About Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Reptiles, monkeys, leopards & a zip line. Opened in 1923, this zoo stars endangered big cats & reptiles, plus a zip line & rope bridges.

💬 What Parents Say

• 💡Start with the giraffe feeding experience - it's a highly mentioned highlight that staff like Kelton make memorable and entertaining. Plan this early in your visit when animals are most active.
• 💡The splash pad is a major attraction with 400+ mentions - bring swimsuits and plan 1-2 hours for water activities, especially if visiting with kids during warm months.
• 💡This is a compact, manageable zoo perfect for families - allow 3-4 hours total rather than a full day. It's stroller-friendly with plenty of rest spots, making it ideal for young children without the exhaustion of larger zoos.
• 💡Check the calendar for special events like the Asian Lantern Festival (winter), Brews at the Zoo, and Mother's Day free admission. These events offer unique experiences and potential savings on admission.
• 💡Take advantage of the Zoo Camps and education programs available for all ages - these provide deeper learning beyond casual viewing and make the educational value of your visit significantly higher.

Hours