Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Ticket
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E-tickets accepted
Flexible Tickets
USD 19.06
Come face to face with the wild side of Florida! Spot a rare Amur leopard prowling through the trees, watch a greater one-horned rhino lumber past, and wander a reptile house holding the largest collection in the southeast. All of it set in 116 acres of protected wetland just north of Orlando.
Between the animals you will find lush botanical gardens, daily keeper chats, hands-on animal encounters and a splash ground for cooling off. Book your Central Florida Zoo tickets and swap the theme park queues for a genuinely wild day out!
Between the animals you will find lush botanical gardens, daily keeper chats, hands-on animal encounters and a splash ground for cooling off. Book your Central Florida Zoo tickets and swap the theme park queues for a genuinely wild day out!
Key Highlights
- Meet 350+ animals including rhinos, leopards, monkeys and exotic birds
- Explore the southeast's largest reptile collection in the Reptile House
- Spot the rare Amur leopard, one of the world's most endangered big cats
- Get close to creepy crawlies and oddities in the Insect Zoo
- Stroll lush botanical gardens winding through the whole zoo
- Cool off at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground
- Catch twice-daily Keeper Chats included with your ticket
- Feed the friendly residents at Barnyard Buddies Children's Zoo
About Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Ticket
Set in a protected natural wetland just north of Orlando, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has been bringing the wild world to Sanford since 1975. It is a compact, walkable 116 acres, which makes it far easier on young families than the big parks down the road, and the shaded boardwalks winding through native foliage mean you are never far from somewhere cool to pause.
The animal collection spans the globe. Greater one-horned rhinos and Amur leopards sit alongside clouded leopards, fosa, monkeys, bald eagles, alligators and a dazzling array of exotic birds. The Reptile House holds the largest reptile collection in the southeast, from Grand Cayman blue iguanas to the eastern indigo snake, while the Insect Zoo keeps a flat rock scorpion and plenty of other small wonders. Over thirty species here take part in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan.
Then there are the botanical gardens themselves, threaded through the zoo rather than tucked into a corner, so tropical plantings and flowering trees frame nearly every habitat you pass. Add twice-daily Keeper Chats, feeding sessions at the Barnyard Buddies Children's Zoo and a splash ground built for Florida afternoons, and a visit stretches comfortably across two to three hours.
Behind the scenes it is a working conservation organisation and an accredited AZA nonprofit, home to the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation and recently to a rescued Florida panther kitten.
Book through Thrillark and secure your entry at the best available rate, so you walk straight past the ticket window and get to the animals sooner.
The animal collection spans the globe. Greater one-horned rhinos and Amur leopards sit alongside clouded leopards, fosa, monkeys, bald eagles, alligators and a dazzling array of exotic birds. The Reptile House holds the largest reptile collection in the southeast, from Grand Cayman blue iguanas to the eastern indigo snake, while the Insect Zoo keeps a flat rock scorpion and plenty of other small wonders. Over thirty species here take part in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan.
Then there are the botanical gardens themselves, threaded through the zoo rather than tucked into a corner, so tropical plantings and flowering trees frame nearly every habitat you pass. Add twice-daily Keeper Chats, feeding sessions at the Barnyard Buddies Children's Zoo and a splash ground built for Florida afternoons, and a visit stretches comfortably across two to three hours.
Behind the scenes it is a working conservation organisation and an accredited AZA nonprofit, home to the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation and recently to a rescued Florida panther kitten.
Book through Thrillark and secure your entry at the best available rate, so you walk straight past the ticket window and get to the animals sooner.
Inclusions
- Access to all zoo habitats and botanical gardens
- Access to the Reptile House and Insect Zoo
- Access to daily activities including Keeper Chats and feeding sessions
- Discover animals from around the world including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
- Skip The Ticket Line Admission
Exclusions
- Wild Explorer VR Experience
- Food and drinks
Insiders' Tips
Head for the Reptile House and Insect Zoo in the heat of the afternoon, since both are indoors and the animals are at their liveliest while outdoor habitats quieten down.
Additional Information
Operating Hours
- Open daily: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Last admission at 3:30 PM
- Extended hours on select weekends and event dates
- Tropical Splash Ground open daily 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (capacity limited)
- Barnyard Buddies feeding daily from 10:00 AM while supplies last
- Children aged 2 and under enter free but still require a ticket
- Child rate applies to ages 3 to 12
- Adult rate applies to ages 13 to 54
- Senior rate applies to ages 55 and over
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult
- Guest paths combine solid pavement and wooden boardwalks
- Walkways accommodate strollers, mobility devices and family groups
- Manual wheelchairs available to rent at the admissions window
- Flatbed and double-seater wagons available to rent
- Certified sensory inclusive venue with free KultureCity sensory bags
- Designated quiet areas and high-noise signage throughout
- Service animals welcome (check in at the admissions window first)
- Dining at Graze Kitchen and Swirl, plus the Zoofari Outpost gift shop
- No outside food, coolers or alcoholic beverages
- No selfie sticks, skateboards, roller skates or wheeled shoes
- Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere
- Cameras must not be held over any habitat barrier
- Do not feed the animals
- Only service animals are permitted (no emotional support animals)
- No weapons on zoo property
- Family-friendly attire and appropriate footwear required
- Guest photos may not be used commercially
- EV charging stations are available in the car park
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation of at least 24 hrs before travel date: 100% refund
Extra cancellation or refund fees may apply. Any cancellations falling outside of the above policy are strictly non-refundable
Extra cancellation or refund fees may apply. Any cancellations falling outside of the above policy are strictly non-refundable
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a Central Florida Zoo ticket?
Your ticket covers all animal habitats, the botanical gardens, the Reptile House and the Insect Zoo. Daily activities such as Keeper Chats and the Barnyard Buddies feeding are also included. The Tropical Splash Ground is included, while animal encounters, the VR experience and the train ride are extra.
How long should I spend at the Central Florida Zoo?
Most visitors spend two to three hours exploring the grounds. The zoo is compact and walkable, which makes it easy to cover at a relaxed pace. Allow longer if you plan to catch the Keeper Chats or let children use the splash ground.
What are the Central Florida Zoo opening hours?
The zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with last admission at 3:30 PM. Hours extend on selected weekends and during seasonal events. Check the calendar before visiting around a holiday.
Is the Central Florida Zoo good for young children?
Yes, it is one of the most family-friendly attractions in the area. The compact layout, Barnyard Buddies Children's Zoo and Tropical Splash Ground all work well for younger visitors. Wagons are available to rent at the admissions window for tired legs.
Do children need a ticket for the Central Florida Zoo?
Children aged 2 and under enter free but still require a ticket for every member of your party. Ages 3 to 12 pay the child rate and ages 13 to 54 pay the adult rate. Seniors aged 55 and over get a reduced rate.
Can I bring my own food into the Central Florida Zoo?
No, outside food and coolers are not permitted inside the zoo. Dining is available on site at Graze Kitchen and Swirl. Cups with disposable lids and straws are also not allowed, for the safety of the animals.
Is the Central Florida Zoo wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the guest paths combine solid pavement and wooden boardwalks wide enough for mobility devices and strollers. Manual wheelchairs and wagons can be rented at the admissions window on a first come, first served basis. The zoo is also a certified sensory inclusive venue with free sensory bags available.
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