Florida | Zoos | Aquariums | Animal Parks
Florida Zoos and Animal Encounters
Boo at The Zoo
Many Florida zoos hold Halloween Celebrations with all kinds of family fun. Check out a zoo near you.
Florida
Zoo Accreditation
Florida zoos and petting farms in Florida are regulated by the State of Florida. Major zoos are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA.) AZA accreditation recognizes institutions that meet the highest professional standards for animal welfare, scientific education, and staff training. A visit to a Florida zoo will introduce your children to animals and they will benefit from being able to interact with the animals. Kids love to see and touch the baby animals.
Zoo Regulation by The Federal Animal Welfare Act
Animal exhibits open to the public must be licensed whether they are owned by states, counties, or other local governments; corporations; foundations; or private individuals. Furthermore, petting zoos with regulated animals must be licensed and are subject to regulations within the Animal Welfare Act that protect animals and the public.
Florida Zoos
Several Florida zoos rank among the top zoos in the nation including Zoo Miami and Brevard Zoo. Additionally, all zoos have quality petting zoos that provide a fun and educational experience for all kids. The top Florida zoos are accredited by the American Zoological Society and as is indicated on their respective websites. It is hard to say which Florida zoo is best since each offers a distinct environment.
Zoo Miami: Florida’s Premier Wildlife Experience
Zoo Miami, located in South Florida, is home to over 2,000 animals across 750 acres of lush, tropical habitat. As Florida’s largest and oldest zoological garden, it offers immersive exhibits, family-friendly events, and conservation-focused programs.
Visitors enjoy walking or biking four miles of scenic trails while exploring African, Asian, and Amazonian wildlife. Plan your visit to Zoo Miami for unforgettable animal encounters, educational tours, and seasonal attractions. Ranked among the top zoos in the U.S., it’s a must-see destination for nature lovers and families visiting Miami.
Zoo Miami Critter Conneciton Petting Zoo
Goats, sheep, pigs, and other domestic farm animals that are Touch-friendly: Guests can gently pet and interact with animals under staff supervision. Educational focus: Zookeepers share fun facts and conservation measures during visits.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Sanfor FL (near Orlando)
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, located in Sanford, FL, is a beloved destination for families and nature enthusiasts. Spanning 116 acres, the zoo is home to over 350 animals, including endangered species like the Indian rhinoceros and clouded leopard. Visitors can explore lush botanical gardens, a splash playground, and a thrilling aerial adventure course.
The Central Florida Zoo also focuses on conservation and education, offering programs like animal encounters and wildlife camps. With its blend of exotic wildlife, beautiful gardens, and interactive experiences, the Central Florida Zoo provides a fun and educational outing for all ages.
Brevard Zoo (Florida Central East Coast is also home to the Kennedy Space Center)
The Brevard Zoo is a must see for people visiting Florida's Space Coast. Winner of numerous zoological awards, this zoo also acts as marine animal rescue center for sea turtles and other sea creatures. Recovered sea turtles are released back into the wild along the Space Coast's 72 miles of beaches. During the nesting season, these same beaches are a destination for sea turtles to lay hundreds of eggs that later hatch and send baby turtles back to the sea.
Brevard Zoo Animal Encounters
Notably, the Brevard Zoo also offers a more intimate experience that includes a giraffe feeding station, a hippo canoe adventure, and tree top zip lines.
Brevard Zoo Petting Zoo
Guests can gently pet and brush goats, sheep, and other domestic animals. Encourages empathy and curiosity about animal care and conservation.
Zoo Tampa at Lowery Park (Tampa, FL)
Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park is a popular family attraction located in Tampa, Florida. It is known for its lush, tropical setting and naturalistic habitats that provide up-close connections with animals from around the world1. The zoo is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for animals, and offers personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife in fun and immersive ways.
Wallaroo Station at Zoo Tampa
Wallaroo Station is the Zoo Tampa’s family-friendly zone where kids can interact with goats, sheep, and other domestic animals in a safe, supervised setting.
Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park (West Palm Beach, FL)
The Palm Beach Zoo in West Palm Beach, FL is a non-profit zoological organization is home to over 500 animals, many of which are endangered species, within 23 acres of lush tropical habitat. The zoo offers a variety of interactive exhibits and educational programs, including the opportunity to meet koalas, tigers, jaguars, and macaws.
Annimal Encounters at Palm Beach Zoo
Guests can book special experiences with sloths, flamingos, and Aldabra tortoises. These are guided and educational, but not hands-on in the petting sense. The Palm Beach Zoo does not have a petting zoo.
Summer Zoo Camp at Palm Beach Zoo Each week, campers will engage with wildlife specialists, participate in animal care, health, and training activities, prepare animal diets, enjoy behind-the-scenes access to animal care professionals, and join the Zoo in saving animals in the wild.
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens (Jacksonville, FL)
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a 100-acre zoological park located in Jacksonville, Florida. It is home to over 2,000 animals and 1,000 rare plants, making it one of the largest zoos in the state. The zoo is known for its immersive exhibits, such as the Range of the Jaguar, which features a variety of South American animals, and the African Savanna, where visitors can see giraffes, zebras, and elephants.
Jacksonville Zoo Petting Zoo
Goat Yard: Guests can enter and interact with friendly goats in a supervised, hands-on environment. While it’s not a large-scale petting zoo like some farms, it’s a well-maintained, interactive space that gives kids a chance to connect with animals up close.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens offers a guided boat ride around islands where monkeys and apes roam freely. Also, feed the Giraffes at eye level and marvel at the wild encounter animal presentations.
Kid Friendly Zone includes shaded play areas and interactive exhibits.
Affection Section at Animal Kingdom
The Disney World Petting Zoo at Animal Kingdom is known as the Affection Section, where you will encounter a variety of adorable animals at the only petting zoo at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Zoo Birthday Party Rentals
(Check with the individual zoo to determine current options.)
Many families celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays, with a birthday party at their local zoo. Many zoos and petting zoos offer birthday party rental packages in facilities set aside for this purpose. There are few birthday party celebrations that can compete with a visit to the zoo and being able to experience animal encounters.
Some birthday party venues offer packages including catering, party favors, and decorating. Others are more bare bones with the customer supplying the food and decorations.