Orlando, one of the most popular travel destinations in the USA, is renowned for offering a broad range of attractions for all types of visitors, including honeymooners and adventure travellers.You won’t know where to start in Orlando—there are so many amazing restaurants, museums, and tall buildings to choose from. In this light, Orlando’s zoos are especially noteworthy because they provide an excellent opportunity for a fun-filled family day out. There are several similarly fascinating water parks in Orlando, especially if you have small children!
7 Best Zoos in Orlando
Let us take a look at the best zoos in Orlando that you must visit on your next trip to Orlando!
1. Sea World Orlando
This zoo in Orlando is a favourite among children, but it also provides entertainment for adults. In addition to providing you with a joyful and entertaining experience, Sea World teaches children the value of animal rescue. You will come into contact with a variety of aquatic animals here, such as friendly bottlenose dolphins and puck, a fluffy penguin. This enormous aquarium, which is roughly ten miles outside Orlando, will take you to a fantastical world full of frightening and colourful creatures of all different sizes, shapes, and colours. You should schedule a trip to Sea World Orlando if you’re game for an up close and personal encounter with the powerful and ferocious sharks! Every minute you spend here will be enjoyable!
Address: 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
Open: 10AM–6PM
Phone: (407) 545-5550
Fee: Single Park Ticket – Starting from $79.99; Two park ticket starting at $49.99; Three park ticket starting at $39.99
Attractions: Manta, Wild Arctic, Infinity Falls, Journey to Atlantis, Mako
2. Discovery Cove
Nestled among Orlando’s most exquisite zoos, it’s conveniently situated just a few miles from the city centre. Accept the challenge to experience home comforts without donning dive gear and to meet all of the marine life. You can have fun with adorable otters or swim beside bottlenose dolphins. But if you’re a fan of exotic birds, you can also enjoy the pleasure of feeding them by hand here.
Address: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821
Open: 7:15AM–5:30PM
Phone: (407) 513-4600
Tickets: Day resort plus Dolphin Swim: $199/person; Trainer for a day plus entry to 3 parks: $455/person
Attractions: Snorkeling with rays, Dolphin encounters, bird feeding & a lazy river
3. Gatorland
The alligator capital of the world, a sizable park full of reptiles and adventure, is also one of Orlando’s top zoos. This area is home to some of the most uncommon and endangered alligator species, as well as the extremely rare white alligator. It also has a petting zoo where, if you’re brave enough, you can even stroke the baby alligators! Not only that! Make sure you register for the adventure hour if you enjoy heights, as it will put you just a few feet away from potentially deadly alligators. You have to be very gutsy to do this!
Address: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837
Open: 10AM–5PM
Phone: (407) 855-5496
Tickets: Adult (Ages 13 years & up) $29.99*
Children (Ages 3 – 12 years) $19.99
Seniors (Ages 55 & up) $24.99
Attractions: Screaming Gator Zipline, Gator Night Shine, Rookie Wrestling
4. Green meadows petting farm
Orlando’s version of a petting zoo, this farm educates kids to appreciate and study animals while also providing fun rides. This will appeal to adults as well as children, from learning about the characteristics of the Asian water buffalo to milking cows. You can even provide your child a safe, enjoyable, and enjoyable experience riding a pony. All year long, it also holds seasonal events, such as scary Halloween nights and Easter egg hunting. Set aside a day to pet adorable animals and birds and indulge your inner child.
5. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
One of the best Orlando zoos, it is home to over 150 species of exotic animals and also flaunts around 24 acres of native gardens. If you want to soak your eyes among the rich foliage of nature, then this zoo will pamper you right. Here is a zoo made just for children featuring domestic animals like alpaca and roosters. Don’t miss the giraffe feeding sessions which basically happens during lunch time. If you are lucky you may also be allowed to caress the long-horned rhinos during your visit. And yes, this botanical garden also possesses some species of venomous and nonvenomous snakes in the display exhibit.
Address: 3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771
Open: 9AM–5PM
Phone: 407.323.4450
Tickets: Adults – $19.50
Children (3-12 years) – $13.75
Seniors (60+) – $15.95
Attractions: Bungee Bounce, Giraffe Feeding, Train and Carousel, Seminole Ariel Adventures
6. Jungle Adventures Nature Park & Zoo
This Orlando zoo will, as its name suggests, offer you a surge of adrenaline as soon as you enter the natural habitat. Not only is it the home of many different types of alligators, but you may also enjoy the incredible sensation of holding a young alligator in your arms. History buffs should definitely visit the Native American settlement, which is a nearby village. Here is a fantastic opportunity to gain an early understanding of Orlando’s past while also learning fascinating details about the first human population that called these areas home.
Address: 26205 E Colonial Dr, Christmas, FL 32709
Open: 9:30AM–5:30PM
Phone: (407) 568-2885
Tickets: Adults Ages 13 and up: $25.95
Seniors Ages 60 and over: $22.95
Children Ages 3-11: $17.95
Children under 3: Free
Attractions: Gator Jamboree Feeding, Dinner Adventures in the Jungle, Jungle Swamp Queen River Cruise
7. Smooth Waters Wildlife Park
A relatively new zoo in Orlando, Florida, this park is home to African and Siamese crocodiles among other beautiful plants and animals. If you keep your eyes peeled and your binoculars at the ready, you will undoubtedly come across several hidden animals, including tortoises meandering around the park. Make sure to visit the conservatory centre, where you can participate in interactive seminars all day long to learn about various methods of preserving the ecosystem.
Address: 4500 Reed St, De Leon Springs, FL 32130
Open: 9AM–2PM
Phone: (407) 967-3768
Tickets: Adult: $10. Child (4-12): $5. Children 3 and under: Free
Attractions: Gift shop, Interactive Programs
