![The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is located in Sanford. The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is located in Sanford.](https://www.todaysorlando.com/sites/default/files/styles/cover/public/zoo01.jpg?itok=jsonYZK4)
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
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Hours of Operation
Sun - Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm-
Profile Overview
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is relaxing, educational and entertaining, and a great attraction for the whole family. In its current location since July 1975, the Zoo has more than 400 animals, including rhinoceros, otters, cheetahs, leopards, warthogs, monkeys, various bird species and the Massey Services Insect Zoo, as well as the ZOOmAir Adventure Park, Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground, carousel and miniature train rides, WOW (Walk on Water) Balls, children’s bungee jump, and more.
Popular attractions at the Zoo include the Barnyard Buddies Children’s Zoo, which has goats, zebus and other domestic animals; and the Herpetarium, which boasts one of the largest collections of venomous snakes and non-venomous reptiles in AZA zoos in the country.
There are special presentations on the weekends and holidays, including keeper chats and demonstrations. A full schedule is on the Zoo's website.
The Zoo has free picnic areas, and you can rent strollers, wheelchairs or a motorized scooter. For the shoppers in the group, there's also the Jungle Grill and ZOOfari Outpost Gift Shop.
The ZOOm Air Adventure Park is an aerial adventure course that lets guests explore the tree tops from an animal's perspective. Visitors zoom from tree to tree using rope bridges, zip lines, suspended disks and other unique systems. ZOOm Air also hosts birthdays, team-building programs, and night adventures.
The Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground is free for annual pass holders and included in regular Zoo admission. It features unique water sources that resemble some of the Zoo's current and former residents. It's located at the front of the Zoo and is perfect for those hot and humid Florida days.
The Zoo offers many special programs and events throughout the year, including summer and school break camps, homeschool programs, Breakfast with Santa, Hippity Hop Adventure, ZOO Boo Bash, Brews Around the Zoo, Adopt an Animal, and more.
Discounts are available for groups of 15 or larger. The Zoo is a popular venue for children's birthdays, company meetings, family reunions and other celebrations. There are various Annual ZOO Pass options that range from $55-$1,000. With your annual pass you get access to the Zoo all year, as well as discounted admission to more than 150 zoos and aquariums across the U.S.
Ample free parking is available.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens off I-4 exit 104 in Sanford, Fla.
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Upcoming Events at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
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Admission | Ticket Prices
Adults $14.95 Seniors (60+) $12.95 Children (3-12) $10.95 Children (2-younger) Free