Looking for a break from the theme park rush? The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, located in nearby Sanford, is a refreshing family outing filled with animals, nature, and hands-on fun.
? Animal Encounters: Meet over 350 animals, including giraffes, rhinos, leopards, and exotic reptiles. For a small fee, families can hand-feed giraffes—always a kid favorite.
? Barnyard Buddies Children’s Zoo: Little ones can pet goats, alpacas, and other friendly farm animals.
? Wharton-Smith Splash Ground: Kids can cool off with fountains and jets—bring swimsuits or a change of clothes!
? Botanical Gardens: Wander through lush gardens featuring native Florida plants and butterfly habitats. It’s peaceful and educational at the same time.
? Extra Adventure: For older kids and teens, the ZOOm Air Aerial Adventures offer rope courses and zip lines right above the zoo grounds.
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