Location: Gainesville, Florida Years Active: 1970 – Active Want to experience wildlife up close in Gainesville, Florida? The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is an awesome choice! It’s way more than your average zoo. This place is all about learning and protecting animals. They’ve been doing it since 1970. You’ll see over 200 animals here….
Location: Christmas, Florida Years Active: 1960 – Active Jungle Adventures Nature Park & Zoo is a throwback. It’s a little old-school, a little gritty – a world away from the polished theme park experience. Think of it as Florida untamed, with a side of old roadside attraction charm. You’ll see gators bigger than your car,…
Location: Melbourne, Florida Years Active: 1994 – Active The Brevard Zoo isn’t your average animal park. Sure, you’ll find the usual suspects – giraffes, lions, the works. But here’s an insider tip: their reptile collection is seriously underrated. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might catch a keeper training session. Those can get fascinating… and sometimes…
Location: Fort Myers, Florida Years Active: 1938 – Active Love it or hate it, the Shell Factory & Nature Park is a Florida classic. It’s been around since 1938, so they must be doing something right! Sure, some of it’s super kitschy, but there’s weird fun to be had. Think giant seashells, a nature park…
Location: Naples, Florida Years Active: 1969 – Active Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a 43-acre zoo and botanical garden in Naples, Florida. Originally a tropical garden in 1919, it became a zoo in 1969. The zoo features exotic animals, including lions, giraffes, and alligators, along with boat tours to view primates on islands. It…
Location: Orlando, Florida Years Active: 2008 – Active Aquatica Orlando… it’s not your grandma’s water park. If you want the same boring slides and kiddie pools, go somewhere else. This place is about big thrills and a splash of South Seas atmosphere. Think heart-pounding drops, a crazy-fast river ride, and yeah, you can even hang…
Location: Naples, Florida Years Active: 2018 – Active Sun-N-Fun Lagoon is a Naples classic – it’s been around since 2018. Looking for a Florida water park with a bit of everything? This place has it: big slides, a lazy river, the works. It’s got that tropical vibe, which can feel a bit cheesy, but hey,…
Location: Sanford, Florida Years Active: 1975 – Active The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens isn’t your typical glossy, tourist-trap animal park. It’s a bit older, a bit quirky, but full of heart. Animals roam in spacious enclosures, lush gardens surprise you around corners, and it’s got that down-home Florida vibe. Want those postcard pics…
Location: Kissimmee, Florida Years Active: 2019 – Active Island H2O Live! Water Park isn’t your average water park. Expect crowds, especially on weekends. But for tech-savvy thrill-seekers, this place is a blast. It’s all about social media – you can customize ride experiences and instantly share the videos! The slides are the main draw. Follow…
Location: Tampa Bay, Florida Years Active: 1957 – Active Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo isn’t your average animal park. It’s a testament to Tampa’s passion for wildlife. This isn’t about pretty cages – they focus on conservation and real education. It’s been around since 1957 and keeps getting better. Now, here’s why you’ll dig it: it’s…
