If you’re planning a trip to South Florida and looking to squeeze in a little zoo action here are the places you want to add to your list.
Zoo Miami (Miami, FL)
Zoo Miami is the largest zoo in all of Florida. And you will know it’s true as soon as you step foot inside. Plan to get all of your daily steps in during your visit. So, come prepared with the proper footwear.
Also, because there is minimal shade and it’s South Florida, it’s a good idea to bring hats, sunglasses, and water bottles from home too. Pro tip: Rent a bicycle upfront. They even have family bikes.
The good thing about it being a big zoo is that it has big animals. You can expect to see all of your favorites including elephants, lions, and giraffes.
Ticket Admission: $22.95 for ages 13+, $18.95 for 12 and under.
Flamingo Gardens (Davie, FL)
Flamingo Gardens is 60 acres of a botanical garden, wildlife sanctuary, aviary, and mini-museum all rolled into one. It houses the largest collection of native Florida wildlife in the area. You can expect to see alligators, bears, bobcats, flamingos, otters, and panthers throughout the property. You will also find several loose peacocks running around.
Located on the property is the Wray Home Museum, one of the oldest homes in all of Broward County. Schedule a docent-led tour to learn more about how it’s connected to the gardens.
Ticket admission: $21.95 for adults, $15.95 for kids
Butterfly World (Coconut Creek, FL)
Butterfly lovers, don’t miss out on Butterfly World located inside of Tradewinds Park. There you will discover 6 large screened in aviaries with over 20,000 live butterflies fluttering about. It’s a truly stunning sight.
Also inside are several different species of birds and one creepy-crawly bug zoo filled with fascinating hissing cockroaches, centipedes, scorpions, and more. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop on your way out and purchase your very own caterpillars to take home.
Ticket admission: $32 for 12 and older, $22.50 for ages 3-11
Palm Beach Zoo (Palm Beach, FL)
Palm Beach is a much smaller zoo than Zoo Miami so it doesn’t have some of the bigger animals like the elephants or giraffes. But it still has a ton to offer. And actually, it’s the perfect size for the little people in your group. There is plenty of shade located throughout the park and it’s easy to get around. An added bonus is the water playground located right at the entrance for you to hit on your way in or out.
Ticket Admission: $24.95 for ages 13+, $18.95 for 12 and under.
Lion Country Safari (Loxahatchee, FL)
Lion County Safari is a two-part zoo. For the first portion of your visit, you drive through 600 acres of land and get up close and personal with all of the animals. How would you love to see a cow or an ostrich standing just outside of your car window? If the answer is yes, you need to visit Lion Country Safari!
Ticket admission: $19 for each person in the vehicle (Save $2 by purchasing your tickets online ahead of time.)
