranch licensed by USDA, Florida Department of Agriculture, and FWC.  We do not accept walk ons or parties without reservations

IN THE PRESS:

• Giraffe Ranch brings a unique safari tour, complete with camels, to Central Florida – Orlando Sentinel
• Safari on a Segway at Dade City’s Giraffe Ranch – Fox 13 Tampa Bay
• Getting Up Close At The Giraffe Ranch – WUSF
• Step into the Wild of Africa at Giraffe Ranch in Pasco Co. – WFLA
• The Giraffe Ranch – Hernando Sun
• 5 Fun Places to See Giraffes for World Giraffe Day – Travel Pulse
• 27 Things To Do With Your Kids This Fall In Tampa That Don’t Include A Pumpkin Patch – Narcity
• 10 Things To Do In Florida Besides Theme Parks – The Travel

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6 drive-through zoos and safaris in florida.

Family trip: Lion Country Safari

By Jill Martin

Sure, there’s plenty of wildlife in Florida, but have you ever viewed a giraffe from the comfort of your car?

You won’t find big screens or bags of popcorn at these drive-ins, but they're action-packed and provide lots of entertainment. Silence your cell phone and enjoy the show at these drive-through zoos in Florida.

1. J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge , Sanibel Island

Sunbathing gators, green herons, white ibis and a crocodile call this four-mile Wildlife Drive home. Roseate spoonbills can be found here year-round.

2. Lion Country Safari , West Palm Beach

Florida’s only drive-through safari boasts 800-plus animals, including wildebeests, rhinos and the world’s largest herd of captive zebras. But the giraffes steal the show at Lion Country Safari.

3. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge , Titusville

Amazing wildlife viewing is easy with the self-guided map that lists numbered stops along Black Point Drive. See gators, otters, turtles and hundreds of bird species, including eagles.

4. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge , near Tallahassee

Rated five stars by birders, this seven-mile drive through zoo takes you past pinelands and salt marshes to Florida’s second-oldest lighthouse. Look for black bears, turkeys, deer and whooping cranes.

6.  Wild Florida , Kenansville

Features more than 200 animals, including exotics like zebras, sloths, lemurs and Watusi, and a walk-in bird aviary with pheasants, parrots and other birds from all over the world. Also: airboat tours, a drive-through safari park and animal shows.

Video tour of St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Places to remember.

Tallahassee

Sanibel Island

West Palm Beach

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Westpalmbeach.com official guide to west palm beach, florida, lion country safari.

Lion Country Safari opened in 1967, in rural Palm Beach County just west of West Palm Beach. At the time it was the first drive through safari park in the United States and introduced a new concept to animal lovers, The Cageless Zoo .  Lion Country Safari was originally developed by a group of South African and British entrepreneurs who wanted to bring the experience of an African game park, then and now an expensive and time-consuming trip, to South Florida families who would otherwise not be able to experience an African safari.

After visiting the four-mile drive-through safari, explore the Safari World Amusement Park.

WestPalmBeach.com : The Essential Guide to West Palm Beach, Florida!

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Lion Country Safari – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect, FAQs

Lion Country Safari, located in West Palm Beach, is a leading tourism destination in Palm Beach County, providing a unique and affordable opportunity to explore the largest drive-through safari in Florida.

Lion Country Safari spans nearly 600 acres of natural area and is home to hundreds of animals.

It is believed to be the first cageless zoo in the country, introducing a new concept in zoology.

This article covers everything you must know before buying tickets for Lion Country Safari in Florida.

Table of contents

What to expect, where to book tickets, how online ticket works, lion country safari ticket prices, lion country safari tickets, how to reach, how long does the tour take, best time to go to visit, food and drinks at lion country safari , map of lion country safari, lion country safari camping, animals at lion country drive-through safari , rides, attractions, and encounters, faqs about lion country safari.

Come and witness ostriches, wildebeests, and impalas in their natural habitat, get up close to a pride of lions, or observe the endangered rhino on the Lion Country Safari.

Get ready to have a personal safari and learn about animal conservation! Enjoy pontoon and paddle boat rides, mini-golf, slides, and other fun attractions on-site.

Explore seven areas, each packed with creatures great and small, from the Serengeti Plains to Gorongosa Reserve and Hwange National Park.

The park has rides, a water play area, and a walk-through section. Kids will love it along with three feeding encounters, including the most giraffe feeding.

The park has also recreated the animals’ natural habitats down to the last detail. So, grab your khaki pants and binoculars; it’s time to go on a safari!

Tickets for the Lion Country Safari are available to be purchased at the ticket office or online in advance.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.

When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.

Go to the Lion Country Safari booking page, select your preferred date, and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.

You don’t need to carry printouts.

Show the smartphone tickets on the day of your visit and begin your tour.

Lion Country Safari tickets cost US$52 for all visitors aged 10 years and above.  

Tickets for children between three to nine years of age can be purchased for US$40. 

Infants up to two years of age can join for free.

The ticket provides access to various exciting attractions at Lion Country Safari.

You can enjoy the drive-thru safari experience along with admission to the Adventure Park.

The ticket also includes access to all the rides, including the Flying Elephant Ride and Rio Grand Train.

You can explore seven different areas, each featuring a variety of creatures from the Serengeti Plains to Gorongosa Reserve and Hwange National Park.

Moreover, you can have fun at the Safari Splash Sprayground Water Park, enjoy pontoon and paddle boat rides, and play mini-golf.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (10+ years): US$52 Child Ticket (3 to 9 years): US$40 Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free

Save time and money! Buy the Miami Go City Pass and discover over 25 top Miami-area activities, attractions, and tours. With this all-inclusive pass, you can explore Zoo Miami, Seaquarium, Big Bus Miami Hop-On Hop-Off, and many more!

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Lion Country Safari spans over 600 acres in Loxahatchee, Palm Beach County, Florida.

Address : 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470, USA. Get Directions

You can reach the Lion Country Safari by both public and private transportation.

Take Bus Number 40 and get off at Southern BL at Lion Country Safari Rd , 2.3 miles (4 km) from the attraction. 

If you’re traveling by car, turn on Google Maps and get started!

You will find metered parking lots inside Lion Country Safari.

Lion Country Safari opens daily at 9.30 am and closes by 5.30 pm.

However, the last car admission to the attraction is at 4.30 pm. 

Visitors should plan for around 5 hours to enjoy Lion Country.

It takes around an hour and a half for the drive-through and around three and a half hours for the walk-through.

The best time to go for Lion Country Safari is as soon as it starts at 10 am.

In the early morning, it’s typically cooler, and the animals are usually more active.

The best season to visit Lion Country Safari is the rainy season. 

The animals are typically more active during this time of year because they enjoy the cooler, rainier weather. 

During adverse weather, including lightning alerts, rides, and some attractions are closed until it is safe to reopen.

Lion Country Safari has Café ROAR, a Cones ice cream shop, a Safari Food Truck, a Base Camp refreshment trailer, and a Safari Snacks outlet.

You can bring your favorite foods and dine in the outdoor picnic area near the Safari World walk-through park. 

On-site barbecues and alcohol are not permitted.

There are several picnic areas available around the walk-through park.

Tables are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Lion Country Safari also offers a pavilion that must be reserved ahead of time.

The Lion Country Safari spans over 600 acres, so download the map to plan your visit.

The map will help you identify enclosures and services such as restrooms, restaurants, picnic areas, medical facilities, locker rooms, and souvenir shops.

They are useful for families who want to see their favorite animals first instead of whatever is on the route.

Where else can you hear a lion’s roar in the morning and African music while you sleep?

Only at the 320-acre drive-through wild animal sanctuary and adventure park, part of the acclaimed Lion Country Safari KOA!

The well-known Lion Country Safari introduced a new full-service KOA campground to serve visitors looking for an outstanding wild animal experience in the safari region.

The campground offers RV sites with full hookups, rustic cabins that accommodate up to four people, and tent sites.

You will find out various exotic species from all over the world.

Las Pampas: Aldabra Tortoise, Alpaca, Brazilian Tapir, Greater Rhea, Marabou Stork

Ruaha National Park: Greater Kudu, Impala, Ostrich

Kalahari Bushveldt : Eastern Bongo, Gemsbok, Nile lechwe, Waterbuck, Wildebeest

Gir Forest: Asiatic Water Buffalo, Blackbuck, Lowland Nyala, Nilgai, Scimitar-horned Oryx

Gorongosa Reserve : African Lion

Serengeti Plains: Common Eland, Common Waterbuck, Watusi/ankole cattle, Wildebeest

Hwange National Park : Giraffe, Greater Kudu, Plains zebra, Southern white rhinoceros, White Handed Gibbon

Rides: Flying Elephant ride, Carousel, Rio Grande Train

Water park: Safari Splash Sprayground, Safari Water Slides, Safari Falls

Animal Encounters: Giraffe Feeding, Petting Zoo, Lorikeet Feeding

Other attractions: Gemstone Mining, Maze, Mini Golf, Fun Slide, Safari Queen Pontoon Boat, Paddle Boats

Here are a few questions visitors to the Lion Country Safari usually have.

Lion Country Safari tickets are US$52 for tourists aged 10 and above, while kids aged 3 to 9 years pay US$40.

There are two ways to experience Lion Country Safari: You can bring your own car or get a vehicle for rental for a fee from the main office of the attraction. 

Convertibles, motorcycles, or any open-air vehicles are strictly NOT allowed. Vehicles cannot have broken windows. Windows and sunroofs must always be closed while driving through the preserve.

Infants up to 3 years old are admitted free of charge at the Lion Country Safari.

There is no need to take the printout of your Lion Country Safari tickets. You can show tickets on your smartphone and walk in.

Lion Country offers animal feeding experiences for a minimal fee at the walk-through attraction Safari World. Giraffe Feeding Encounter, Lorikeet Feeding, and Petting Zoo are among them.

The wildlife facility is handicap accessible, with a few exclusions owing to architectural constraints. You will be in your vehicle or one of the rental vans in the drive-through section.

Yes. You will find a few rides inside the walk-through park, such as the Rio Grande Train ride, animal carousel, pontoon boat tour, and flying elephant ride.

The rides at Lion Country Safari are included with all entry tickets.

Smoking is permitted only in guest vehicles and in the main parking area of Safari World, a walk-through adventure park.

There are numerous picnic areas spread around the walk-through park. Tables are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. It also has a pavilion that may only be reserved in advance.

Guests can enjoy their own food in the outdoor picnic area located inside Safari World. Please note that alcohol and barbecues are not permitted.

Yes, it is best to buy tickets in advance to ensure availability and have a hassle-free experience.

Pets are not allowed on the tour because of safety reasons.

Popular attractions in Maimi

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This article was researched & written by

Devyani Bhattacharjee

Devyani Bhattacharjee enjoys traveling to new, exotic locations. She is always waiting to step out and explore the amazing historical structures, delectable cuisines, magnificent cultures, and gorgeous people worldwide. She believes in frugal travel - where she can have endless fun without spending too much money. Favourite Cities: Buenos Aires, Auckland, Montreal, Port Louis, St. Petersburg

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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The Family Vacation Guide

8 of the Best Zoos in Florida

posted by James Brockbank on February 11, 2022 // last updated on April 12, 2022

Florida has at least one zoo in almost every major city, making it a prime vacation spot for people who want to learn more about the natural wildlife around them.

However, this wealth of zoos means that it can actually be quite hard to choose one if you are not simply defaulting to the closest zoo you can find.

With so many different options in driving distance for most Florida residents or tourists, it can be tough to decide which zoo is ideal for you.

Whether you are going alone, bringing a friend, or visiting as a family, they can all offer something unique and special, so there are no wrong choices.

Brevard Zoo

Central florida zoo and botanical gardens, lion country safari, palm beach zoo, busch gardens tampa, disney’s animal kingdom, jacksonville zoo and gardens, other fantastic zoos to consider.

Brevard Zoo is one of the many zoos in the US that has a core focus on conservation, offering plenty of ways to participate and educate yourself on what animal conservation actually is . Most of the zoo itself is spread out over a large area, meaning that you get plenty of trails to walk during your visit.

If you are not fond of walking, or you have somebody with you that can’t stand long hikes, then it actually offers its own train system that can take you all around the core parts of the zoo’s grounds. You are not just moving between different pens, either – there is a lot going on.

For starters, you can take a kayaking session or feed some of the more docile animals from within special areas. If you want to get much more personal, then you can go on a few special animal encounters, whether that is seeing a rhino up close or taking a tour through a wilder section of the zoo.

There is a lot to like about Brevard Zoo, and the variety is part of it. There are animals from the Caribbean, Africa, Australia, and even from Florida’s wilderness itself, all kept in their own habitats where you can watch plenty of natural interactions taking place.

If you want something large-scale but straightforward, then Brevard Zoo is an ideal choice and a great place to bring family or take a trip on your own.

The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens offer over 400 individual animals, representing over 200 species in total. With so many birds, mammals, reptiles, and countless other creatures on display, it is hard to run out of new things to see during your trip there.

Not only does the zoo hold multiple rare and endangered animals, but it even has its own conservation facility dedicated to the Eastern Indigo Snake. If you are a fan of snakes (and reptiles in general), then this is an ideal place to learn more about some very uncommon examples.

The Barnyard Buddies Children’s Zoo is a much more passive space, somewhere that children can engage with safer animals directly and even feed them on occasion. Zookeeper chats are held every day, giving visitors a chance to learn more about their favorite animals and how they are kept.

Beyond that, children can also enjoy various other attractions, from the Tropical Splash Ground and Ariel Adventure course to the Animal Carousel. All of these make it an ideal place to take family, but if you are going without the kids, there is still plenty to do and see.

As the name might suggest, Gatorland is very focused on crocodilians and reptiles. If you have ever wanted to learn all about the scaled side of the natural world, then you will want to visit Gatorland, the ‘Alligator Capital of the World’.

It is not all just about the gators, though. The park has a huge range of unique animals from all over the world, ranging from gators and snakes to birds and wild cats. Beyond that, there is a petting zoo, a free-flight aviary, and multiple animal shows that let you see the natural side of animal life.

If the zoo is not quite thrilling enough, then you can enjoy a lot of intense activities instead: the Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure, the Gator Gauntlet, and the well-named Gator Zip Line. If you are feeling brave, you can even try the Adventure Hour, getting up close to some giant gators for photos.

Of course, there is also the Gator Wrestling Show, as well as the Trainer-for-a-Day program that teaches you all about the care involved in keeping so many big, tough animals all in one place. Late at night, there is the Gator Night Shine, the perfect time to see how allegators behave when there are treats on the line.

Lion Country Safari is exactly what you would expect – an excellent drive-through safari experience. However, it is also attached to a walk-through amusement park, meaning that you get quite a variety of different activities to enjoy during your time there.

With over 1,000 individual animals roaming through different parts of the zoo, it is easy to see the appeal. Even if some are kept to their own areas for safety, you can still see them in a more natural state, with plenty of ground for them to explore and things for them to react to.

Naturally, this also opens up the chance of seeing them during feeding time, something that can be incredibly interesting to anybody with an interest in animal behavior. If you are bringing kids, you can take them to the petting zoo instead, a tame spot that lets them enjoy the company of some sheep and goats.

Aiming for education above all else, Lion Country Safari offers a Safari Queen boat ride that takes you through some specific areas of the park, teaching you all about spider monkeys, siamangs, and countless other creatures. Alternatively, you can take one of the paddleboats and follow your own path.

The rides in the park are a nice way to de-stress or cap off the night. Not only do you get five major rides, but there is mini-golf, a train, a maze, and multiple shops. You are not likely to get bored at Lion Country Safari, even when you are finished with the Safari portion of the zoo.

Palm Beach Zoo is an interesting zoo that had to start from the bottom, going from little more than farmland to a 500-animal zoo. The zoo’s core focus is on sustaining wildlife and taking action to benefit the natural world, so you can expect plenty of education and personal experiences while you are there.

For example, you can buy some nectar to feed the birds during the Lorikeet Loft experience or see some sloths up close. There are also specially-designed experiences for meeting giant anteaters, koalas, flamingos, tortoises, and even capybaras.

If that is not enough, there are daily shows that all focus on different animals, as well as publicly-viewable feedings for each type of animal. The Safari Train and Wildlife Carousel keeps things moving if you want to take a break from waking, too.

Kids can enjoy the Play Fountain and Nature Play Pavillion, helping them cool off during hot days or get some exercise while the rest of the family takes a moment to plan their next stop. It is a simple park, but it has noble goals and a lot of interesting experiences to offer its visitors.

Busch Gardens Tampa is a zoo at heart, but it has so many different activities that it almost feels like something else entirely. With more than 12,000 animals roaming around the various habitats, it is easy to explore at your own pace and constantly find new things to look at, especially during your first visit.

Multiple scheduled shows run throughout the day, and you can get multiple up-close experiences with some of the safer animals, like hand-f-feeding them yourself. The Animal Care Center lets you witness the effort that goes into tending to each animal, something that really stands out from other zoos.

If you just want to appreciate the animals in a safe, normal environment, then you can head to the Serengeti Plain: 65 acres of open space for them to roam. You can either sign up for a self-led safari or take a guided tour, depending on which you would find most comfortable.

That is not the only tour, either. You can go on the Penguin Insider Tour or Elephant Insider Tour, seeing both animals in a new light. Alternatively, take the Keeper for a Day tour to learn what goes into keeping the animals and how much it takes to keep them safe and healthy.

These are not even all of the tours, either. There are a lot of specialized choices that really help you see your favorite animals in a completely different way and expose you to new ones that you may never have seen before.

Alternatively, you can try some of the many rollercoasters and other rides attached to Busch Gardens Tampa. If you are a thrill-seeker, then it is a great place to cap off the day, but those who prefer something slower may enjoy the all-age shows – some with animals and some without.

It is hard to list zoos without mentioning Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While it obviously has the usual Disney twist, there are still a lot of excellent activities here, ranging from the Caring for the Giants behind-the-scenes tour to the Wild Africa Trek.

The Animal Kindom is exactly what the name implies: an excellent place to see all kinds of animals, from rhinos and elephants to gorillas and assorted exotic birds. The zoo is not dedicated to a specific kind of animal, but all animals, mostly those that both children and adults, can find fascinating.

There are regular Disney-themed shows, as well as the typical Disney dining options, to tie it back into their popular parks. However, you also get a lot of normal animal-related shows and trails, as well as some unique ways to experience the animals up close.

All of the Disney quality that you would expect is here, meaning that it should be a great experience for groups or families of any size. Even if you are going alone, you can enjoy your time there, and being a Disney fan only makes everything much, much more enjoyable.

While you might not think of a Disney park as the ideal place to find a zoo, it is definitely one of the best options in terms of sheer quality. Yes, it might not feel like a typical zoo, but that does not matter much when you are getting to see so many amazing animals all in one place.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a great place to find educational, interactive experiences that can really teach you some new things about the world around you. With over 2,000 animals and more than 1,000 types of plants, there is a lot on offer compared to many smaller zoos.

The animal exhibits are separated not by type but by location, giving you little pieces of places like East Africa, wild Florida, River Valley, or even Australia. Conservation is a core focus of the park, and children can become invested in educational programs all about endangered species within the zoo itself.

On top of that, there is a whole host of other places to explore, with exhibits ranging from reptiles and fish to mammals and birds. There is also a range of excellent activities that can be done individually or as a family, including guided tours and scavenger hunts.

Every ticket bought sends part of the funds directly to the zoo’s conservation efforts, mostly focused on amphibians. You can even visit the Safe The Frogs! Amphibian Conservation Center to see exactly what they are protecting and learn more about the process.

This is a great park for any family that wants something fun and educational, but without the two being separate. You can have a great time at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens but still walk away with a head full of brand new knowledge about our world and the rare species within it.

Remember that plants are part of the focus here, too. It can be interesting to learn about the plants themselves and the way that they are necessary for certain habitats, something that many other zoos overlook or do not linger on for very long.

If you’re hoping to find more fantastic zoos that the whole family will enjoy, take a look at our roundup of zoos in other locations!

• 10 of the Best Zoos in California
• 9 of the Best Zoos in New England
• 16 of the Best Zoos in the Midwest
• 7 of the Best Zoos in Ohio
• 27 of the Best Zoos & Aquariums in Texas

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

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