The Zoos and Aquariums of Orlando

Although Orlando is most famous for its massive theme parks and thrill rides, there are plenty of zoos and aquariums in the city that are sure to keep your kids entertained. If your children love nature and wildlife, you won’t want to miss these zoos and aquariums in Orlando, which are fun, interactive, and educational.

Gatorland
Gatorland is a great place to see Florida gators from a distance. Other animals you’ll find at Gatorland include flamingoes and crocodiles. This 110-acre park features reptilian shows, a petting zoo, a breeding marsh with an observation tower, nature walks, a gift shop, and an aviary. Kids can also take the Gatorland Express train to the Gator Gully Splash Park, where they can participate in a squirt fest!

Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford offer a relaxing, entertaining, and educational experience for the entire family. Highlights include the Herpetarium, which features the largest collection of venomous snakes and non-venomous reptiles in the Southeast, and the ZOOm Air Adventure Park, where you can enjoy an aerial adventure course.

Jungle Adventures Nature Park & Zoo
This park is a natural habitat jungle that’s home to the world’s largest alligator, Swampy, who is 200-feet long. Activities you can enjoy at this park include guided wildlife encounters, a jungle swamp cruise, and alligator feedings. You can also go on a guided exploration of a Native American Indian village replica.

SeaWorld Florida
SeaWorld is the place to go if you want to see marine animals at play. You’ll see whales, manatees, dolphins, penguins, and much more at SeaWorld, which is home to world-class animal shows, acrobatic performances, and adventure rides. One of the main reasons people visit the park is to watch shows featuring Shamu, the world’s most famous killer whale.

Green Meadows Petting Farm
Green Meadows Petting Farm in Kissimmee offers an array of “hands-on” experiences. During a two-hour tour of the farm, guests will have the opportunity to interact with more than 300 animals, including turkeys, ducks, pigs, and chickens. Guides will teach kids about the animals and the farm. Kids can also take pony rides or tractor-drawn hayrides.

Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove’s parent park is SeaWorld, but Discovery Cove offers a unique experience. The park limits guests to 1000 per day, so the environment is calmer and more relaxed. The undisputed highlight of visiting Discovery Cove is having the opportunity to swim with a bottlenose dolphin. A deluxe simulation of a Caribbean island, Discover Cove allows guests to snorkel with rays and exotic fish, swim and sunbathe at gorgeous beaches, and interact with colorful birds at the tropical aviary.

Brevard Zoo
Brevard Zoo, located in Melbourne, Florida, is a non-traditional zoo that features plenty of natural vegetation and shade for the animals. The zoo is divided into different lands, such as Expedition Africa, Australia-Asia, and Wild Florida. Animals you’ll encounter at the zoo include spider monkeys, bobcats, crocodiles, rhinos, giraffes, and gazelles.

Reptile Discovery Center
The Reptile Discovery Center is many things: a nature and educational center, zoological facility, museum, working farm, and conservation sanctuary. Visitors have the opportunity to explore an assortment of reptile-related exhibits and view tortoises, lizards, alligators, and snakes, including a 13-foot cobra.

Forever Florida
Forever Florida is a wildlife sanctuary and nature preserve where visitors can observe the native plants and animals of Florida in their natural habitat. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at Forever Florida, including adventure safaris, horseback safaris, and a zipline tour.