Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens — Attraction in Sanford

“Meh” would be the best word to describe the experience here. Family of 5 with a friend in town from the Midwest. We thought this would be a great event to celebrate our middle daughter’s 3rd birthday because she loves the zoo. We knew the zoo would be smaller than others we have visited in the past but thought it could be a lot of fun.

At ~25/ticket it was over twice the cost of our previous zoo experience of the Kansas City Zoo (we just moved to the Florida area) but was about 1/12th the size. It was early on a Tuesday. We probably saw 25 other people in the entire park. It felt like 2 employees to every patron of the zoo while we were there. We spoke to a couple nice employees about feeding the goats, sheep and chickens they have there and was told we could come back at 10:30am for that feeding. We went by the giraffe and was told we could be there around 11am to feed the giraffe (12 yo Gage), but that could fluctuate depending on when he was hungry (makes sense). We walked around the entire zoo in less than an hour but went back to feed the goats and sheep. I went in to buy 3 things of food for our family of five with the one visitor from out of state (6 total) and were told that they don’t allow a “group” to purchase more than 2. That was their policy so they don’t run out of food. I would have left it there because it wasn’t that important but then when my wife decided to go ahead and buy the two, they gave 2x the food pellets but still only one piece of lettuce (it should have been pellets in lettuce for both). It was obnoxious because not only could we not have enough food for our entire family to feed the animals, but then they short-changed us in what we were able to buy.

I politely asked to speak with a supervisor at the gate just to find out if there was an option to purchase the 3rd feeding. There were SO few guests and it was hard to imagine the zoo was going to run out of food pellets for the farm animals. After all, we paid 4.00 for each of our food pellets and got one piece of lettuce and like 15 pellets for 8.00. The supervisor arrived, I explained the situation, and asked to see if, give the circumstance, that we could get the third thing of food to feed the farm animals. I even offered to buy them some additional feed if they actually ran out of food for the farm animals. She was fairly polite and went in to get the third feeding. It was nothing special but more of a point to know the times when to limit food and when not to (like a Tuesday when there is nobody there).

It was about a 2/10 for us at the zoo, but luckily Gage saved the day for our family. I was thinking we might have to go ahead and drive to the Jacksonville zoo because after seeing this entire zoo (the few attractions that had animals out and no construction), we still had about 7 more hours of our day we had planned to stroll around and enjoy animals. Gage the giraffe was finally up and ready to eat. We overpaid again for more lettuce for the giraffe but our 3 year old and my 12 year old loved feeding the giraffe. We will probably never go back due to the small size, missing animals in the areas, the construction going on, the overpriced cost of entry, and of course the silly rule of purchasing food to feed the animals, but we went. We did it. We won’t be back and will most likely stick to zoos that we feel our family will have the ability to adventure and make a day of, but… try it if you would like. If you lived close, I could see a benefit, but for us in Palm Coast, it is an hour and ten minutes to get here and Jacksonville is about an hour. I will obviously choose to go to Jacksonville. It is a bummer because I was ready to pull the trigger on some season passes because we use the heck out of them for the KC Zoo and visiting the Omaha zoo.

People make mistakes and sometimes rules are silly, but they should make sense. I was ready for a logical response other than “running out of food”, but the response wasn’t good, and it didn’t sit well with me. It wasn’t bad but will probably only be something you...

Today I had the pleasure of visiting the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden and I must say, it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. This destination is a true gem, offering an impressive blend of wildlife, lush botanical gardens, and interactive exhibits that make it a fantastic outing for individuals, families, and nature enthusiasts alike.

From the moment you arrive, the sense of adventure and discovery is palpable. The zoo is beautifully laid out, with well-marked pathways that lead you through various exhibits and themed areas. Each section of the zoo offers a unique glimpse into the animal kingdom, showcasing a diverse array of species from around the world. The enclosures are spacious and thoughtfully designed to mimic the natural habitats of the animals, ensuring that they are comfortable and well-cared-for.

One of the highlights of the Central Florida Zoo is the wide variety of animals on display. From majestic big cats and playful primates to exotic birds and fascinating reptiles, there is something to captivate visitors of all ages. The African Savanna exhibit, featuring giraffes, zebras, and ostriches, is particularly impressive, offering an immersive experience that feels like a mini safari. The zoo’s commitment to conservation and education is evident in the informative signage and interactive displays, which provide valuable insights into the lives and habits of the animals.

In addition to the animal exhibits, the Central Florida Zoo boasts stunning botanical gardens that are a feast for the senses. The gardens are meticulously maintained, with a vibrant array of plant species that showcase the beauty and diversity of Florida’s flora. Walking through the gardens is a tranquil experience, with the soothing sounds of water features and the delightful fragrance of blooming flowers enhancing the overall ambiance. The Butterfly Garden, in particular, is a must-visit, where visitors can observe these delicate creatures in a picturesque setting.

The zoo also offers a variety of interactive experiences and attractions that make the visit even more memorable. The ZOOm Air Adventure Park is a thrilling zip line and aerial adventure course that adds an element of excitement and is perfect for those looking to add a bit of adrenaline to their visit. Additionally, the Barnyard Buddies Children’s Zoo allows younger visitors to get up close and personal with domesticated animals, fostering a hands-on connection with nature.

What truly sets the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens apart is its dedication to providing an engaging and educational experience for all visitors. The staff and volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the animals and plants in their care. They are always willing to answer questions and provide fascinating facts, enhancing the educational value of the visit. The zoo also offers a range of educational programs and events, from wildlife encounters and keeper talks to summer camps and workshops, making it a valuable resource for learning and discovery.

Facilities at the zoo are well-maintained and visitor-friendly. There are plenty of shaded areas and benches for resting, as well as clean restrooms and conveniently located water fountains. The zoo also features several dining options, including a café that offers a variety of snacks and meals, making it easy to spend a full day exploring without needing to leave for food.

In conclusion, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a top-notch destination that offers a perfect blend of adventure, education, and natural beauty. Whether you are an animal lover, a gardening enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and enriching outing, this zoo has something for everyone. The impressive array of animal exhibits, stunning botanical gardens, and engaging interactive experiences make it a standout attraction in Central Florida. I highly recommend a visit to this remarkable zoo, where you are sure to create lasting memories and gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the...

My wife and I stopped here in the late morning of Thursday, August 14, 2025 while on a camping trip and moving between Apopka and Port Canaveral. I was in my Dodge RAM 1500 pickup and towing my 20 travel trailer, but there was hardly anyone at the zoo yet and there was plenty of grass lot parking to fit both my truck and trailer without having to temporarily unhitch it. On the walk in to the ticket booth from the parking lot, we noted that they have this very cool little "kiddie train" and a mini-train station right at the entrance. There is also an extensive array of zip lines and launch/landing platforms around the park's entrance area for adults and older kids to enjoy but we didn't see any staff on duty on this weekday visit, so it may only be operated on the weekends. The ticket booth staff was friendly, and they gave me a Veteran discount that saved me about $10.00 on my entrance ticket. See my attached receipt on what entrance cost. Once inside the park, we noted that there is a splash pads for younger kids to enjoy, and it was operating with several kids enjoying the shooting water jets and cooling off. We then proceeded to walk and tour the zoo through a nice circular pathway route and series of board walks. It is very well laid out and they have a fairly extensive array of animals from tropical and temperate zone habitats, particularly for a medium sized zoo. It's also very kid friendly and there are several places to get cold drinks and snack foods around the interior of the park. After we were finished the tour and exited the gate we walked inside this conference hall to enjoy some air condition, and saw a picture of Jungle Jack Hannah, who got his start here as a Zookeeper way back in the early 1970s when the place first opened. We've always been fans of his show, this was a nice finish for us. Overall, this is a very nice zoo, and I would not hesitate to recommend it for kids of all ages (and old-aged big kids like my wife and I). It's easily accessible from Orlando or Daytona with lots of nice...