1 / 6
Location
Visitor tip
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.
Visitor tip
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.
Visitor tip
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.
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.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo & Botanical Gardens
- Location
- Sanford, FL
- Hours
- Weekdays 9 AM-4 PM, Weekends 9 AM-5 PM
- Highlights
- Animal encounters, Zoo Camps, overnight adventures, botanical gardens
What visitors say
We went a few years ago and had such a good time here. We came during the day to see the animals and then came back at night for the Chinese Lantern Festival, and both were just as awesome. During the day the animals were super fun to…
The Sanford Zoo is a must do while in town! My fiance wanted to go for her birthday and I had not been back since I was a kid so I was a little worried. I was extremely pleasently surprised! The exhibits were really nice, the activites…
🌟 The Central Florida Zoo’s Asian Lantern Festival is a must‑see annual tradition—trust me, you’ll want to grab your tickets early! The glowing displays are enchanting, interactive, and absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect outing for…
From 10,501 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Opened in 1923, making it over 100 years old and establishing it as a historic recreational institution in Central Florida
- Features a zip line attraction integrated into the zoo experience, an unusual recreational amenity for a traditional zoo setting
- Offers overnight adventures and Zoo Camps as immersive educational programs, allowing visitors extended engagement with animals beyond standard daytime visits
Other Zoos in Sanford
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
Own this venue? Stand out from the competition.
Zoos listings that are Featured get seen first by thousands of families every month.
- Priority placement in search
- Photo gallery showcase
- Insider tips from visitors
- Highlighted in dedicated featured section