Visiting the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is hands down one of our family’s favorite activities. We visit at least once a month, either as a family, or just my daughter and I during the week. It’s a great way to get out of the house, enjoy the beautiful Florida weather, plus what child doesn’t enjoy watching animals at play?
Nestled in lush tropical foliage, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens boasts more than 400 animals, an Insect Zoo, Amphibian and Reptile Houses, live animal encounters, and many educational opportunities.
One of the most recent additions to the zoo, the North American river otters, is my daughter’s favorite exhibit. The two otters are always on the move, whether speeding through their pool, or playing in the sun. We could easily watch them for hours! Stepping into the snake exhibit is another favorite. Since she was only a year old, checking out all the different species of snakes has been a highlight of each trip to the Zoo!
If you visit during warmer months, bring your swim suit and cool off in the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground, if you want to swing like a monkey, be sure to spend time in the KaBOOM! playground, if you are adventurous, you can “ZOOm” tree to tree at ZOOm Air Adventures or enjoy a unique water experience with WOW Bubbles. With something for everyone, the adventures are endless!
The Zoo is open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
One lucky Orlando Moms Blog reader will win a family annual pass for two adults and up to six children in the same household (a $90 value)! Enter now below through Thursday, Nov. 21. Winner will be notified via email.
Lily loves big cats, macaws, and carousel, while Liam loves the monkeys and the train ride!
My son loves the elephants 🙂
Mine likes the train more than the animals but the ones she can touch in the petting zoo are probably her favorite
My daughter loves feeding the animals, and I think the big cats are pretty cool.
My girls love the reptile room…they like to see the different colors of their scales.
My daughter loves the giraffes!
My kids love the reptile house. I love that it is a good size zoo for little ones, with a nice water park and close enough for easy day trips.
My son loves the elephants and giraffs
Our passes expired a few years ago and we’d love to have them again! We loved the big cats and feeding the animals!
Zebra’s for sure. i love their fabulous fashion sense and ridiculous voices. haha jk, they are striped horse/donkeys. that’s all i need to love them.