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Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Entry Tickets Highlights
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$22.00
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Entry Tickets Overview
The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens has welcomed visitors to Sanford since 1975. Its 116-acre campus on the shores of Lake Monroe is one of the most comprehensive mid-sized zoo experiences in Florida, operating as a private non-profit with a mission centered on wildlife conservation.
The collection spans over 100 species. African highlights include cheetahs, African black rhinoceroses, giraffes, and primates. North American species include American alligators, river otters, bald eagles, red wolves, and Florida black bears. The Herpetarium houses reptiles and amphibians. A free-flight aviary allows visitors to walk among tropical birds. The Barnyard Buddies petting area provides close-contact experiences with domestic animals.
Botanical gardens woven throughout the grounds feature native Florida plants, tropical species, and ornamental gardens lining the pathways between habitats.
Family attractions include the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground water play area for young children; ZooFit aerial adventure course with zip lines, rope bridges, and climbing elements; a miniature train running circuits; and a carousel near the main entrance. Giraffe feeding is available at additional cost and is among the most popular interactive experiences.
The zoo is at 3755 West Seminole Boulevard, Sanford, FL 32771, approximately 30 minutes north of Orlando by car. Free parking on site. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Know Before You Go
Giraffe feeding is an additional cost experience subject to keeper schedules; check availability at the admission desk on arrival
Outside food is not permitted inside the zoo; a cafe and snack areas are on site and carrying your own water is advisable in Florida heat
Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day; last entry is at 15:30 Monday through Friday and 16:30 on weekends; plan to arrive in the morning for a full visit
The Central Florida Zoo is in Sanford, approximately 30 minutes north of Orlando via Interstate 4; it is not on International Drive and requires dedicated travel from the main Orlando corridor
ZooFit height and weight requirements apply to specific elements; review restrictions at centralfloridazoo.org before visiting with children near height limits
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FAQs
The Central Florida Zoo is a mid-sized private non-profit zoo delivering a substantial collection with a strong conservation mission at significantly lower admission than most major theme park animal experiences in Florida. The ZooFit aerial course, botanical gardens, splash ground, and train give it more family programming than many comparable facilities, making it one of the strongest value wildlife days in Central Florida.
The zoo houses over 100 species including cheetahs, African black rhinoceroses, giraffes, and primates from Africa; American alligators, river otters, bald eagles, red wolves, and Florida black bears from North America; reptiles and amphibians in the Herpetarium; tropical birds in the free-flight aviary; and domestic animals in the Barnyard Buddies petting area.
ZooFit is an aerial adventure course at the Central Florida Zoo featuring zip lines, rope bridges, balance elements, and climbing challenges at varying heights. It is included with general admission. Height and weight requirements apply to specific elements. Closed-toed shoes are required. Review restrictions at centralfloridazoo.org before visiting with children near height limits.
Yes. The Barnyard Buddies petting area, splash ground, miniature train, and carousel cater specifically to younger visitors. The zoo's manageable size is comfortable for families with toddlers. Children aged 2 and under enter free. The naturalistic habitats and botanical gardens create a pleasant outdoor environment.
The zoo has a cafe and snack areas serving quick-service food and beverages. Outside food is not permitted inside the zoo. Carrying a reusable water bottle is strongly recommended in Florida heat. Picnic areas are available in the parking lot for families who prefer to eat outside the zoo entrance before or after their visit.
No. Giraffe feeding is an additional cost experience allowing guests to hand-feed giraffes from a raised platform under keeper supervision. Availability depends on the giraffes' daily schedule. Check current pricing and availability at the admission desk on arrival or at centralfloridazoo.org before your visit.
The zoo is at 3755 West Seminole Boulevard, Sanford, FL 32771, approximately 30 minutes north of Downtown Orlando via Interstate 4. It is not near International Drive. Free parking is on site. SunRail connects Downtown Orlando to Sanford from which the zoo is accessible by rideshare.
Yes. The Splash Ground is included with general admission at no additional charge. It features interactive water jets, spray elements, and splash features designed for young children. Bringing swimwear or a change of clothes is strongly recommended for families planning to use the splash ground.
Location
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Sanford, United States3755 West Seminole Boulevard, Sanford, Florida, 32771, United States
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