Fun Things to Do in Florida – The Best Zoos and Exhibits in Florida

More fun things to do in Florida. Ready for a fun-filled Florida trip to the zoo? There are so many great zoos and animal exhibits in Florida that will keep you and the family entertained for hours on end. You’ll find some native Florida animals like alligators and manatees, and some elephants, giraffes and penguins. Most zoos in Florida also have wonderful conservation programs that focus on education and effectively protecting endangered species. Are you ready to visit all of the best Florida zoos and animal exhibits?

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

The Central Florida Zoo opened in 1923 and was first called the Sanford Zoo. Although it started with just a few animals, the zoo has grown to have over 500 animals. Some animals include giraffes, monkeys, cheetahs, alligators, and many more. You also get to explore the beautiful lush botanical gardens. Central Florida Zoo also has an adventure course, Zoom Air Adventure Park, Children’s Zoo, and a large collection of venomous snakes and non-venomous reptiles. 

Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens

The Jacksonville Zoo And Gardens have over 2,000 animals, 1,000 plants, and 117 acres of fun for everyone. At this zoo, you can see flamingos, penguins, monkeys, jaguars and many more animals. The botanical gardens have beautiful plants that are integrated throughout the zoo and animal exhibits. The Jacksonville Zoo has high importance on the animal’s wellness since they believe that it helps the animals thrive. Their wellness department is one of the world’s top animal wellness programs. 

Lion Country Safari Park

If you’re in West Palm Beach, go visit Lion Country Safari Park. This Florida zoo is on 600 acres of the natural landscape and is home to 1,000 animals. This fun drive-thru safari tour takes about 90 minutes and is divided into 7 sections. These sections include Las Pampas, Ruaha National Park, Gir Forest, Kalahari Bushveld, Gorongosa Reserve, Serengeti Plains, and Hwange National Park. On your drive through, you’ll get to see rhinos, zebras, chimpanzees, giraffes, and lions. You can also experience exclusive animal encounters including giraffe painting, Birds + Brushes painting, and feeding flamingos. 

Zoo Tampa, Lowry Park

Zoo Tampa, formerly known as Lowry Park Zoo, primarily focuses on conservation, education, and research. The most popular zoo in the southwest U.S. This zoo has over 1 million visitors annually but don’t let that stop you from visiting. Zoo Tampa is also home to many endangered species including African elephants, white rhinos, as well as the elusive Florida panther and manatees. The animal encounters here are so much fun. Try mimosas with manatees, a giraffe meet and greet, and yoga in the wild. 

Zoo Miami

As the largest and oldest zoo in Florida, Zoo Miami is a must-see! The zoo has over 340 acres and houses an impressive 3,000 animals for endless fun. The exhibits here include Mission Everglades, Wings Of Asia, Critter Connections, Amazon And Beyond and a brand new Conservation Center. The wide array of animal encounters at Zoo Miami, along with the experiences and rides, will be fun for the whole family. Enjoy the tortoise encounter, rhino feeding or take a spin in the water on a pedal boat. 

Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Center

This zoo in West Palm Beach houses animals from Central, North and South America, as well as Australia, Africa and Asia. On the 23 acres of lush tropical habitat you’ll discover 550 amazing animals. The zoo was started over 50 years ago and has grown from a small barn attraction to one of the most popular zoos in Florida. You can view koalas, tigers, cougars, sloths and flamingos. Check out the “Sleepy Sloth” experience where you can hang out with a two-toed sloth. There are also interactive play fountains, magical carousels and a safari train ride to keep the kids entertained. 

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

These jungle gardens are family owned and while this zoo may be small it’s been in business since 1939. This 10 acre tropical oasis is specifically designed to captivate visitors of all ages. You’ll discover interactive animal shows and over 200 animals throughout the property. Take in reptiles like alligators, snakes, and lizards. Or the cute lemurs and even a one eyed screech owl. The fun animal encounters at Sarasota Jungle Gardens are fun as you can hold a baby alligator or take a stroll through the rolling tropical landscape. You can also hand feed flamingos and watch them strut their stuff. 

The Turtle Hospital – Marathon

This Florida Keys non-profit organization is dedicated to the rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles and runs on donations and funds from visitors. This is a working hospital so you must be on a guided tour in order to visit with the turtles. All of the efforts of the hospital are to release these beautiful endangered turtles back in the wild after they are rehabilitated. And you can learn how they do that by visiting the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. 

Naples Zoo At Caribbean Gardens

This nationally accredited zoo is one of the most popular family destinations in Florida. This 44 acre park began as a botanical garden in 1919. You can now observe tigers, lions, bears and leopards among others. The zoo’s centerpiece attraction is Lake Victoria, and its many islands are teeming with endangered primates and aquatic species. The mature botanical gardens that host plentiful exotic birdlife, reptiles, as well as Florida panthers, African lions and many others. Lively animal shows will keep the entire family entertained. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Did you know that Walt Disney World has its own zoological park? Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park is unique because while it is a traditional theme park it also houses different species of animals. The welfare of the animals is a top priority at Animal Kingdom and you can really tell. Both kids and adults will enjoy a trip to the park’s many amazing attractions. Check out the themed area like Pandora, Africa and Asia. Make sure to catch the Tree Of Life show while visiting Animal Kingdom. 

Key West Butterfly And Nature Conservancy 

A beautiful place to visit to see tons of butterflies and you walk through this tropical sanctuary. Walkthrough the mystical environment filled with hundreds of butterflies, including 50 to 60 different species. You’ll also see an impressive array of tropical plants, colorful birds, and cascading waterfalls as you are transported to another world. 

These Florida zoos and animal exhibits will have the whole family entertained for hours. Whether you choose a safari park, theme park, or a traditional zoo, you can’t go wrong with these animal exhibits.