Spring is here, which means it’s the best time of year to get outside and get wild. These animal attractions in Florida allow you to experience native and exotic wildlife from our state and all over the world. Check them out soon!
1. Butterfly World, Coconut Creek
Did you know the first and largest butterfly park in the country is right here in Florida? I bet a trip to this attraction in Coconut Creek would be an awesome excursion for the whole family.
2. Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo
This nonprofit zoo in Tampa covers more than 60 acres. The zoo features a Florida Wildlife Center, a safari tram ride, the impressive Primate World, small rides for children, and much more.
3. Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater
This nonprofit aquarium is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured marine animals. Winter, a bottlenose dolphin who was injured in a crab trap and became a resident of the aquarium, gained notoriety when the aquarium fitted her with a prosthetic tail. You may also recognize her from the Dolphin Tale children's movies.
4. Gatorland, Orlando
Gatorland in Orlando is another awesome park where visitors can view thousands of Florida's famous reptiles. Through May 27th, Florida Residents can get half off admission.
5. The Turtle Hospital, Marathon
The Turtle Hospital in the Keys is a great place to see these adorable sea turtles, all for a good cause. Reservations are recommended.
6. Disney's Animal Kingdom, Orlando
Animal Kingdom is the largest theme park in the world, at 580 acres. It's dedicated to animal conservation and educates guests about animals in stunningly realistic imitations of their natural landscapes.
7. The Florida Aquarium, Tampa
The Florida Aquarium in Downtown Tampa has tons of fascinating exhibits and shows, and some guests can even pet a penguin or swim with sharks!
8. Brevard Zoo, Melbourne
Brevard Zoo is a small zoo in Melbourne, that's big on creativity and fun. The zoo features a rhino encounter, treetop trek, and a zip line adventure. Plus, Brevard is the only zoo in the country where you can take a kayak adventure around an exhibit.
9. Westgate River Ranch, near Lake Wales
Take a trip back to to Old Florida at this ranch on the Kissimmee River. Horseback riding, airboat rides, wildlife viewing, and a Saturday Night Rodeo will make this a vacation to remember.
10. Monkey Jungle, Miami
The whole family will love this Miami attraction "where humans are caged and monkeys run wild" in a rainforest setting.
11. Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jacksonville
At this wildlife sanctuary in Jacksonville, guests can take daytime tours or nighttime feeding tours and check out all kinds of big cats in action.
12. Wild Florida Wildlife Park, Kenansville
Wild Florida has the only airboat adventure in the Orlando area. Guests can also get up close and personal with hundreds of animals, including lemurs, zebra, gators and a sloth.
What are your favorite wild Florida attractions? Please share them with us in the comments!
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