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.
My kids love the ducks when you first walk in!
My daughter loves anything close to her size… goats, sheep, the smaller monkeys, birds, ducks, squirrels.
I am not sure, he has never been to the zoo. I think he will like the monkeys. 🙂
My daughter loves the giraffes!
I have never gotten a chance to take my kids to the zoo! 🙂
Tough call on my boys favorites… I love big cats. But I think the boys like seeing the gators up close. would love annual passes… it gets pricey having to pay for 4 boys.
My daughter Cali loves the zoo and her 4th birthday is coming up 🙂 her favorite animal is the monkey.
My son, Caleb loves the river otters as well! But his all time favorite spot at the zoo is on board the ChooChoo!
My son loves the camel!
My daughter loves the tortoises! 🙂 she loves to be put up on the bench and look at them moving oh so slowly.