Animal Attractions

Attractions Where Animals are the Main Attraction

Central Florida offers plenty of Zoo’s, Trail Rides, Eco Tours, Petting Farms and other places where the animals are the main attraction. Take a trip on the wild side!


AVIAN RECONDITIONING CENTER: live birds of prey and environmental education: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays; 323 W. Lester Road, Apopka; donations; 407-461-1056. For more information visit their web site at arc4raptors.org.

BILLY’S SWAMP SAFARIS: located on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, explore 2,200 acres of untamed Florida Everglades preserved in its pristine state by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Attractions include airboat rides, bird & reptile exhibits, tours and expeditions, shows and more. For more information visit their web site at billyswamp.com.

BREVARD ZOO: with hands-on area, railroad, “Paws On” kid’s are and occasional Symphony Orchestra performances; 8225 N. Wickham Road, just east of Interstate 95 (Exit 191 off Interstate 95), Melbourne – 321-254-9453. For more information visit their web site at brevardzoo.org.

CACTUS JACK’S TRAIL RIDES: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; Florida Horse Park, 11008 S. Highway 475, Ocala; 352-978-7656. For more information visit their web site at cactusjackstrailrides.com.

CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO: native and exotic animals, Tropical Splash Ground, Zoom Air Adventures course: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; 3755 N. U.S. Highway 17-92, 1 mile east of Interstate 4 and 41/2 miles west of Sanford; 407-323-4450. Read our spotlight review, or for more information visit their web site at centralfloridazoo.org.

FLORIDA AUDUBON SOCIETY’S CENTER FOR BIRDS OF PREY: conservation, education and raptor rehabilitation facility; 1101 Audubon Way, Maitland; 407-644-0190. For more information visit their web site at fl.audubon.org.

FLORIDA ECO-SAFARIS: coach, horseback and zip line tours: departure times vary; 4755 N. Kenansville Road at Forever Florida, St. Cloud; 1-866-854-3837. For more information visit their web site at foreverflorida.com.

GATORLAND: Gator Wrestling show, Gator Gully Splash Park, white leucistic alligators: 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando; 407-855-5496 or 1-800-393-5297. For more information visit their web site at gatorland.com.

GREEN MEADOWS FARM: tours, train ride, barnyard animals: 1368 S. Poinciana Blvd., Kissimmee; 407-846-0770. For more information visit their web site at greenmeadowsfarm.com.

JUNGLE ADVENTURES: with animals, Native American Indian Village Tour, Jungle Swamp Boat Ride (with “Dinner and Adventure Tour” featuring boat ride and storytelling on certain days); 26205 E. State Road 50, Christmas; 407-568-2885. For more information visit their web site at  jungleadventures.com.

LUKAS BUTTERFLY ENCOUNTER: butterfly nursery and habitat: 1909 Slavia Road, Oviedo; 407-365-6163. For more information visit their web site at lukasnursery.com.

MARINE SCIENCE CENTER: with artificial reef aquarium and marine exhibits: 100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet; 386-304-5545. For more information visit their web site at marinesciencecenter.com.

REPTILE DISCOVERY CENTER: educational center, museum and reptile farm: 2710 Big John Drive, DeLand; 386-740-9143. For more information visit their web site at reptilediscoverycenter.com.

REPTILE WORLD SERPENTARIUM: 60 specimens of reptiles: 5705 Highway 192, east of St. Cloud; 407-892-6905. For more information visit their web site at reptileworldserpentarium.com.

UNCLE DONALD’S FARM: barnyard animals, tours, hayrides, pony rides, wildlife exhibit: 2713 Griffin Ave., off U.S. Highway 27/441 north of Lady Lake (Lake County); 352-753-2882. For more information visit their web site at uncledonaldsfarm.com.

WILD FLORIDA – known for their airboat tours, this attraction also includes ranch buggy nature tours, an animal park, restaurant and gift shop. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Sundays. Located at 3301 Lake Cypress Rd., Kenansville, FL 34739; Phone: 407-957-3135. For more information visit their web site at wildfloridairboats.com.

Last Updated on February 24, 2022