Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens — Attraction in Jacksonville

Purchased member passes which totaled around $400 for 3 adults and 3 kids. Roughly $90 for all exp. Kids loved it so thats what really matters but just a few things people should know. The zoo is under construction so riding the train is better suited for people wanting to go from one side to the other quickly vs an actual tour of the zoo. Animal feedings are nice but schedule those towards the beginning of the day bc the lines get LONG . We were in line for over 30 min when we heard one zoo employee training another and point blank said cut off is at 415. That's cut off to feedings not line cut off so if your little ones are in line and don't make it to the front before cut off they will be sent away heart broken . The giraffes cant really approach the board walk anymore bc the zoo put big rocks/stones lining the space preventing the giraffes from walking there. There is literally 1 spot available for 1 giraffe at a time with 1 zoo employee and 1 leaf per child . There's probably a valid reason for this like animal safety but you pay alot to get in so just a heads up. The 4D movie is another thing you will want to do early and stay in line for ! The zoo lady will tell you to come back in 20 min , DONT LEAVE ! Each time the lines are longer ! Only other important info is probably that when you purchase the member passes thinking you're getting exclusive "members only events " it's not going to be affordable like the all exp tickets for $13 . It's more like $30 per ticket/person . Which isn't a big deal unless you have a big family. All in all none of these are deal breakers , just HIGHLY recommend using the " plan your visit " tab online and looking at the digital map bc they don't provide paper anymore. Positive notes caurosel is great ! Play yard areas are nice . Many restroom areas available ! Zoo staff are welcoming. Grounds were very clean. The sting ray area is a must and literally probably the best part of the zoo! The staff there...

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The Jacksonville Zoo is an absolute gem that offers a delightful experience for visitors of all ages! From the moment you step through the gates, you’re greeted by vibrant gardens and beautifully designed habitats that showcase a diverse array of animals in their naturalistic environments.

One of the highlights of the zoo is the impressive variety of wildlife. Whether you're marveling at the majestic elephants, watching the playful monkeys swing through their habitats, or catching a glimpse of the exotic birds, there's never a dull moment. The knowledgeable staff members are always on hand to provide insights and answer questions, enhancing the overall experience.

The zoo is not just about the animals; the gardens are a true feast for the senses. With lush greenery, colorful flowers, and serene pathways, it’s the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll. There are plenty of shaded areas to relax, making it family-friendly for those sunny Florida days.

For families, the Jacksonville Zoo offers a range of interactive exhibits and educational programs that engage children and adults alike. The children’s play areas and splash pads are fantastic for letting young ones burn off some energy while learning about wildlife conservation.

Dining options are varied and cater to different tastes, ensuring you can refuel without missing a beat. Whether you choose a casual snack or a sit-down meal, the food is fresh and satisfying.

Overall, the Jacksonville Zoo is a wonderful place to connect with nature, learn about wildlife, and enjoy quality time with loved ones. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this zoo is a must-see destination that promises an unforgettable day filled with fun, learning, and inspiration. Don’t miss out on this...

You could easily spend an entire day at this zoo. We have been multiple times and have always enjoyed ourselves. The positives-tons to see and do, get the full experience ticket as kids can ride train and carousel a bunch of times and you can feed the stingrays and the giraffes. You also get access to their special exhibit and the 4D show (more on that in my cons). I love how they have the animals grouped by area (Africa, Florida, etc) and it’s easy to navigate the zoo without missing anything. The goats are fun to pet and visit with and then cool off at the splash pad-HUGE bonus! Bring a change of clothes!! Everyone is very nice and I love the special touches of the zoo workers waving when you ride by in the train. Cons: Their colossal creatures special exhibit was not very interesting. The day we came they didn’t have any workers back there and we weren’t even sure what the point of it was. There is a zoo full of real animals so seeing blown up fake animals made no sense. The 4D show was fine, but it’s basically just a blue planet movie with water wind and bubbles and 3D glasses. But it’s nice to cool off.

Only negative is The day we were there the water main broke so every bathroom and restaurant was closed except for a sweet shop. We had very little water when it happened and it was 95 degrees. We also didn’t bring lunch because the zoo rules. It would have been nice if the zoo offered free water bottles and snacks to help out the people who paid for the day to come since the water wasn’t working for hours. There was also no official announcement made to let us know. We just found out accidentally. We made the best of it though and to their credit they did give us tickets to visit another time but we had to specifically...