Animal and nature lovers, and those curious about creatures like reptiles and insects love a trip to the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford, Florida, about 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, FL. Spend a sunshine-filled day walking among over 500 unique animals, along with browsing through 23 acres of stunning native gardens. This zoo has come a long way from its modest beginning in 1923 as a small zoo with animals donated by a fire department. Kids of all ages love the myriad of attractions that keeps this zoo at the top of Central Florida attractions.
Most Thrilling Attractions of Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Kids and adults love opportunities to pet and feed animals in the petting zoo and to explore specialty areas set up for activities like giraffe feeding. Other unique attractions found at the zoo include:
Mini Railway Train – Take a tour of the zoo on an Old Smokey Train that holds appeal for all ages
Carousel Rides – Hop on a zebra or climb up high onto a giraffe for new and interesting views of the Central Florida Zoo
Splash Playground – Enjoy the refreshing Wharton Smith Tropical splash playground to cool off on a hot and humid Orlando, Florida day with its raining trees and specialty animal-themed spraying features
Insect Zoo and Reptile House – Fascinating insects, along with reptiles like African bullfrogs, salamanders and poison Dart Frogs offer hours of entertainment and learning opportunities, along with a chance to cool off on hot Orlando FL afternoons by visiting the Insect Zoo and Reptile House
Everyone will enjoy taking a break for a snack at the Rainforest Pavilion, and stopping at the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center to explore a gallery with interactive features. A full day of exciting adventures awaits at this favorite Orlando Florida area attraction, the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
A Perfect Orlando Day in a Nature Inspired Setting
You find the perfect combination of relaxation and thrills with time spent at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Everybody will love strolling through dense, green foliage, providing a tropically inspired experience at this unique Orlando / Central Florida Zoo. This attraction is far enough away from the bustle of city and theme park inspired attractions to provide a thoroughly relaxing day.
The adventurous ones in your group will enjoy riding along the Zoom Aerial Air Adventures Zipline attraction. Zoom along past your favorite zoo attractions as you balance and swing among the trees. This zipline traverses through lushly forested areas as it provides pulse-pounding action, along with panoramic views of the zoo.
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