Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Map and Brochure (2024 – 2022)
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 of lions and tigers? You might get ’em, but be ready for a grumpy rhino snoozing under a tree instead.
Don’t miss the smaller exhibits. Rainforest Revealed is a noisy, humid blast – think parrots squawking and monkeys swinging right overhead. The Insect Zoo is a must if you’re into creepy crawlies (and honestly, who isn’t?). Need to cool down? Kids go nuts for the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground.
Ditch the stroller if you can. Paths get narrow and some exhibits have stairs. Also, Florida weather is unpredictable – pack rain ponchos just in case. Check their event calendar – they do some seriously cool stuff outside regular zoo hours, especially around holidays.
