The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens are home to various animals and attractions outside Orlando!

The zoo is about a 30-minute drive north from downtown Orlando, in Sanford, and easily accessible by one of our major highways, Interstate 4 (I-4). If you're packing to visit, remember to bring snacks, water, and a bathing suit or two. Particularly on a hot Central Florida day, the splash pad near the entrance is a coveted stop!

There is a parking lot outside of the zoo's ticket booths, which offers free parking on arrival. General admission is available at the ticket booth, but it's recommended to pre-purchase tickets as you receive a slight discount online. If you're an annual pass holder at your local zoo or choose to become one here, check out the reciprocal benefits as part of AZA.

Before starting your visit, you can rent manual wheelchairs or wagons (fits two children) if needed. They can be found at the admission booth and are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis for $12 or $15 each. You can add on an activity at the admissions booth, too, like the Seminole Aerial Adventures - Zipline Course, subject to availability! 

The zoo is easy to navigate once you pass the walkway that features the Discover Courtyard and Discovery Center, where you can find scheduled shows and activities. Going to the left will take you towards the splash pad first, but if you want to avoid the temptation, veer right and head towards the Barnyard Buddies Children's Zoo, where you'll find goats alpacas, llamas, and donkeys.  

There are a variety of animals and plants to see at the zoo. In addition, some locations offer interactive experiences, including giraffe feedings at $5 per person (weather permitting) and rhino encounters. The zoo also showcases special conservation days, highlighting the mission and activities included with admission.  

If you're looking to do something different with your visits to the zoo, check out the programming they have available - they offer everything from homeschool classes by age, scout programs and nighttime adventures for kids and adults alike! In addition, the zoo offers special events like sleepovers for the kids to adult-only events after hours! There's also the opportunity to rent event space or even host a birthday party here for a unique experience!